— from Suzanne Morrissey, Peace & Plenty Flower Farm —
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In 1892 Capt. George Gibbs amazed the Dutch with his success in growing commercial flower bulbs on Orcas Island. The mild, maritime climate of the island is perfect for growing flowers. The flower business moved to the mainland and off to foreign countries where it is truly an industrial production.
Currently, about 80% of fresh flowers sold in the U.S. are imported from Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, the Netherlands, and Israel. Shipping flowers from those countries to the United States incurs huge transportation, energy, refrigeration, and storage costs, leaving an enormous carbon footprint. These floral materials may carry residue of chemical pesticides or fungicides.
In spite of the fact that most flowers available to consumers are imported, locally grown flowers are making a comeback in the United States. Imported flowers are often cut a week or more before they arrive in a consumers hands. During this time, quality and vase life decline. Locally-grown flowers can be cut in the morning and on your dining room table that evening.
Members of the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers (ASCFG) strive to produce their flowers using responsible farming methods like integrated pest management, diverse cropping systems, and low-input fertilization programs. Their farms encourage important biodiversity, soil health, and water conservation. Many commodity-type flowers have been bred for uniformity to fit into a box, and the stem strength to hold up in that box for long-distance travel, usually losing their natural fragrance in the process. Locally-grown flowers are produced in greater varieties, providing a wide range of colors, forms, and scents.
The production and sale of locally-grown cut flowers contribute to a community’s economy and environment. Farms can also provide employment and valuable agriculture experience to young people.
Studies at Rutgers University found that flowers reduce stress and improve your mood. In fact, a gift of flowers was found to have a more positive and long lasting effect than other gifts of similar value. Flowers can be connected to a time, a place, a person, a season, an event. They have a story and you are part of it.
Peace & Plenty is an ASCFG member, growing flowers for 12 years, weddings & deliveries; fresh flowers available at the Orcas Island Farmer’s Market and the Orcas Food Co-op.
Peace & Plenty flowers are absolutely beautiful. I bought a lovely P&P bouquet at the Food Co-op early last week and I still have some of the flowers from that bouquet today. Along with the flowers from all of our local farms available at the Farmers Market we are so fortunate to be able to adorn our homes and give the gift of local flowers that are exceptional!! I would rate our flowers far and away better than any I had access to elsewhere.