"A Flower Enthusiast Reveals the Keys to Blooming a Prosperous Venture" - A Cultivator Discloses Success Strategies
In the heart of Norfolk, Virginia, professional cut flower grower Dee Hall Goodwin is making a name for herself by focusing on native flowers for her farm and workshops. A one-woman show, Dee's cut flower farm and flower design business is spread across four different sites, totalling approximately 3/4 of an acre.
Dee's passion for gardening is evident as she propagates her own plants, grows from seed, and specializes in a diverse range of cut flowers, including anemones, tulips, ranunculuses, zinnias, celosia, amaranth, globe thistle, peonies, dianthus, garden phlox, statice, sunflowers, lisianthus, and various herbs like basil, shiso, apple mint, native mountain mint, and yarrow. Among her favourites are Creme de Cognac, Wizard of Oz, and Café au Lait dahlias.
Recognising the importance of sustainability and community, Dee also grows flowers on donated plots in the community and hosts monthly cut flower workshops and specific native floral arranging workshops. She is not only a flower grower but also the founder of Black Flower Farmers, a global group of around 40 flower growers, and Tidewater Flower Collective, a local group of 25 flower growers.
Dee's approach to gardening is grounded in the belief that cultivating native flowers offers both beauty and sustainability for small-scale flower growing. She encourages growers to select flowers that thrive in their environment and have good vase life and cutting quality. For more detailed recommendations, her lectures and webinars on cultivating native flowers would be a valuable resource to explore.
To prolong the life of cut flowers, Dee suggests removing the leaves below the water line in a vase and keeping them away from windows. By following these practices, Dee aims to transform cutting gardens and communities, one native flower at a time.
References: [1] Dee Hall Goodwin's website and social media platforms.
In her extensive endeavors, Dee Hall Goodwin has expanded her focus beyond just cutting flowers, incorporating lifestyle aspects such as home-and-garden improvements, potentially offering tips and workshops for home gardening. Additionally, her passion for fashion-and-beauty is reflected in her exploration of unique and vibrant blooms, which could extend to advising on the incorporation of native flowers in floral-inspired fashion and beauty products.
