Say it with flowers . . . sustainable local ones from flower farms in the Kootenays
Looking for beautiful blooms? Flower farmers across the Kootenays grow a colourful array of flowers for all occasions
Over 100 varieties of dahlias are grown at Stone Meadow Gardens in Castlegar, owned by Sarah and Carl Kistner. — Photo courtesy Stone Meadow Gardens Instagram
The language of flowers has changed. You used to simply visit a floral shop and pick out a colourful bouquet that appealed to you. Period.
Now the cut flower industry is full of new terms and concepts to consider, such as:
- flower miles (like food miles)
- seed-to-vase movement (like farm-to-fork movement)
- grown-not-flown flowers
- slow flower movement, which includes seasonal flowers
Just like in food choices, conscious consumers now want sustainable cut flowers in environmentally friendly bouquets. The best way to find sustainable flowers is to follow the same rule as you would with food—buy local (see sidebar below).
Fortunately, folks in the Kootenays have many flower farms we can support with our flower dollars. To keep your flower miles down, shop for cut flowers at your local Kootenay farmers market or at a farm stand. Here is a list of our Kootenay flower farms, and some of them welcome visitors on site:
EAST KOOTENAY
Flower farms in Kimberley
Ritual Gardens focuses on growing seasonal specialty-cut flowers and textural foliage plants. Environmentally-friendly, sustainable growing practices are a focus of the business. Learn more about this up-and-coming farm and about Petals—the company’s bright yellow flower delivery e-bike—here.
What they offer: Ritual Gardens offers bouquets and subscriptions, peony roots, and flower and vegetable plant starts.
Where to find their flowers: Flowers can be ordered online via the Ritual Gardens website with pick-up or delivery available. Look for Petals, the company’s iconic bright yellow e-bike, at the Kimberley Farmers Market and out-and-about around the city of Kimberley.
How to contact them: Ritual Gardens can be reached at 306-230-2747 or by email at [email protected].
Flowers farms in Creston
Located in the beautiful Creston Valley, the Sanctuary Lavender Farm is dedicated to environmental stewardship and healthy living. Over 700 lavender plants are cultivated on the property, and they have a small plot of land devoted to growing a variety of cut flowers.
What they offer: The Sanctuary Lavender Farm sells fresh bunches of fragrant lavender, home and bath products, candles and gifts.
Where to find their flowers: Sanctuary Lavender Farm products can be purchased online via their website and at select retailers across B.C. and Alberta. Their retail brick-and-mortar shop is located at 1016 Canyon Street in downtown Creston.
How to contact them: The Sanctuary Lavender Farm can be reached at 604-815-8709 or by email at [email protected].
Flower farms in Castledale
Castledale Flower Farm is located near Golden and Invermere in the community of Castledale.
What they offer: Cut flowers for retail, events, weddings, markets and subscriptions
Where to find their flowers: Hopkins Harvest in Windermere, Dayley Bakery & Ethos Cafe in Golden, Saturday Morning Farmers Market in Invermere, and their website shop offers custom order and delivery to Golden and Invermere.
How to contact them: Reach out via the flower farm's website or follow them on Instagram.
WEST KOOTENAY
Flower farms in Nelson
Situated on a 300-acre farm near the Kootenay River, Dutch Girl Peonies specializes in growing peonies for sale as roots or patio plants and for events such as weddings.
What they offer: Over 70+ varieties of peonies are grown on the Dutch Girl Peony farm. Peonies can be purchased as roots that are shipped in the autumn, as cut flowers for weddings and special occasions, and as potted patio plants.
Where to find their flowers: Potted plant orders must be picked up on the farm, located at 5254 Queen Victoria Road in Beasley (mid-way between Nelson and Crescent Valley). Peony roots and wedding flowers can be picked up or delivered.
How to contact them: The Dutch Girl Peony Farm can be reached at 250-359-7142 or by email at [email protected].
Flower farms in the Slocan Valley
Against the Wind Farm & Garden
Against the Wind Farm & Garden is a small, five-acre farmstead located in the fertile Slocan Valley near Winlaw. While they’ve grown many different types of produce and plants over the years, their main focus today is their organic flower fields and blueberries.
What they offer: Against the Wind Farm & Garden sells flowers at their farmgate and by special order. For special orders, please give at least 24 hours notice. The farmgate works on an honour system—please respect this.
Where to find their flowers: The farm stand at Against the Wind farm is located at 6376 Slocan River Road. Their hours are Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
How to contact them: Against the Wind Farm can be reached at 250-226-7765 or by email at [email protected].
Hummingbird Farm is a 27-acre farmstead located along the banks of the Slocan River, between Winlaw and Passmore. They grow speciality-cut flowers and fruit and offer wedding packages in the summer months. The farm has been certified organic since 2015.
What they offer: Hummingbird Farm offers specialty-cut bouquets and several different types of floral subscriptions, ranging from 6 to 20 weeks in length. They grow over 300 different varieties of flowers on the farm. Wedding floral designs and arrangements are also available.
Where to find their flowers: Visit the Hummingbird farm stand at 4380 Slocan River Road. Farmstand hours are Thursday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Their flowers can also be found at the Kootenay Co-op in Nelson. Floral subscriptions can be either picked up at the farm stand or delivered locally.
How to contact them: The Hummingbird Farm can be reached at 250-226-6996 or by email at [email protected].
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