Visiting a Local Flower Farm in the Skagit Valley
September 21, 2011
I’ve been to the Skagit Valley many times over the years to visit the large, commercial tulip and daffodil fields and bulb companies. But this week I was delighted to tour a small, 7-acre farm that grows over 150 varieties of flowers for the cut-flower market. Jello Mold Farm is nurtured by Diane Szukovathy, one of the founders of the Seattle Wholesale Growers Market, and Dennis Westphall.
Diane and Dennis are passionate about sustainably and locally grown flowers. The U.S. flower market is dominated by imports from Columbia, and small flower growers are threatened. The 18 growers (so far) who have cooperated in forming the Seattle Wholesale Flowers Market hope to inspire florists and their clients to buy locally. To compete in this market, the local growers offer supremely fresh and quality cut flowers, local specialties such as dahlias that don’t travel well, and new products. For example, Jello Mold Farm sells branches with clinging crab apples or quince and chestnut foliage and spiky nut cases, which add interesting textures and colors to floral arrangements.
After an introductory tour, Diane set us loose on the farm to wander among the fall blooms. Here are some photos of my favorite Jello Mold Farm flowers:
And, this being the start of autumn, decorative pumpkins and gourds are in season at the farm.
September 21, 2011 at 4:01 pm
A nice tour. I like the jello molds-very intriguing.
September 21, 2011 at 6:23 pm
That looks like my kind of “field trip”. I was most interested in the salmon colored squash. I haven’t seen those before.
September 23, 2011 at 6:00 am
We’ll have to go back there when I visit you. Did you buy any of the princess or salmon colored squash? Save the seeds!!!
September 23, 2011 at 10:08 am
Wow, that is just insanely beautiful. I’m totally following your blog if this is the kind of stuff you do with your time. ❤
September 23, 2011 at 11:54 am
Thank you. I agree, Jello Mold Farm is a special place. I’m so glad you found my blog. Welcome.
August 23, 2012 at 6:11 am
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