Two weeks ago, I picked the first ranunculus out of our spring flower field. It was just one bunch, and the pink, purple, and red petals were all lightly dusted with rain. The stems were snipped close to the base of the leafy plant, and then wrapped carefully with one of the green rubber bands that I seem to have permanently attached to my wrists. It was just one bunch, but I felt a budding excitement anyway. In my last two years of picking flowers for wedding and events here at Full Belly Farm, I have seen how quickly one bunch of flowers transforms into an entire field of beautiful blooms ready for clipping. The first sweet peas are finding their way up the twine to finally push forth fragrant buds, and the snapdragons are growing towards the sun – raising their heads higher and higher until they begin to bloom with bright colors. And so it goes. Spring is coming soon, and the flowers at Full Belly Farm are paving the way, calling to the insects, farmers and customers to get prepared to join in the spectacle of the spring equinox parade.
The flower fields this year are some for the record books. Rows upon rows of Love In The Mist, Bells of Ireland, Calendula, Feverfew, Godetias… the March rains have transformed the fields into an emerald dreamland, where drip tape has not been needed, and weeding has been easier to stay on top of than in years past. Last year at this time, the fields were cracking and the soil was dry. Drip tape gave enough water for single plants to grow, but left the rest of the field thirsty. It is such a stark contrast, and while the famers are itching to get summer planting underway, they are also grinning from ear to ear every time they look at their rain gauges, thankful for this “miracle March.” The flowers are blooming a bit slower, and are coming at a steadier pace than last year, but as soon as this next storm passes, and April draws nearer, we know that we will have flowers blooming ‘out of our ears’ as they say. Full Belly Farm grows about 8 acres of flowers, starting in January when tulips and other bulbs begin to bloom and growing all the way until November when the last sunflowers and broomcorn finish off the year. We sell our flowers at the Farmers Markets, through Wholesale distributers, to stores, and through our CSA. Week after week, new varieties of flowers are harvested and arranged, to make seasonal bouquets for homes all over the Bay Area and the Sacramento region. They are just gorgeous – a beautiful mix of greenery, and bright blooms that last about a week, and sometimes longer! This April, Full Belly Farm will start up our CSA flower delivery once again. This allows individuals to add a seasonal bouquet to their order and pick up their beautiful arrangement whenever and wherever they pick up their box of produce. What a fun way to celebrate the start of spring, and support the local flower movement!
April 1st is the start of the Full Belly Farm CSA flower season and it is also the beginning of “wedding season.” Full Belly Floral is now in its second year of offering flowers for weddings and events. Starting next weekend we will design bridal bouquets, boutonnières, arches, flower crowns and table arrangements for over 25 weddings! These custom arrangements will also be at the center of every farm dinner, and event being held at Full Belly Farm. Full Belly Floral will also be teaching classes throughout the year for those who are interested in learning the specific techniques of floral design. It is going to be a lovely year full of fresh flowers, and unique events.
This year’s flowers are beautiful, and we want you to enjoy them! If you are interested in learning more about the flowers grown or designed at Full Belly Farm, feel free to email Hannah Muller. If you want to pick up flowers when you get your CSA box, you can order one bouquet per week for the entire season (26 bouquets, $7.50 each, $195 total). You can also schedule your bouquets month-by-month (4 bouquets, $8 each, $32). Just send us an email to place your order.
–Hannah Rose Muller
