In a collaborative effort, regional flower farmers in Loudoun have partnered with multiple local businesses to offer locally grown tulip arrangements, providing a unique touch to Valentine’s Day celebrations.
At Hamilton Mercantile on East Colonial Highway in Hamilton, owner Meredith Brown expressed excitement as they enter the second year of selling locally grown flowers for Valentine’s Day. Brown acknowledged the rarity of local producers growing flowers during winter but highlighted their creative approaches to overcome seasonal challenges.
“Having local flowers on Valentine’s Day is a significant step. Typically, we don’t see them until May. The vibrancy of the flower community now and the exceptional quality are truly remarkable,” she commented.
Both Hamilton Mercantile and Neighbors: A Local Market in Leesburg are offering flowers in limited quantities, urging customers to place online orders for convenient in-store pickup. Brown emphasized the diverse Valentine’s options available, including chocolates, handmade vases, cards, and other unique gifts.
Anna Mason, General Manager at Neighbors, echoed Brown’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of supporting local farmers by selling seasonally aligned products. She expressed excitement about the creative initiatives that bring joy during the cooler months.
Sage Devlin, owner of Far Bungalow Farm in Lucketts, collaborates with five farms within the Rock and River Collective to ensure seamless fulfillment of flower orders. Devlin recently inaugurated Floracult in the King Street Collective by Cowbell Kitchen in Leesburg.
“This is the first flower-focused holiday since our opening, so I don’t know what to expect,” Devlin admitted.
She detailed her collaboration with Laura Zimmerman, owner of Cool Hollow Flower Farm in Hagerstown, Maryland, who supplied tulips for the Valentine’s Day arrangements. Zimmerman’s dedication involved growing 10,000 bulbs under grow lights in her basement to meet the demand. Devlin mentioned that some arrangements would also feature willow and eucalyptus.
Devlin will retail local flower bouquets at the King Street shop, with availability at the Lovettsville Cooperative Market. To secure their preferred selections, customers are encouraged to pre-order.
For those looking to support local flower farms, Devlin suggests gifting a weekly flower CSA, a gift card to a local nursery, or a plant. She emphasized the need to educate consumers about the industry, highlighting the significance of understanding the entire process and the origin of their flowers. Devlin drew parallels with the emphasis placed on local food, emphasizing the intriguing concept surrounding locally sourced flowers.
