We're excited to announce a significant milestone in Rooted Farmers' journey: our platform is officially expanding to include food producers alongside our flower farms!When we launched Rooted Farmers in 2019, we set out to solve a specific problem: small and mid-sized flower farms lacked tools that truly met the needs of their unique operations. The available systems were designed for large industrial operations or conventional online businesses, neither of which reflected how diversified, small-scale farms actually work.<div class="raw-html-embed"><div style="padding:56.25% 0 0 0;position:relative;"><iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/1086479481?h=b925be131e&amp;title=0&amp;byline=0&amp;portrait=0&amp;badge=0&amp;autopause=0&amp;player_id=0&amp;app_id=58479" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture; clipboard-write; encrypted-media" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" title="Introducing Rooted Farmers for Food"></iframe></div><script src="https://player.vimeo.com/api/player.js"></script></div>We built our platform from the ground up – we listened to what our farms, hubs, and buyers needed to run and grow their businesses, and we created something that worked for local flower farms and hubs.Several years ago, we began hearing a recurring request from our community: "Could we use the Rooted Farmers platform to sell our produce and eggs alongside our flowers?" We loved the idea! But just as we did with flowers, we didn't want to rush into this expansion without deeply understanding the unique challenges food producers face.We took a research-based approach to building the platform for food. Through partnering with academic institutions and working closely with producers of all types and sizes, we built out pilot technology for some incredible farms and hubs to test and share feedback. This work was made possible through USDA grant funding, as well as grants our partner organizations secured to fund Rooted Farmers in building solutions for their needs. After extensive collaboration and iteration, we created a system that serves both flower and food producers, their hubs, and their buyers. &nbsp; &nbsp;This expansion reflects the growing importance and necessity of strengthening local and regional food systems. By investing in infrastructure that helps small and mid-sized farms thrive, we're building more resilient agricultural communities nationwide.<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img style="aspect-ratio:3888/5844;" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1748377783/DSC_4354_0437af334a.jpg" alt="DSC_4354.jpg" width="3888" height="5844"></figure>We've also made some changes to our brand identity—a refresh that represents our evolution, while honoring our floral roots. Though our look may change, our commitment to supporting growers remains unwavering.We want to thank each of you for being such a central part of this journey! Your work and your feedback are actively strengthening local supply chains everywhere. It's an honor to continue growing together with you as we support resilient, local agriculture in all its forms.-The Rooted Team

We’re expanding — but our mission remains the same: to empower small and mid-size farms and hubs. 

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We're Launching Rooted for Food!

<a href="https://flowerandforgedfarms.com/">Flower &amp; Forged Farms</a>&nbsp;is a family-run regenerative flower farm in Rock Port, Missouri led by Mandy Herron.&nbsp;What began in 2020 as a leap of faith during uncertain times quickly grew into something bigger than Mandy imagined. Encouraged by the overwhelming support from her community, she began supplying farm-fresh blooms to local florists and customers, and never looked back.A military wife and full-time mom, Mandy brings passion and purpose to everything she grows. She shares her knowledge through hands-on tutorials that inspire others to explore the joys of gardening and floral design. With an eye toward growth, she hopes to continue expanding the farm’s impact through education, connection, and the enduring beauty of flowers.Thank you, Mandy for sharing your insights and experience! Be sure to keep up with Flower &amp; Forged Farms on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/flowerandforgedfarms/">Instagram</a> and their <a href="https://flowerandforgedfarms.com/weddings">website</a>.<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1080/1350;" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1745893558/10_cdb0d33275.png" alt="10.png" width="1080" height="1350"><figcaption>Photo credit: Melissa Jones Photo</figcaption></figure><h1>Talk about your flower journey - How did you get started?&nbsp;</h1>I started professionally growing flowers in 2020. However, I had been dabbling with the idea before then; as I was growing flowers as a hobby and using them in some small event design work—church and community events. However, a moment in the garden when I was struggling with pregnancy complications inspired me to pursue growing flowers professionally. I saw my 3-year-old daughter play in the zinnias, chasing butterflies. It gave me peace and hope.&nbsp;I truly believe that flowers are powerful in not just providing beauty but also inspiring us to feel seen and loved. This was made more clear to me as I talked to others in my community.A few years later, our family moved to a farm and graduated from small space growing in a backyard garden to expanding the farm and the business.<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1745893570/3_9e02ae35a0.png" alt="3.png"><h1>Tell us about your farm and anything you specialize in.&nbsp;</h1>We are completely family-owned and operated. I head up most of the growing operation and my husband, Thomas is the muscle. Our total property is only 2.5 acres, and we grow on about 3/4 of an acre between all our growing spaces. We have truly loved specializing in dahlias, as many of our Rooted customers are event designers and florists. It’s magical to see our dahlias, as well as other flowers and foliage, grace these beautiful event spaces.<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1745893565/7_e9356a5670.png" alt="7.png"><h1>Talk about anything you love about using&nbsp;Rooted!&nbsp;</h1>We live in a very small community about an hour south of Omaha, Nebraska, and two hours north of Kansas City, MO. Being able to connect with florists through our amazing collective,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.flatlandfloralcollective.com/">Flatland Floral Collective,</a> has truly pivoted the business in such an amazing way. The tools of Rooted Farmers make it so easy for buyers to see and request availability. There isn’t a ton of the back and forth—that I hear about from other grower friends, not using Rooted— and it's so easy to see when orders come in. Everything is in one place, making it so easy to communicate with florists and our amazing team at Flatland Floral Collective.<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1745893558/8_7fb7e7f91e.png" alt="8.png"><h1>What advice would you give your past self or someone just starting out on their farming journey?&nbsp;</h1>Start small and go slow.&nbsp;This is something I have to remind myself—even now! It’s easy to want to grow all the things and then start feeling overwhelmed or defeated when things fail. You’ll learn quickly that you can do all the right things, but you’re not in control of things like the weather. Relying on a handful of crops that grow well even under stress will save your time and sanity!&nbsp;<h1><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1745893580/6_89638fb7d4.png" alt="6.png"> Talk about your crop planning process - how do you decide what to grow?&nbsp;</h1>I always wish my planning process were a little easier. But it does get better year after year. Rooted Farmers has a very cool feature that tracks sales by flower type and color. It simplifies my planning process because I can track my sales, see what is actually selling, and go from there.&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1745893564/16_d88c78f14f.png" alt="16.png"><h1>Has your farm changed in ways you didn't expect when you first started?&nbsp;</h1>When I first started, I had always intended on trying to sell to florists. However, a bad experience with a local retail floral shop left me feeling pretty defeated—I had no idea how wire services worked at the time, and so that lack of understanding caused me to almost give in to defeat. But then, when I was able to connect to floral designers who yearned for local flowers through Rooted and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.flatlandfloralcollective.com/">Flatland Floral Collectiv</a>e, it revolutionized my business. I am forever grateful for that opportunity for connection within the industry.&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1745893571/14_f2833f3d97.png" alt="14.png"><h1>Shout-out a flower friend or mentor that inspires you or made you a better farmer!</h1>I have to shout out the <a href="https://www.flatlandfloralcollective.com/">Flatland Floral Collective</a>. It truly is an amazing team of growers who all work together to make floral dreams come true for our buyers. Jamie of <a href="https://l.instagram.com/?u=http%3A%2F%2Fharvesthomeflowers.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DPAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaeOqYbIhvdN7Ml04r8WhjFvI2_5cbY8y4oUy5rbLB2nO532Rk4czquYpFUtwg_aem_ZaiqsTcTruFJmqzKaPsodg&amp;e=AT3MBPs_uDxWz061OCaeZ-_MDprKyGzDxdX2PmkYKgpIrNm4lNn7qwloTd68ee_ucqnN5xm7Q7qfmp9fUebY_sn9rXHZKwKF83p15QPNKEwK7UGQMwrJ">Harvest Home</a> is not only an owner of the collective, but a mentor to us all—with her knowledge and years of experience we all stop to listen and make note of all her wisdom and growing experience. I truly wouldn’t be as successful as a grower if it weren’t for the mentorship and teamwork of this amazing community!&nbsp;&nbsp;Thank you again Mandy! Be sure to follow Flower &amp; Forged Farms on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/flowerandforgedfarms/">Instagram</a> and their <a href="https://flowerandforgedfarms.com/weddings">website</a>.

Hear from Mandy Herron of Flower & Forged Farms located in Rock Port, Missouri. Through engaging, hands-on tutorials shared across her social media channels, Mandy inspires others to discover the beauty of growing and floral design. Looking ahead, she’s focused on growing the farm’s impact by fostering education, building connections, and celebrating the timeless appeal of flowers.

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Farmer Feature: Flower & Forged Farms

We are so excited to feature Alexis Sheffield of <a href="https://wildrootsfarmerflorist.com/">Wild Roots</a>, the specialty cut flower farm and floral design studio located in Harrodsburg, Kentucky. Along with her partner Tyler, and adorable pups, Remy and Finn, Wild Roots grows both annuals and perennials on about an acre of land.Their fresh, local, and sustainably grown flowers are used to fill their CSA program, as well as special orders and full-service and à la carte weddings. Alexis shared with us about her beginnings in horticulture, why she added more yellow flowers to the crop plan this year, plus, a little about the magic found in farming.&nbsp;Thank you, Alexis, for sharing from the heart! Be sure to keep up with Wild Roots on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wildrootsfarmerflorist/">Instagram</a> and their <a href="https://wildrootsfarmerflorist.com/">website</a>.<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1080/1350;" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1745869204/8_30e1917316.png" alt="8.png" width="1080" height="1350"><figcaption>Photo credit: Wild Roots</figcaption></figure><h1>Talk about your flower journey - How did you get started?&nbsp;</h1>I got started farming because I have this terrible habit of turning all my hobbies into hustles—ha! But in all seriousness, I have degrees in horticulture, so it was pretty clear early on that plants were going to be a big part of my life.&nbsp;After grad school, one full-time job just didn’t feel like enough, so I started designing wedding florals for friends. When it came time for my wedding, I did what so many of us do and said, “I’m just going to grow it all myself!” I mean, what did I go to school for if not to grow things?&nbsp;That was ten seasons ago, and since then, we’ve grown from a tiny plot of rented land to a farm of our own.<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1080/1350;" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1745869190/19_44177048f6.png" alt="19.png" width="1080" height="1350"><figcaption>Photo credit: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/seriouslysabrina/">Seriously Sabrina Photo</a></figcaption></figure><h1>Tell us about your farm and anything you specialize in.&nbsp;</h1>Like many flower farmers, we grow a little bit of everything—but we try to focus on the weird and wonderful, especially native Kentucky plants. While some KY natives are already staples in the cut flower world (hello, baptisia and solidago!), there are so many underused gems we’d love to see more of in floral design. If you’ve ever seen Queen of the Prairie or Rattlesnake Master, you know exactly what I mean.&nbsp;We moved to our 14-acre farm in the fall of 2020 and are currently producing on about one acre. That includes a few hundred woody shrubs, peonies, and around a third of an acre of perennials and annuals, as well as two high tunnels and a propagation greenhouse where we are experimenting with winter production. It’s just me and my partner running the show, with about 10 hours a week of extra help.<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1080/1350;" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1745869181/16_ff71d25253.png" alt="16.png" width="1080" height="1350"><figcaption>Photo credit: Cassie Lopez Photography</figcaption></figure><h1>Talk about anything you love about using&nbsp;Rooted!&nbsp;</h1>I firmly believe—and have the numbers to prove it—that we wouldn’t have been able to grow our wholesale business without Rooted. Even more importantly, we owe a huge part of our success to the Kentucky Flower Market collective we’re proud to be part of.&nbsp;Both my partner and I work full-time jobs in addition to running the farm, so managing wholesale orders before Rooted and KFM was honestly a nightmare. Keeping track of everything was overwhelming, and delivering to more than a few shops just wasn’t realistic—we simply didn’t have the time or mental bandwidth.&nbsp;Using an online platform has been a total game-changer. It’s simplified our lives and allowed us to focus on what we do best: growing beautiful, sustainable blooms. &nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1080/1350;" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1745869196/17_f3066d56fd.png" alt="17.png" width="1080" height="1350"><figcaption>Photo credit: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dani.ford/">Dani Ford Photography</a></figcaption></figure><h1>Talk about your crop planning process - how do you decide what to grow?</h1>Now that I have a solid amount of my own sales data—and access to Rooted’s national trends—I’ve really leaned into using the analytics tab to plan for the upcoming season. I looked closely at what was trending, what was new, and what sold unexpectedly well.&nbsp;For example, I never would have ordered more yellow butterfly ranunculus this year if I hadn’t checked my past sales and seen how quickly they sold last season. Yellow usually isn’t a top color in my market, so that insight was a total surprise—and exactly the kind of thing that helps me make smarter growing decisions.<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1080/1350;" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1745869186/9_bab99764ee.png" alt="9.png" width="1080" height="1350"><figcaption>Photo credit: Wild Roots</figcaption></figure><h1>What’s one thing you wish more people understood about flower farming?</h1>Not just flower farming, but farming in general is a learned skill.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h1>What is a lesson in flower farming that you've had to learn the hard way?</h1>You will&nbsp;always&nbsp;feel behind—seriously. If there’s a farmer out there who&nbsp;never&nbsp;feels behind at some point in the season, no matter their scale or how much help they have, I’ll eat an aphid!&nbsp;I’ve learned to give myself grace. We work in an industry that’s completely dependent on the weather, and here in Kentucky, Mother Nature can be&nbsp;very&nbsp;unpredictable.&nbsp;But the truth is, it always works out in the end. Some of my best discoveries have come from planting something “too late” and ending up with blooms at a time I never would’ve expected. Farming keeps you humble, but it also keeps you learning—and that’s part of the magic.<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1080/1350;" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1745869179/11_bc587e8e11.png" alt="11.png" width="1080" height="1350"><figcaption>Photo credit: Laura Bodnar Photography</figcaption></figure><h1>What is one small joy in your farming routine that never gets old?</h1>Gosh, I just love all forms of propagation—seed starting, cuttings, dividing plants—the whole gamut. There’s something so satisfying about it. It makes me feel productive and future-focused, while also being incredibly calming.&nbsp;And then, when those little seeds finally pop up? As a farmer, name a better feeling! That moment—along with harvesting the first stem of a crop—is always so special. Even if I’ve grown it a dozen times before, there’s still that little spark of pride when I can say,&nbsp;“I actually did it.”&nbsp;No matter how many plants I’ve grown over the years, that feeling never gets old. &nbsp;Thank you, Alexis, for sharing your journey with us! Be sure to keep up with Wild Roots on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wildrootsfarmerflorist/">Instagram</a> and their <a href="https://wildrootsfarmerflorist.com/">website</a>.

Wild Roots is a specialty cut flower farm and floral design studio located in the charming town of Harrodsburg, Kentucky. The Wild Roots crew is composed of Grower/Designer Alexis, CFO Tyler, and their Farm Managers, Remy and Finn the Corgis. Wild Roots has a love of native Kentucky flowers and enjoys using unusual elements in their designs, while focusing on sustainable growing practices to produce beautiful blooms.

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Farmer Feature: Wild Roots

What a joy to hear from Christina Natale, the farmer behind <a href="https://www.littlehenfarmct.com/">Little Hen Farms</a>, situated on 4 acres in North Haven, Connecticut. At Little Hen Farms, they specialize in growing cut flowers for special orders, DIY buckets, and wholesale, while also beautifying their surrounding area.While they only farm on about half of their available land, they do so intensively. Along with flowers, they have a small flock of chickens and a large garden where they grow food for their family and friends. &nbsp;They grow as naturally as possible, without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides, and with minimal tillage. Their flower arrangements are whimsical, wild, and bring the garden indoors!Check out Little Hen Farm's <a href="https://www.littlehenfarmct.com/">website</a> for more about their farm, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/littlehenfarmct/">follow them on Instagram</a> for flower farming inspiration!&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1080/1350;" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1745475403/3_2c3e0c5e44.png" alt="3.png" width="1080" height="1350"><figcaption>Photo credit: Little Hen Farms</figcaption></figure><h1>Talk about your flower journey - How did you get started?</h1>I've been farming on and off in some form or another since my first job in high school. After some indecision in&nbsp;college, I landed on a Plant Science/Ecology degree,&nbsp;which led me to realize that I have always just wanted to run a farm myself. I worked on and off vegetable farms for the next decade learning the&nbsp;ins and outs. Still, it wasn't until I had a side gig assisting a really&nbsp;talented floral designer in Philly (shoutout&nbsp;@textureflorals)&nbsp;that I realized the market for local flowers was there. I have always&nbsp;had a&nbsp;creative side, and I feel like farming flowers has united my love for working outside in the dirt,&nbsp;and also creating beautiful things. LHF is going into its 6th official season this&nbsp;year and we're more excited about growing flowers than ever!<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1080/1350;" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1745475396/9_d0ac1910e8.png" alt="9.png" width="1080" height="1350"><figcaption>Photo credit: Little Hen Farms</figcaption></figure><h1 style="margin-left:0px;">Tell us about your farm and anything you specialize in:</h1> We have 4.5 acres but only really grow on half of it. We intensively grow about&nbsp;an&nbsp;acre of annual flowers&nbsp;and have slowly been adding to another acre of high-value perennials for&nbsp;cuts. We love growing in the spring and fall seasons and have been slowly moving crops away from blooming in high summer when flower&nbsp;sales dip and temperatures rise.<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1080/1350;" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1745475353/8_962def10b0.png" alt="8.png" width="1080" height="1350"><figcaption>Photo credit: Little Hen Farms</figcaption></figure><h1>Talk about anything you love about using&nbsp;Rooted!&nbsp;</h1> Rooted is amazing! Since our farm's conception, we've been a part of The <a href="https://ctflowercollective.com/farms">Connecticut Flower Collective</a>, which now uses Rooted as its selling platform. Before Rooted, we were using spreadsheets to handle our inventories and it was a logistical nightmare for someone like me who does not like being on the computer much. Rooted makes the inventory updating process so fast and easy. I love that we can easily change out pictures of the product we are selling and update quantities in seconds. It's also pretty amazing that as a Collective, our buyers can shop through all of our grower's&nbsp;inventory in one list.<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1745475387/2_bab34f6beb.png" alt="2.png"><figcaption>Photo credit: Little Hen Farms</figcaption></figure><h1>What advice would you give your past self or someone just starting out on their farming journey?&nbsp;</h1> The advice I would give to someone just starting out on their farming journey would be to go work on some farms for a season or two. Learning on the job is the best form of training I received and learning from farmers who have systems in place can&nbsp;help you figure out what kinds of systems you want to implement. Also, I would give my past self the advice of not trying to do everything at once when I first started. Grow a few things well and expand from there as your market demands it!<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1080/1350;" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1745475406/15_ea98edb6f8.png" alt="15.png" width="1080" height="1350"><figcaption>Photo credit: Little Hen Farms</figcaption></figure><h1>What’s one thing you wish more people understood about flower farming?</h1> Many people think that flower farming is just traipsing around a wildflower field in a dress picking and arranging flowers... oh boy are they wrong! Flower farming is still farming, and while yes, it is GORGEOUS sometimes, it's also muddy, cold, wet, windy, buggy, hot as hell, and so much physical labor. I love it and wouldn't trade it, but people have misconceptions about what actually goes into growing flowers at a marketable scale. There's also this misconception that local flowers have to be dirt cheap. Farming is expensive, and farming specialty flowers that our customers want to buy is expensive! We're all just trying to make a living.<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1080/1350;" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1745475398/10_4c69cc416b.png" alt="10.png" width="1080" height="1350"><figcaption>Photo credit: Little Hen Farms</figcaption></figure><h1 style="margin-left:0px;">What’s one small joy in your farming routine that never gets old?</h1> Oh boy- I love, love, love walking around my farm in spring and peaking at all the perennials waking up. I feel like every day I go out there's something new sprouting and it's honestly my favorite thing to watch.BIG thanks to Christina for sharing about <a href="https://www.littlehenfarmct.com/">Little Hen Farm</a>'s story.

Christina Natale of Little Hen Farms is a specialty cut flower farm in North Haven, Connecticut. They focus on growing annual flowers on one acre, with another acre of high-value perennials, rounding out their offerings for wholesale, special orders, and DIY buckets.

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Farmer Feature: Little Hen Farm

Situated on over 400 acres of preserved land in Scarborough, Maine, Broadturn Farm is more than just a flower farm—it's a living example of how beauty, sustainability, and community care can grow side by side. With about 4 acres in vibrant floral production, Broadturn serves its own design clients, CSA members, wholesale buyers, and loyal farmstand visitors.We connected with Alaena, who gave us insights into Broadturn’s thoughtful crop planning process, the evolution of their systems, and what she wishes she’d known starting out.&nbsp;Be sure to check out Broadturn's <a href="https://broadturnfarm.com/">website</a> for more about their offerings, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/broadturn_farm/">follow them on Instagram</a> for lots of flower inspiration.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:912/1296;" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1744328457/Screenshot_2025_04_09_at_11_05_31_PM_49afe44aef.png" alt="Screenshot 2025-04-09 at 11.05.31 PM.png" width="912" height="1296"><figcaption>Photo credit: Broadturn Farm</figcaption></figure><h1>Tell us about your farm and anything you specialize in.</h1>We grow around four acres of annuals and perennials on a property of over 400 acres preserved by the Scarborough Land Trust. Our markets include our own design business, wholesale, CSA, and farmstand. We also host events. We are highly diversified in what we grow, but some of our top crops include dahlias, peonies, ranunculus, and tulips. Herbaceous perennials are a favorite for sure!<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1172/1534;" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1744328477/Screenshot_2025_04_09_at_11_06_22_PM_bc3ea1421a.png" alt="Screenshot 2025-04-09 at 11.06.22 PM.png" width="1172" height="1534"><figcaption>Photo credit: Broadturn Farm</figcaption></figure><h1>Talk about anything you love about using&nbsp;Rooted!&nbsp;</h1>We used to use spreadsheets with links to Pinterest for our availability, which was really time-consuming and not user-friendly. We love that we can upload our own images to Rooted, and it is easy to change them throughout the season so they accurately depict what we are offering. We also love that we can edit inventory throughout the week rather than being tied to a list that is sent out just once a week. Consolidated harvest lists are very helpful.&nbsp; &nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1148/1576;" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1744328489/Screenshot_2025_04_09_at_10_59_36_PM_c85cc2de4f.png" alt="Screenshot 2025-04-09 at 10.59.36 PM.png" width="1148" height="1576"><figcaption>Photo credit: Broadturn Farm</figcaption></figure><h1>What advice would you give your past self or someone just starting out on their farming journey?&nbsp;</h1>People often give the advice to "start small" or not "do everything at once," but I think there are thoughtful ways to try out a lot without harming your business. There's no way to know what you are good at or what works on your farm without some trial and error. Sometimes, you have to burn out on something to realize what it is you really want to be doing. Say 'yes' to as much as you can handle and get those extra varieties of seeds that intrigue you! Then, you can really relish in the joy of cutting things out down the road.&nbsp; &nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1744328501/Screenshot_2025_04_09_at_11_20_35_PM_37541fd21e.png" alt="Screenshot 2025-04-09 at 11.20.35 PM.png"><h1>Talk about your crop planning process - how do you decide what to grow?</h1>It's a healthy mix of historical data, intuition, and yearly reports. Every season, we evaluate the numbers of what sold and weigh that with our gut feelings about how each crop "felt" that season - did it feel like we had enough? Did we have too much? Has it been a flop for too many years?&nbsp; Is it annoying to harvest? We are lucky to have plenty of land, so we don't usually have to make difficult decisions when it comes to space.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1148/1560;" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1744328475/Screenshot_2025_04_09_at_10_56_23_PM_4303c66b5a.png" alt="Screenshot 2025-04-09 at 10.56.23 PM.png" width="1148" height="1560"><figcaption>Photo credit: Broadturn Farm</figcaption></figure><h1>What’s one thing you wish more people understood about flower farming?</h1>Sometimes, we get a little salty when people tell us, "How amazing it must be to work on a flower farm." Farming is hard work! And we aren't just standing around sniffing blooms all day. But the truth is, it really is amazing, and we feel grateful to have chosen a career that allows us to be both challenged and delighted daily.&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1744328403/pf_f24fcbcd_Claudia_Colin4282_855b45d09c.webp" alt="pf-f24fcbcd--ClaudiaColin4282.webp"><h1>Shout-out a flower friend or mentor who inspires you/makes you a better farmer/has helped you.</h1>The local farming community we have met through the ASCFG, the Flowering in the North Conference, and MOFGA are the best! It's so nice to know that support is always a text away. I also want to give a shout-out to our incredible, hardworking crew. None of this work would be possible without them!&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1306/1628;" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1744328482/Screenshot_2025_04_09_at_11_18_44_PM_d4e44d3014.png" alt="Screenshot 2025-04-09 at 11.18.44 PM.png" width="1306" height="1628"><figcaption>Photo credit: Broadturn Farm</figcaption></figure>Thank you, Alaena and the entire Broadturn crew, for sharing your insight, experience, and flower-fueled wisdom with us!

Broadturn Farm is a thriving flower and produce farm in Scarborough, Maine, growing around 4 acres of flowers for wholesale, CSA, farmstand sales, and their wedding design business. Situated on over 400 acres preserved by the Scarborough Land Trust, the farm also serves as a stunning event venue, showcasing seasonal floral designs known for their texture, fragrance, and delicate details. Located on land historically occupied and contested by the Pequawket people of the Abenaki Nation, Broadturn honors this legacy as part of its ongoing political and spiritual practice of learning, engagement, and care.

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Farmer Feature: Broadturn Farm

We're thrilled to catch up with Marisa Keris, the flower farmer behind <a href="https://www.farmerladyflowers.com/">Farmer Lady Flowers</a>, based in Allentown, New Jersey. Marisa's informal education in flowers has been enriched through years of gardening, working on farms, and teaching art - specifically botanical drawing and working with natural dyes. Trained as a studio painter, Marisa holds a BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design and an MFA from Tyler School of Art.&nbsp;Inspired by her deep love for nature, and background in art, Marisa became a professional grower after growing up on her family's fourth-generation farm in Allentown, where she currently grows her flowers.&nbsp;Marisa is one of the founding members and President of Jersey Cut Flower Market, a successful cut flower coop comprised of 11 small-scale flower farms.&nbsp;Her mission is to grow flowers sustainably and seasonally, to create beauty, and bring that beauty to the community, while assisting in the stewardship of the family farm. Be sure to follow along with Marisa's beautiful flowers on her <a href="https://www.instagram.com/farmerladyflowers/">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://www.farmerladyflowers.com/">website</a>.<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1743656728/1_Screenshot_2025_03_26_at_10_20_58_PM_f2d5e8d5c4.png" alt="1Screenshot 2025-03-26 at 10.20.58 PM.png"><h1>Talk about your flower journey - How did you get started?? &nbsp;</h1>I’m in my seventh year of growing cut flowers professionally, but I have always been a gardener. It took me years, two fine art degrees, multiple jobs, and moves to figure out how to bridge my artistic background with my love for the family farm and growing things. I grew up on the Christmas tree farm where I currently grow!<h1><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1743656742/1_Screenshot_2025_04_02_at_9_35_27_PM_740f59ea73.png" alt="1Screenshot 2025-04-02 at 9.35.27 PM.png"> Tell us about your farm and anything you specialize in:</h1> I grow on about two acres of the 24-acre family Christmas tree farm. We specialize in high-end varieties and colors of “wedding” flowers. We mainly sell wholesale at my co-op Jersey Cut Flower Market and also sell via farm pickup and a farmer’s market. We also take a few small weddings and workshops every year.&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1743656652/1_IMG_3366_1695497013_906acadbf2.webp" alt="1IMG_3366_1695497013.webp"><h1>What do you love most about using Rooted and being part of a collective?</h1>Rooted opened up so many possibilities, like efficiently operating our co-op! Meeting and working with other local growers has been life-changing for my business, social life, and overall well-being.<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1743751202/1_Screenshot_2025_03_26_at_10_23_03_PM_bdc7e5b926.png" alt="1Screenshot 2025-03-26 at 10.23.03 PM.png"><h1>What advice would you give your past self or someone just starting out on their farming journey?&nbsp;</h1>I’m a self-taught flower farmer who has the amazing privilege of having grown up on land and having access to farm that land. I feel incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to explore this career. Even with all this access, I struggled to figure it out. My advice would be to just keep moving forward, just keep going after what you want.<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1743656740/1_Screenshot_2025_04_02_at_9_36_06_PM_62790d965b.png" alt="1Screenshot 2025-04-02 at 9.36.06 PM.png"><h1>Can you talk about your crop planning process? How do you decide what to grow?</h1>With little kids in the mix, sometimes I’ve resorted to an intuitive (last-minute) approach. But now I work up plans and seed orders in January and look at the Rooted data from our co-op sales. I still grow a few unfamiliar things each year to explore new possibilities.&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1743656721/1_Screenshot_2025_03_26_at_10_13_49_PM_9b46446e2b.png" alt="1Screenshot 2025-03-26 at 10.13.49 PM.png"><h1>Can you share a success story that you’re particularly proud of? Maybe a moment when things came together in a way that exceeded your expectations?</h1>The day we got our shipping container cooler hooked up was a game changer, and just in time for tulip season! Where there’s a will there’s a way.&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1743656692/1_E44_D09_C9_B5_FE_4_BF_5_BE_7_F_C9_CFF_8769_B19_1695497116_1c613506fa.webp" alt="1E44D09C9-B5FE-4BF5-BE7F-C9CFF8769B19_1695497116.webp"><h1>Has your farm changed in ways you didn’t expect when you first started?</h1>I didn’t expect to actually make a living doing what I liked, because I failed at it a couple of times. Paying myself a living wage has been the single most important thing for my business survival and my personal creative freedom. It’s all because of our wonderful customers and local co-op.&nbsp; <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1743656694/1_IMG_3386_1695496991_copy_f2425ebe37.webp" alt="1IMG_3386_1695496991 copy.webp"><h1>What’s one thing you wish more people understood about flower farming?</h1>It’s dirty, sweaty, and a test of your physical abilities and boundaries. It’s mentally exhausting and fulfilling at the same time. You have to learn about things like irrigation and assemble these things yourself with the help of mentors, suppliers, and the internet!<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1743656729/1_Screenshot_2025_03_26_at_10_26_21_PM_fd206b5276.png" alt="1Screenshot 2025-03-26 at 10.26.21 PM.png"><h1>What’s a lesson you’ve had to learn the hard way in flower farming?</h1>For every beautiful success, there’s a problem to solve or a thing to repair. It’s expensive! I’ve really come to prioritize spending and value the tools I’ve invested in.&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1743656731/1_Screenshot_2025_03_26_at_10_23_52_PM_18814e6524.png" alt="1Screenshot 2025-03-26 at 10.23.52 PM.png"><h1>What’s one small joy in your farming routine that never gets old?</h1>I love the physicality of farming, and I do not take for granted that I have access to fresh air and movement every day.&nbsp;<h1>Do you have a favorite go-to book as a growing resource?</h1>This year I’ve added to my library: The Cut Flower Sourcebook, Lean Farming, Flower Farming for Profit, SWGM’s Floral Standards.<span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:rgb(51,65,85);font-family:&quot;DM Sans&quot;, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, sans-serif, &quot;Apple Color Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Symbol&quot;, &quot;Noto Color Emoji&quot;;">Be sure to check out Farmer Lady Flower's <a href="https://www.farmerladyflowers.com/">website</a><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:rgb(51,65,85);font-family:&quot;DM Sans&quot;, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, sans-serif, &quot;Apple Color Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Symbol&quot;, &quot;Noto Color Emoji&quot;;"> for more about Marisa's offerings and follow on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/farmerladyflowers/"><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:rgb(51,65,85);font-family:&quot;DM Sans&quot;, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, sans-serif, &quot;Apple Color Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Symbol&quot;, &quot;Noto Color Emoji&quot;;">Instagram</a><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:rgb(51,65,85);font-family:&quot;DM Sans&quot;, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, sans-serif, &quot;Apple Color Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Symbol&quot;, &quot;Noto Color Emoji&quot;;"> to keep up with her beautiful blooms!

Marisa Keris of Farmer Lady Flowers is a sustainable flower farmer and floral designer based in New Jersey. She grows specialty cut flowers on two acres of her family’s Christmas tree farm, supplying wholesale buyers, weddings, and her flower stand.

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Farmer Feature: Farmer Lady Flowers

Bumbleroot Organic Farm has been growing food, flowers, and community since 2015. We caught up with Melissa Law who runs their flower operation. Melissa and her partner Ben own and operate Bumbleroot along with Jeff and Abby. The two families live on the land with their children.The team grows 7-8 acres of diversified vegetables, herbs, and flowers on their 89-acre parcel, selling directly to their local community in Maine.Bumbleroot's flower program, makes up about a quarter of their operation. Melissa came to farming through her studies in herbalism, and flowers were a natural evolution from there! Melissa was also one of the founding members of the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/maineflowercollective/?hl=en">Maine Flower Collective</a>.&nbsp;Learn more about Bumbleroot's background on their <a href="https://www.bumblerootorganicfarm.com/">website</a>, and be sure to follow them on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bumblerootorganicfarm/?hl=en">Instagram</a> for some serious farming inspiration.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1000/667;" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1743139342/MW_5_3237_c3551b1399.jpg" alt="MW5_3237.jpg" width="1000" height="667"><figcaption>Photo credit: Bumbleroot Organic Farm</figcaption></figure><h1>Talk about your flower journey - How did you get started??&nbsp;</h1>Bumbleroot is a certified organic vegetable and flower farm with 5-6 acres in production, including 6 high tunnels and 6 low tunnels to help extend our growing season. We are entering our 11th season and have been growing cut flowers since the beginning! The land we grow on was originally stewarded by the Abenaki people, and our mission today is to connect people with the land and food that sustains us.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:3000/2000;" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1743139713/MW_4_9665_2_0fbd1e092a.jpg" alt="MW4_9665 (2).jpg" width="3000" height="2000"><figcaption>Photo credit: Bumbleroot Organic Farm</figcaption></figure><h1>Tell us about a moment you are particularly proud of:</h1>I have learned so much about growing and selling flowers over the past decade, but the highlight of my flower farming journey so far has been working with other growers and designers to start up the <a href="https://www.maineflowercollective.org/">Maine Flower Collective</a>. It's been such a collaborative effort, and it has been amazing to build flower friendships and see the local flower movement flourish here in Maine. Shout out to all the amazing humans who've worked tirelessly to get the MFC off the ground and all the way to year three!<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1308/1636;" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1743139716/Screenshot_2025_03_24_at_10_41_03_PM_6a9452dbb2.png" alt="Screenshot 2025-03-24 at 10.41.03 PM.png" width="1308" height="1636"><figcaption>Photo credit: Bumbleroot Organic Farm</figcaption></figure><h1 style="margin-left:0px;">Share a bit about your experience about using Rooted Farmers:</h1>Rooted Farmers has been a huge catalyst of growth for both Bumbleroot and the collective. It has enabled us to make connections with buyers across the whole state - far beyond our original customer base and delivery routes focused in the Portland area.<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:2000/3000;" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1743139720/MW_5_4585_3_73d01b3075.jpg" alt="MW5_4585 (3).jpg" width="2000" height="3000"><figcaption>Photo credit: Bumbleroot Organic Farm</figcaption></figure>Since starting to use Rooted, our business&nbsp;model has shifted significantly towards wholesale flower sales - its inventory system, pricing tools, and analytics have helped us get a much better grasp on the demands of the market and the profitability (or lack thereof) of the crops we grow. We'll always grow flowers for our local community through our CSA and farmstand, but wholesale has become our bread &amp; butter. And dahlias - we like those too!&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1234/1590;" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1743139718/Screenshot_2025_03_24_at_10_40_18_PM_fe3d22578f.png" alt="Screenshot 2025-03-24 at 10.40.18 PM.png" width="1234" height="1590"><figcaption>Photo credit: Bumbleroot Organic Farm</figcaption></figure>Be sure to check out Bumbleroot's <a href="https://www.bumblerootorganicfarm.com/">website</a> for more about their awesome operation and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bumblerootorganicfarm/?hl=en">follow them on Instagram</a> for farming inspiration.&nbsp;

Hear from Melissa Law of Bumbleroot Organic Farm, rooted in Windham, Maine. The team grows 7-8 acres of diversified vegetables, herbs, and flowers on their 89-acre parcel, selling directly to their local community in Maine.

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Farmer Feature: Bumbleroot Organic Farm

The cut flower industry is constantly evolving, shaped by shifts in buyer preferences, regional growing conditions, and broader design trends. As we reflect on 2024, it’s clear that the demand for local flowers continues to grow, with new opportunities emerging for growers to stand out and even set the next trends in the floral industry.&nbsp;&nbsp;At Rooted Farmers, we’re uniquely positioned to provide insights into these shifts. Our platform connects growers with buyers across the country, giving us a bird’s-eye view of what’s selling, where, and when. By sharing these trends, we aim to offer growers a deeper understanding of what’s resonating—particularly in the wedding and events market—whether it validates your current approach or sparks inspiration for something new.&nbsp;Before going any further – we strongly recommend that you read our <a href="https://www.rootedfarmers.com/blog/data-and-analytics-a-crash-course"> Data &amp; Analytics: A Crash Course</a> post. This will give you some necessary context for how to interpret these results and apply them to your business.<h2 style="margin-left:0px;">A few things to keep in mind before we dig in: </h2>Approach each data point as a piece of a puzzle – not the complete picture. If you examine any one layer of these data independently, you will draw different conclusions than you would by combining them. We encourage you to pair this discussion of quantitative data with your own research – including qualitative information from your local markets – to help you approach the year ahead. &nbsp;Remember, you know your market best! Always talk with your buyers about what they’d like to see more of – our data may provide you with an opportunity to educate your audience, but ultimately, collecting direct feedback from your buyers is a critical input.&nbsp;<h2>Let’s dig in! What did we see in 2024? </h2>A quick snapshot of some exciting findings for farmers: &nbsp;Local staples continue to anchor the local flower market as top sellers. These are the go-to favorites that are either hard to ship or have a more ethereal shelf life, like dahlias, zinnias, and ranunculus. &nbsp;The total number of unique cultivars in the local flower market is increasing. Buyers look to local growers to find unique, special varieties that they can’t get elsewhere. Growers can stand out by offering more diversity of flowers, especially during shoulder seasons.&nbsp;&nbsp;Warmer and brighter tones like apricot, coral, and cream stood out. Traditional wedding mainstays of white, green, and pink are not going away, but we also saw an increased shift to these warmer and brighter colors.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2 style="margin-left:0px;">Top-Selling Colors &nbsp;</h2>Rankings based on stem count across all sellers&nbsp;<ol><li>White &nbsp;</li><li>Green &nbsp;</li><li>Pink &nbsp;</li></ol><h2>Highest-Growth Colors &nbsp;</h2>Growth compared with 2023&nbsp;<ol><li>Apricot&nbsp;</li><li>Cream &nbsp;</li><li>Coral &nbsp;</li></ol><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1738266116/create_a_color_swatch_with_2_rows_on_the_top_row_its_white_green_pink_on_the_bottom_row_it_s_apricot_cream_coral_1_1353291a80.jpg" alt="create a color swatch with 2 rows, on the top row its white, green, pink. on the bottom row it's apricot, cream, coral (1).jpg"><h2>Color Takeaways &nbsp;</h2>White, green, and pink have consistently remained the top-selling colors over the past four years. The demand for green suggests that there is an ongoing opportunity for local foliage, as it is an essential element in designs. Local growers can think beyond traditional greenery – foliage like grasses, branches, or other woody perennials that may even be considered weeds can serve as elements of interest and whimsy.&nbsp;&nbsp;Apricot’s rise in popularity aligns with Pantone’s 2024 Color of the Year, Peach Fuzz. Design and fashion trends trickle into the local flower industry, so it can be useful to keep an eye on the broader landscape. Cream also increased in demand, growing alongside white rather than replacing it, showing its versatility as a bridge color for both neutral and brighter color palettes.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Top-Selling Flowers &nbsp;</h2>Based on stem counts, by genus &nbsp;In 2024, we saw thousands of unique cultivars sold on Rooted! Our top performers included the following genera: &nbsp;<ol><li>Dahlia &nbsp;</li><li>Zinnia &nbsp;</li><li>Ranunculus&nbsp;</li><li>Cosmos &nbsp;</li><li>Eustoma (Lisianthus)&nbsp;</li><li>Celosia &nbsp;</li><li>Antirrhinum (Snapdragons)&nbsp;</li><li>Scabiosa &nbsp;</li><li>Tulipa&nbsp;</li><li>Gomphrena &nbsp;</li></ol> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1738266120/3_b7cf82cf4e.png" alt="3.png"><h2> Highest-Growth Products: &nbsp;</h2>We were excited to see strong growth from many unsung heroes in 2024! The below genera were among our highest-growth products sold: &nbsp;<ul><li>Allium&nbsp;</li><li>Dianthus (Sweet William, Carnation)&nbsp;</li><li>Viola&nbsp;</li><li>Chrysanthemums&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Phlox&nbsp;</li><li>Tagetes (Marigolds)&nbsp;</li></ul>&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1738266121/2_95b196e46d.png" alt="2.png"><h2>Product Takeaways &nbsp;</h2>The top 10 flower genera have stayed consistent over the last four years, but the number of unique cultivars grew by 37% in 2024. This indicates that buyers are seeking out variety and specialty options, giving local growers a chance to experiment with unique or uncommon flowers.&nbsp;Some of the highest-growth products were those available during the shoulder season, in spring and fall, such as alliums, dianthus, violas, and chrysanthemums. This presents an opportunity for growers to seek out season extension and increase production to meet demand during the early and late season when local flowers are less abundant.&nbsp;<h2>Conclusions &nbsp;</h2>We hope that you find these insights helpful in preparing you to talk with your buyers and think about the season ahead!&nbsp; Maybe you will approach your crop plan with more emphasis on color rather than cultivars, or perhaps you felt inspired to broaden your buyers' awareness around the flowers you grow or empowered to talk about your blooms from a florist’s or designer’s point of view! Whatever you take away from these trends, it’s clear that local flowers continue to gain momentum, and your work as a grower is a key part of this movement.&nbsp; The demand for unique, locally-grown blooms is stronger than ever, and the impact you have goes far beyond just your farm—it's felt in communities and across the floral industry. Here’s to a season of growth, creativity, and local blooms!&nbsp;<h2>Additional Resources</h2>Here are some other resources to help you continue to increase awareness, sales, and continue to bridge the gap between grower and end user: &nbsp;Learn more about how <a href="https://www.rootedfarmers.com/pricing">Rooted Pro, our robust Data &amp; Analytics package</a>, can help you level up your growing game.&nbsp;Read our <a href="https://www.rootedfarmers.com/blog/data-and-analytics-a-crash-course">Data &amp; Analytics: A Crash Course</a> post for more context around how we put these data to work. &nbsp;Read our <a href="https://www.rootedfarmers.com/blog/how-to-use-sales-data-to-crop-plan">Sales Data &amp; Crop Planning: A How-To</a> article to learn more about how we reflect and set goals for the season ahead. &nbsp;Learn from <a href="https://www.rootedfarmers.com/blog/designer-feature-carbon-and-co">Designer Rachel Fletcher at Carbon &amp; Co</a> to as she shares her insights on working with local product. &nbsp;Building new buyer relationships? Check out our <a href="https://www.rootedfarmers.com/blog/how-to-build-new-relationships-with-wholesale-buyers">7 Tips for How to Build New Relationships with Wholesale Buyers</a>&nbsp;Check out our article about <a href="https://www.rootedfarmers.com/blog/photographing-flowers-wholesale-photos">Photographing Flowers for Wholesale</a> to learn the nuances of product photography.&nbsp;

Wondering what's trending in flowers for weddings and events? The Rooted team shares insights in a 2024 Year in Review, highlighting top-selling colors and genera, as well as the highest-growth colors and genera.

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2024 Year in Review: Trends and Insights

Planning a wedding comes with a lot of decisions, and choosing your flowers is one of the most exciting parts! If you're drawn to the idea of fresh, seasonal blooms and supporting local growers, working with a flower farm is a fantastic option. But how does it work, and what should you expect? Here’s a guide to help you navigate the process and make the most of your locally grown wedding flowers.&nbsp;<h2>1. Know Your Floral Needs</h2>Before reaching out to a farmer, take some time to think about what you need:&nbsp;<ul><li>Are you looking for full floral design services, or do you just want buckets of blooms to arrange yourself? If you love arranging flowers and want a hands-on experience, DIY buckets can be a fun and cost-effective option. If you'd rather leave the design to a professional, a full-service florist might be the best choice.&nbsp;</li><li>Do you need specific flowers, or are you open to a seasonal mix? Flower availability is seasonal, so if you are very set on a specific flower—like peonies in May or dahlias in late summer—keep in mind that they will only be available during those months. Being flexible with a seasonal mix will guarantee that you have the best selection of what's available at that time of the year. <a href="https://www.rootedfarmers.com/blog/local-staples-a-substitution-guide-for-popular-flowers">(Read more: Local Staples: A Substitution Guide for Popular Flowers)</a></li><li>What is your color palette and overall floral vision?&nbsp;&nbsp;Consider your wedding colors and style—do you want a soft, romantic look with pastels or a bold, vibrant arrangement? Sharing inspirational photos or creating a Pinterest board can help your farmer understand your vision. <a href="https://www.rootedfarmers.com/blog/a-seasonal-approach-to-color-palettes-for-diy-events">(Read more: A Seasonal Approach to Color Palettes for DIY events)&nbsp;</a></li></ul>Having a clear idea of your needs will help your farmer guide you in the right direction.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:3600/2400;" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1737051769/Glick_Wedding_119_5c20da564b.jpg" alt="GlickWedding-119.jpg" width="3600" height="2400"><figcaption>Photo credit: Kayla Carey, Kaitlynn Rivera Photography</figcaption></figure><h2>2. Find the Right Flower Farm&nbsp;</h2>Not all flower farmers offer wedding services, so it’s important to find one who aligns with your vision. Here’s where to start:&nbsp;<ul><li>Sign up for Rooted Farmers, an online marketplace that connects you to local growers near you.&nbsp;</li><li>Ask local florists—some source from flower farms and may have recommendations.&nbsp;</li><li>Look at social media—many farmers showcase their blooms and wedding offerings on Instagram.&nbsp;</li><li>Check out Collectives — Collectives/hubs are groups of multiple growers that will allow you to access a broader selection of flowers and services while simplifying communication and logistics. Log on to Rooted Farmers to find a hub near you.</li></ul><h2>3. Communicate Early &amp; Be Flexible&nbsp;</h2>Local flower farms work with nature’s schedule, which means availability will depend on the season. Reach out as early as possible—ideally 6-12 months before your wedding—to discuss your needs.&nbsp;Be prepared for some flexibility. Unlike traditional wholesalers, local flower farmers can’t guarantee specific blooms far in advance, but they can provide stunning, in-season alternatives that align with your colors and style.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:2400/3600;" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1737051775/Glick_Wedding_94_8a51fcb48b.jpg" alt="GlickWedding-94.jpg" width="2400" height="3600"><figcaption>Photo credit: Kayla Carey, Kaitlynn Rivera Photography</figcaption></figure><h2>4. Understand Pricing &amp; Offerings&nbsp;</h2>Each farm operates differently, but common options include:&nbsp;<ul><li>DIY Buckets – A mix of seasonal blooms for you to arrange.&nbsp;</li><li>À La Carte Design – Bouquets, boutonnieres, and centerpieces made for you, without installation.&nbsp;</li><li>Full-Service Weddings – Some farmers offer full design and installation services.&nbsp;</li></ul>Flowers can be a costly expense of your wedding, consider your budget so that the farm can offer you options that best fit your price range. Ask about pricing, minimum orders, and whether they offer consultations or farm visits. &nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:2400/3600;" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1737051768/Glick_Wedding_79_aaaf7d4e2e.jpg" alt="GlickWedding-79.jpg" width="2400" height="3600"><figcaption>Photo credit: Kayla Carey, Kaitlynn Rivera Photography</figcaption></figure><h2>5. Pick Up and Storage Tips&nbsp;</h2>If you’re purchasing DIY flowers, plan for pickup a day or two before your wedding. Bring clean buckets, transport them in a cool vehicle, and store them in a shaded, air-conditioned space until arranging time. Ask the farm if they have any recommendations for processing; some good practices are to recut stems and change out the water daily to ensure your flowers stay fresh and hydrated. &nbsp;For pre-arranged florals, confirm pickup or delivery details ahead of time to avoid last-minute stress.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:2400/3600;" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1737051772/Glick_Wedding_91_341b37d77b.jpg" alt="GlickWedding-91.jpg" width="2400" height="3600"><figcaption>Photo credit: Kayla Carey, Kaitlynn Rivera Photography</figcaption></figure><h2>6. Enjoy the Beauty of Local Blooms!&nbsp;</h2>Working with a flower farmer means your wedding flowers will be fresh, unique, and sustainably sourced. Embrace the beauty of seasonal blooms, trust your farmer’s expertise, and enjoy the process of incorporating locally grown flowers into your special day.&nbsp;Choosing local flowers isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about supporting small farms, reducing your environmental impact, and celebrating the beauty of what’s in bloom around you. By working closely with a flower farmer, you’ll create a wedding full of fresh, meaningful, and one-of-a-kind floral arrangements.&nbsp;

If you're drawn to the idea of fresh, seasonal blooms and supporting local growers, working with a flower farm is a fantastic option. But how does it work, and what should you expect? Here’s a guide to help you navigate the process and make the most of your locally grown wedding flowers.

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DIY Weddings: 6 Tips on How to Work With a Local Flower Farm

<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:660/450;" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1734387889/203605b8_fdf9_4631_a878_a79e60bf1b30_t_Flower_Exchange00111_1_012cad5fc4.webp" alt="203605b8-fdf9-4631-a878-a79e60bf1b30-tFlower_Exchange00111 (1).webp" width="660" height="450"><figcaption>Missouri Flower Exchange, 2022 Grant Recipients</figcaption></figure> Rooted Farmers is offering grants to developing communities of growers.Our team has been working closely with dozens of regional groups across the country who are at various stages of forming or growing a cooperative/hub/collective, and we continue to be inspired by your passion and determination. This grant is designed to assist your group financially using micro-capital awards, and provide mentorship opportunities as you navigate the ins and outs of growing your farmer community.Grants range from $500 - $1,500 in a reimbursement-structured funding opportunity. &nbsp;<div class="raw-html-embed"><custom-testimonial-carousel ids="[&quot;51&quot;, &quot;49&quot;, &quot;52&quot;, &quot;50&quot;]"></custom-testimonial-carousel></div><h2 style="margin-left:0px;">What is a Collective?</h2>Other names: Cooperative; Farmer Hub; Flower ExchangeA selling collaboration among growers; Collectives serve as an aggregator with the goal of streamlining relationship management, communications, sales, and logistics operations for both buyers and sellers (farmers).<h2 style="margin-left:0px;">Who is this designed for?</h2>Groups of four or more growers who are working to organize and formalize into a collaborative selling group.<h2 style="margin-left:0px;">When should we apply?</h2><a href="https://www.rootedfarmers.com/static/assets/2025-rooted-farmers-collective-grant-rfa.pdf">Applications are due by March 1, 2025</a><h2 style="margin-left:0px;">Where do we submit applications?</h2>All applications should be submitted to <a href="mailto:reachout@rootedfarmers.com">reachout@rootedfarmers.com</a>.<h2 style="margin-left:0px;">How do we find out more?&nbsp;</h2>Review the <a href="https://www.rootedfarmers.com/static/assets/2025-rooted-farmers-collective-grant-rfa.pdf">Request for Applications (RFA</a><a href="https://www.rootedfarmers.com/static/assets/Rooted_Farmers_RFA_Floral_Collective_Grant_Opportunity_2024.pdf">)</a> for full eligibility requirements and application submission details, and the <a href=" https://www.rootedfarmers.com/static/assets/2025-rooted-farmers-collective-grant-terms-and-conditions.pdf">Grant Terms and Conditions (TOC) </a>for additional requirements information.&nbsp;Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or would like to touch base to discuss the grant further.<a href="https://www.rootedfarmers.com/for-hubs">Read more about how Rooted works</a> with collectives!

Are you working to develop or grow a farmer hub or collective in your community?  This post is for you! 

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Grant Opportunity 2025:  Calling all Collectives and Hubs!

We recently connected with the team at <a href="https://pressedfloral.com/">Pressed Floral</a>, a studio dedicated to preserving cherished memories through handcrafted pressed flower art. Based in Utah, Pressed Floral transforms wedding bouquets and other meaningful blooms into stunning, framed keepsakes that last a lifetime. With a commitment to sustainability and a deep appreciation for nature’s intricate details, Pressed Floral celebrates the beauty and significance of every petal.&nbsp;Discover more about their exquisite work on their <a href="https://pressedfloral.com/">website</a>, and don’t forget to follow them on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/pressedfloral_/">Instagram</a> for a glimpse into their creative process and breathtaking designs!<figure class="image"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/duetflowerstudio/"><img style="aspect-ratio:1067/702;" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1731918005/2_40dccb2bce.png" alt="2.png" width="1067" height="702"></a><figcaption>Floral credit: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/duetflowerstudio/">Duet Flower Studio</a></figcaption></figure><h1>Talk about your flower journey - How did you get started??&nbsp;</h1>The journey of Pressed Floral started in 2019 in Provo, Utah! Sarah Ebert–founder and CEO of Pressed Floral–started preserving flowers for close family and friends in a small Lifetime Shed in her apartment complex parking lot in 2019. She has always been a creative and expressive spirit–her younger days were spent dancing, singing, acting, scrapbooking, party-planning, cooking, decorating, and almost every other creative hobby you can think of! When Sarah started preserving flowers, she grew a passion for the art, science, and meaning behind the practice. Eventually, she started getting orders from all over the state and then all over the country. Although Pressed Floral came from humble beginnings and initially exclusively preserved wedding bouquets, it has become a symbol and staple for the sentimentally inclined looking to create an art piece from not only weddings, but births, graduations, memorial services, birthdays, anniversaries, etc.<figure class="image"><a href="https://pressedfloral.com/"><img style="aspect-ratio:1296/1624;" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1731917715/1_Screenshot_2024_11_12_at_12_26_26_AM_37da223142.png" alt="1Screenshot 2024-11-12 at 12.26.26 AM.png" width="1296" height="1624"></a><figcaption>Photo credit: Pressed Floral</figcaption></figure><h1>Tell us about your dried flower process!</h1>Our preservation process is very personal, delicate, and precise. As flower lovers surely know, every variation of flower is different in sensitivity and longevity once they are cut from the stem. We have spent years perfecting (and continue to work on) the preservation process of flowers and botanicals, and we have seen almost every variation enter our shop. Every time flowers come into our shop, we have trained preservation specialists who are passionate about flowers and who are well-versed on the anatomy of botanicals to press and preserve them with gentle, caring hands.&nbsp;&nbsp;Something that stands out about the way we preserve is that although we work to make the preservation process seamless, we want the flowers to be designed in their most natural form. We use no dyes or preservatives to “enhance” any of our flowers, as we believe that would unnecessarily change the flower’s inherent nature to fade and wrinkle. We find that having an art piece that can naturally age with you is beautiful and symbolic.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure class="image"><a href="https://pressedfloral.com/"><img style="aspect-ratio:1480/1532;" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1731917714/1_Screenshot_2024_11_12_at_12_27_54_AM_dbcf41da14.png" alt="1Screenshot 2024-11-12 at 12.27.54 AM.png" width="1480" height="1532"></a><figcaption>Photo credit: Pressed Floral</figcaption></figure><h1>Do you have any tips for someone getting started with pressed flowers themselves?&nbsp;</h1>Sarah started by pressing flowers in the pages of books! We have developed a product, our <a href="https://pressedfloral.com/collections/journal/products/pressed-floral-journal">Pressed Floral Journal</a>, that allows you to press flowers, with detailed instructions, on the go! As chaotic as the internet can be, it is a GREAT resource for those who want to learn more.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure class="image"><a href="https://pressedfloral.com/"><img style="aspect-ratio:7008/4672;" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1731917721/1_DSC_05823_54bcadeac6.jpg" alt="1DSC05823.jpeg" width="7008" height="4672"></a><figcaption>Photo credit: Pressed Floral</figcaption></figure><h1 style="margin-left:0px;">Talk about local flowers from your unique POV. Have you seen an uptick in the usage of local flowers lately in the bouquets you work with?&nbsp;&nbsp;</h1>We receive flowers from all over the country in every season, so we see a lot of local flowers in respect to their own regions come in throughout the year.&nbsp;&nbsp;We love seeing local flowers be used in bouquets from all over the country. I think we are seeing an influx of sentimental clients who realize the value of hiring local florists or even friends and family in their area to create stunning arrangements. What really matters is that you have a bouquet on your special day that you love– although we think the use of local flowers in arrangements not only benefits local businesses, but symbolizes a unique location and moment in time where your sentimental moment takes place.&nbsp;&nbsp;Because flowers tend to be fragile, we offer bloom protection to our clients, so that if their flowers don’t make it in optimal condition, we will replace them with our own freshly pressed flowers sourced locally!&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure class="image"><a href="https://pressedfloral.com/"><img style="aspect-ratio:1214/1578;" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/djd5ioypi/image/upload/v1731917688/1_Screenshot_2024_11_12_at_12_24_46_AM_5795b93602.png" alt="1Screenshot 2024-11-12 at 12.24.46 AM.png" width="1214" height="1578"></a><figcaption>Photo credit: Pressed Floral</figcaption></figure>HUGE thanks to the team at Pressed Floral for taking the time to chat with us, AND for supporting locally grown flowers. Be sure to check out their <a href="https://pressedfloral.com/">website</a> &amp; follow along on their <a href="https://www.instagram.com/pressedfloral_/">Instagram</a>.

We recently connected with the team at Pressed Floral, a studio dedicated to preserving cherished memories through handcrafted pressed flower art. Based in Utah, Pressed Floral transforms wedding bouquets and other meaningful blooms into stunning, framed keepsakes that last a lifetime. 

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