Ancients used to bring greenery in their dwellings to create a connection with nature during the winter solstice. This practice has continued through the ages, now relating to other seasonal events like Christmas.
The business of seasonal greenery in Canada is vital and growing but not necessarily in the ways that industry participants or locavores may wish.
In a recent webinar Small Farm Canada investigated small farm seasonal greenery business opportunities in Canada.
On the business side, Small Farm Canada Editor Julie Harlow spoke with Sarah Pell, Owner and Operator of a successful greenhouse and retail operation outside Milton, ON. This was a very insightful conversation among a series of them while doing the investigation.
Does seasonal greenery have potential to be a busy and rewarding side-hustle for those farmers, homesteaders and property owners with a woodlot or forested area on their properties -- from what Sarah said, YES.
Her business preference would be a local supplier that can provide a quality product that is demanded by their customers.
At present retailers, floral designers and consumers show a preference for Western grown greenery like red Western cedar due to its quality (greenness) shape and structure – it is long and hangs nicely in a pot or urn.
Why not BC Western red cedar? Sarah and her buying partners can’t find a source of supply. Demand in the province is high. High enough to absorb supply so buyers from other regions in Canada have to go to the U.S. This too is not without challenges.
At present Sarah is sourcing a good proportion of her greenery from the U.S. specifically one of a few growers that dominate the industry located in Oregon and Washington states. There has been a consolidation of growers into a few huge suppliers that control supply and price in North America.
Sarah has been successful in accessing local suppliers for forest products like dogwood and birch. Their birch supplier especially emphasizes a resilient source of supply due to a fair-wage and employee care program to help ensure access to a seasonal workforce.
Sarah is also optimistic about the future of Canadian growers and forest owners to supply a greater and greater proportion of her seasonal greenery requirements. More gentle, more local and fair is an evergreen approach to the small farm seasonal greenery opportunity.