Photos courtesy of FernTrust
A sample of some of the ferns on offer
Careful growing and selective harvesting are part of the process
Refrigerated packing areas ensure a quality product
“ Those products are grown both locally and outsourced from California , Washington , North Carolina and South America ,” Victoria says . “ We try to be your one-stop shop for everything foliage .
“ Although our main focus is on larger wholesale customers , we do also provide product direct to event planners , small flower shops and even your everyday homeowner just wanting something nice for their home .”
Foliage that David grows includes more than 10 varieties , with the majority being leatherleaf . Other foliages he grows include magnolia , monstera and weeping podocarpus .
“ FernTrust and I have had a very profitable and enjoyable relationship since 1986 ,” David says . “ I have been able to travel the world and meet florists and foliage users from all over . I love getting to meet artistic-minded people , especially with my farming background .”
In the 35-plus years of operations , the co-op has seen lots of change , including an increase of small farmers being bought out by larger growers , notes Victoria .
That ’ s where the strength of the co-op comes into play . One of the largest benefits is that the co-op structure allows all funds to go straight to the growers without being taxed at the corporate level , she adds .
“ It is great to be able to let the growers do what they do best and let us in the sales department do what we do best . We can both focus on what we need to do while benefiting both parties .”
FernTrust averages between 100-150 employees , depending on the time of year . David says peak times are Valentine ’ s Day , Mother ’ s Day and Christmas . Fronds are cut every day , too , for everyday occasions , something that David thinks about as he looks over his growth of ferns .
“ It is really great to be able to see the foliage that I produce in its final designs after the artists have worked their magic ,” he says . “ It is nice to think about , as a foliage farmer , how my products can touch people on some of the most important and special days of their lives , days such as weddings , anniversaries and even celebrations of life . I just hope that what I grow can make those days just a little more special .”
Patrick Evans-Hylton is an award-winning journalist , having covering a wide variety of topics in broadcast , electronic and print media since 1995 .
| 24 | EVOLVE BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEUR MAGAZINE