Find Your Florists, do you keep a roadside journal? What is that you ask?
A roadside journal is a little notebook you keep that documents local places where and when flowers grow naturally. Often times this might be near a field, around a fence, or growing at the end of a driveway. Of course, you can’t take flowers from just anywhere, but it can’t hurt to ask! Ask the owners of the property if you could collect their wild flowers in season. Give them a coupon for a free bouquet if they do!
Wild Flowers Grow In More Places Than You Think
Look for places with an over-abundance of flowers. Right now I am seeing lilies growing along roadsides, covering ditches — they are simply everywhere! Many people don’t realize how flowers will spread over time and grow more than they can possibly handle. There are houses near mine with more hydrangeas and roses than they could ever do anything with. There are several abandoned houses in our neighborhood with roses and other summer flowers that are all but forgotten. Even trees with interesting foliage, such as cedar or magnolias can be part of your mix.
It can’t hurt to ask their owners if you could buy or trade for them? This can be a great, and possibly inexpensive way to add some local flair to your product mix. You could even turn them into a special edition line for your shop.
Keep a journal of places where you get flowers, and when they were blooming for next year. The journal is a great source when looking for something NEW for the shop. Be sure to let your customers know their flowers are local. This is a way to reach out to your community and spread the word about your shop.
Grow your own! Starting a garden is easier than you think! Grow flowers you want to use! Add uniqueness, texture and fun to your flowers!
Things To Remember:
- If the person is hesitant about sparing some flowers, don’t be pushy! These are your potential customers, so just accept it and give them a discount coupon anyway.
- Flowers hold many special memories for most everyone who grows them; don’t take every last flower they have unless they give the okay. Leave them some to enjoy.
- BE SURE to prep these wild flowers well. Remove all insects, bugs, and varmints they might have.
- Trespassing is illegal in some areas, make sure you have PERMISSION FIRST!
We’d LOVE to see pictures of your local flowers! Share them on our Facebook, or in the comments below!
I do this with peonies in May. I have 4 or 5 customers who will sell me their peonies at about half the price of what my wholesaler wants, and I know they’re fresh. Usually I have more than I can use, but it’s always a great way to get a nice variety at a decent price and to let people in the community know that they are valuable to you in more ways than one.
One other tip is to first ask the homeowner if you can buy the blooms, THEN have your preservative water ready and clippers when you go back. Do not bring them to the home to ask, but don’t go into the garden without them. If you wait until you know what and how much you will be getting, you can bring appropriate sized containers.
Very cool Debra, and great tips!!