Find local flowers for special occasions at Local Roots
By Karen Geiser
April 27, 2011
305
Mothers Day is approaching, wedding season is around the corner, and everyone loves a bouquet on the supper table. Where are your flowers coming from for these occasions?
In traditional florist shops, a large majority of blooms travel from vast greenhouses in Central and South America where chemical usage tends to be heavy, affecting both workers and the environment. Thankfully, organic flower options are increasing, but an even more sustainable choice is purchasing locally-grown flowers during our Ohio growing season.
Like vegetables, flowers are a seasonal item. You can find tulips and alliums in the spring, zinnias and snapdragons in summer, and dahlias and mums for fall, while winter offers dried arrangements and evergreens. At Local Roots, several local flower growers offer to share their beauty with you:
- The Miller family at Country Cut Flowers near Mt. Eaton raises two acres of cut flowers using horse power, family labor, and even a cooler powered with ice harvested from their farm pond. Elegant Bells of Ireland, bold sunflowers, and bright zinnias are just a few of the abundant blossoms that they produce.
- Colorful mixed bouquets, cockscomb, and dried arrangements mingle with the vegetables from Weavers Truck Patch in Fredericksburg.
- The Flower Lady from Smithville creates watercolor flower note cards in addition to her acre of cut flower production.
- Stunning dried wreaths are created from sweet Annie, lavender, and other blossoms grown at Hillside Gardens near Navarre.
- Potted hibiscus, geraniums, and other flowers are among the offerings from Mohican Gardens, located outside Loudonville.
Many flowers are sold by the stem so you can create your own bouquet, and several growers will take orders for arrangements or bulk quantities. You will also find soap containing flower petals, facial scrub with rose petals, pressed flower cards, and even edible flowers. When the occasion calls for flowers, come check out the local beauty Local Roots has to offer.
As a year-round market for locally-produced foods and other agricultural products, Local Roots Market is located at 140 S. Walnut St. in Wooster. The market is open Wednesdays through Fridays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Membership is not required to shop. To learn more about weekly news and events at the market, visit the website at www.localrootswooster.com and sign up for the newsletter.
