Local Grower Spotlight: Bare Mountain Farms

Nothing makes a florist happier than having amazing floral products delivered fresh from a local farm. Each week we wait to see what Tony from Bare Mountain Farms brings us and are never disappointed in the varieties, quality and color of his flowers.

Bare Mountain is located in Shedd, Oregon and uses organic and sustainable practices to produce high quality flowers.  They are strictly no-till meaning they don’t till their soil and thus help the soil retain its organic matter. Tony is so knowledgeable about his product and clearly finds joy in sharing his knowledge with those who have a desire to learn. It’s amazing how dedicated these farmers are to growing- especially being organic. It takes a TON of work. We get the most awesome job of crafting designs with the final product of their labor.

Designing with some of Bare Mountain flowers

Beds of sweet peas in the hoop houses

This must smell AMAZING!

Tulips beds beginning to sprout

Tony takes his dedication to a whole new level using a scythe to cut grass

Ready for planting!

They make their own compost tea for fertilizer

Anemones…a bridal favorite

Like I said, we are like children at Christmas when Tony arrives with his weekly choices and all oooh and aaah over them. They grow quite an array of blooms including sweet peas, ranunculus, lilies, anemones, snapdragons, dianthus, zinnias, dahlias and more. I can’t wait to get up to the farm in person and see the process and plantings in person.

Images used by permission from Bare Mountain Farms.

Eugene’s Favorite Mom 2013

We take it for granted that our moms are amazing. So as a reminder to us, and an applause to them, we have Mother’s Day!

To add a touch of glamor to this very necessary and pertinent day, we and our co-sponsors host the annual Eugene’s Favorite Mom Contest! The mom you submit could win over $500.00 in prizes:  

– She’ll receive a plaque announcing her as Eugene’s Favorite Mom 2013

– From us at Dandelions – a beautiful floral arrangement, balloons, and a $50.00 gift certificate

– From Bello Salon and Spa – their Premiere Spa Package  (60 minute massage, facial and mani/pedi)

– From Lavelle Vineyards – Wine tasting (for up to 10 people) and a bottle of 2012 Pinot Gris

– From Pepperberries – a $50.00 gift certificate

– From McKenzie Honey Farms – a $25.00 gift certificate and accessory bag

Wouldn’t it be great if your mom won this year? If you stopped for a second, you could quickly come up with a list of why your mom – or a mom you know – deserves a little extra recognition this Mother’s Day! Go to www.eugenesfavoritemom.com, read up on the contest rules, and jot down your thoughts, and maybe your mom will be Eugene’s Favorite Mom 2013!

The deadline is May 8th. The winner will be selected on, or around May 11th. We’ll keep you posted! Good luck with your entries!!

  

Tips for Getting your Centerpiece to Last

The first thing you should know about your floral centerpiece is that the cut stems are inserted into a floral foam, also known as oasis. Oasis is great because it retains water well and helps the arrangement hold it’s design. Flowers in foam can stay vibrant and beautiful for days, but they need care. The downside to oasis is that where you can see the water level in a vase, in floral foam the water level is not as obvious. Because of this, many a centerpiece dehydrates and dies earlier than it should. So it is important to make sure your floral arrangement has plenty of water.

How to check the water level: Touch the oasis. If you press it lightly you should feel moisture.

When to water: Because it’s cold outside, and we’re all keeping our homes warmer, the water from the floral foam is going to evaporate faster, so you should check the moisture level every day.

How to water: Move your centerpiece to the sink, or to a surface that won’t be damaged by water, in case you spill. Carefully find a space in the centerpiece, or at the side of the container it is in, where you can see the oasis, or a space between the oasis and the container, and carefully pour water onto the oasis or into the space around the foam, allowing time for  the water to be absorbed.  Slowly add water until the oasis is thoroughly saturated.

Enjoy your flowers, and this wonderful season!!

                                 

Modern Christmas Fresh Floral Designs

Having fresh flowers during the Christmas season is a wonderful tradition that makes the home feel extra festive. Whether you are buying them for yourself (highly recommended) or as a gift for someone else, here are some of my favorite holiday arrangements.

   

Hydrangea Season

Hydrangeas are one of my favorite summer flowers. They are very long-lasting and come in an array of spectacular shades. We are receiving quite a few today in both white and green but hopefully in some of the pinks or purples that are so beautiful.

a mid-tone purple hydrangea

An arrangement of all hydrangeas is really stunning and can be quite affordable. A simple square vase with a few hydrangea and greenery can be as little as $25. Or you can create a “WOW” impression with a fun vase with hydrangeas flowing out the top! Perfect for someone who likes the clean and modern look or for the Martha Stewart enthusiast.

Cut stems of hydrangeas can last over two weeks when cared for properly. They require a constant water source and if yours becomes limp and droopy, give the stem a fresh underwater cut and place it in warm water. The blossom should perk right back up.

Dandelions Flowers Blog

Dandelions Flowers & Gifts, LLC is launching this Eugene Flower Blog today to provide up to date information on flowers, plants and style for Eugene and Springfield OR.  Our Chambers St. store and website, www.dandelionsflowers.com provide a fabulous flower shopping experience, and we hope this blog will expand that experience in a new way for flower and plant lovers.  This blog will encompass a broad variety of topics for Dandelions including:

• Flower trends and flower design styles
• Flower and plant care
• Flower industry information
• Our flower store operations (holidays, gift shows, open houses etc.)
• Staff Profiles (We love them and you will too!  Isn’t it nice to put a face with the voice on the phone anyway?)