Different Flowers have different vase life expectancies. Some of the most beautiful blooms – like Dahlias and Roses, will be short lived, while Lisianthus and Zinnias will last quite a long time. At the Farm, harvest time, weather, and post-harvest conditioning all impact vase life, so we strive to harvest each bloom at the correct stage while the weather is cool and we condition the flowers after harvest to ensure proper hydration and ultimate vase life. Factors affecting vase life after the flowers leave the farm include temperature, direct light, drafts, water changes and vase hygiene.
Some flowers will drop pollen that can stain tablecloths. Look for pollenless varieties or place a protective layer between the vase and any treasured table covering.
Certain flowers can be toxic to pets (ie: lilies). Though many require ingestion of a large quantity to have any adverse effects on our furry friends – it’s recommended to not take the risk if you have a pet that samples the plants they encounter. Either purchase bouquets without known toxic flowers, keep them out of reach, or gift them to a friend without a curiously hungry pet.
Some flowers are toxic to people – please refrain from eating your bouquets, even though some flowers are edible and may smell fantastic.
Occasionally, flowers and plants can cause allergic reactions – please minimize contact as certain saps can cause contact dermatitis and pollens can rile up seasonal allergies. If you have known sensitivities to pollen, evergreens, and saps please admire the flowers from afar. We use many pollenless varieties to help minimize the sniffles.
Growing anything outdoors, especially at altitude, means the weather has the ultimate say in how long or short the season is, when it begins, how stormy it will be and so on. Mother nature decides the end of the season when the first frost arrives at the Farm. We plan on having flowers available Spring-Autumn, but it is very dependent on the weather.
Lastly, it is possible your bouquet may come with a bonus critter! While focused attention during the harvesting and conditioning steps allows us to “re-home” any creatures taking refuge in the blooms, occasionally a stowaway might slip through. The flowers, veggies and fruits grown at Feral Mountain Farm are not sprayed with Synthetic Chemicals or Organic sprays. Common hitchhikers are ladybugs, lacewings and baby crab spiders. Occasionally a thrip or tarnished plant bug or something more benign may hitch a ride, but rest assured it is unlikely any of these critters are dangerous. Please show them a little good will and place them back outside – just think how scared they are!
If you receive a bouquet and have any issues with it, please reach out to me at meow@feralmountainfarm.com to bring the problem to my attention. Occasionally factors outside of everyone’s control can cause a flower to not perform as expected in the vase and we want the opportunity to make it right. Flowers from Feral Mountain Farm are meant to be fun and bring a smile to your face.
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