Below you’ll find frequently asked questions about Twig End Farm and our flowers; please scroll down for answers. You’ll also find information on the Slow Flower Movement and local flowers in general.

1. How do locally-sourced flowers differ from those purchased at the grocery store?
2. I don’t live in the Flint area. How can I find flower farmers where I live?
3. How long will Twig End Farm flowers last?
4. Do you deliver?
5. Do you do weddings?
6. I’d love to visit your urban farm; where is it located?
7. Where does the name Twig End Farm come from?

1. How do locally-sourced flowers differ from those purchased at the grocery store?

Here in the United States, roughly 80% of flowers used in the floral industry are imported from Colombia, Ecuador and Mexico. Flowers are harvested up to three weeks before they arrive at the florist or grocery store. Because most flowers are shipped dry, they’re bred specifically for durability; not delicacy, beauty or fragrance. However, when you buy flowers locally, you can be sure that flowers were harvested as recently as the morning of your purchase. Local flowers live longer in the vase than imported flowers because they have not endured the stress of travel.

Have you ever noticed the lack of zinnias, dahlias, sweet peas and cosmos at your typical grocery store? Local flower farmers can grow and sell a wide range of flowers, many that are quite fragile, because they are not subjected to long-distance shipping. Purchasing local flowers allows you to enjoy more out-of-the-ordinary blooms. Not only that, but flowers purchased locally reflect the time of year in which they’re grown. Enjoying local flowers is enjoying nature’s subtly changing seasons. You’ll celebrate the arrival of tulips in spring, hydrangeas in summer and heirloom chrysanthemums in fall. If you’re crazy about a certain flower (for me, it’s peonies), you’ll anticipate it’s season of bloom all the more sweetly.

So many of us want to make the world more beautiful. When you purchase local flowers, you are actively reducing the burden of burned fossil fuels on our planet; local flowers are not shipped thousands of miles. Additionally, many flower farms (including Twig End Farm) practice sustainable and organic farming methods. Pesticides and harsh chemical sprays never touch the flowers, leaves or soil. The number of small scale flowers farmers in the United States and around the world is rapidly increasing; many use sustainable growing methods. All of this care for the earth and its inhabitants adds up to make a huge difference.

You can make a difference, too, by being aware of the impact of your purchasing choices. More and more consumers are choosing to purchase regional, seasonal flowers not only for their beauty, but also for the immediate benefit to the environment and local economies. This new awareness has sparked the Slow Flower Movement and it’s spreading around the globe. Almost anywhere you look, you can find gorgeous fresh flowers passing from the hands of local flower farmers straight into those of flower-lovers in their own community. What can be more beautiful than that?

Read more about the Slow Flower movement here.

2. I don’t live in the Flint area. How can I find flower farmers where I live?

There are easy ways to find and support local flower farmers. When placing an order with your florist, request that he or she use local flowers. Additionally, you can shop for flowers at your farmers market. Many flower farmers sell directly to customers at market; they’ll be happy to answer any questions you have. A quick search on the Slow Flowers website and the Floret Farmer-Florist Collective directories will give you names, websites and contact information of flower farmers in your area. Lastly, Instagram is used by a huge number of farmer-florists. It’s a great place to find flower growers in your corner of the world, follow their story, and see examples of what they’re cultivating and selling.

3. How long will Twig End Farm flowers last?

Twig End Farm flowers should stay looking fresh and beautiful for at least a week, if not longer, if you follow the steps below:

• Display your flowers in a cool place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Your sunny kitchen window is not a great place for flowers but your shady dining room table may be perfect.
• Keep your flowers away from ripening fruit. Some ripening fruits release ethylene gas which will wilt your flowers prematurely.
• Change the vase water every other day. When you change the water, trim stems 1/2 to 1 inch at a 45 degree angle. This will allow the stems to take in water more easily. Be sure no leaves are submerged, as soggy leaves encourage bacterial growth.
• Snip off any sad-looking blooms. Sometimes one type of flower fades faster than another. If you see a sad flower, you can remove the entire stem or snip off the wilted flower head.
• If you can’t do any of the above, at the very least, REFILL THE VASE WATER! Fresh garden flowers are heavy drinkers. They are super thirsty and when the water is gone, they simply dry out and die. Check vase water daily; don’t let water levels drop below three-quarters full.

Also please remember although Twig End Farm arrangements may contain herbs, they are not intended for consumption. Keep away from pets, children and hungry teenagers.

4. Do you deliver?

Yes, we deliver our arrangements (those costing $50 and above) within Genesee County, but only on certain weekdays. The cost for delivery is $15 to the 48502, 48503 and 48504 zip codes. For all other zip codes within Genesee County, the cost for delivery is $20

5. Do you do weddings?

Thanks for asking! No, we do not offer wedding floral services at this time. If you would like our lovely local flowers on your big day, the Flint area has a number of incredible floral designers. These florists and designers can source blooms from Twig End Farm to incorporate into your wedding flowers; please contact me (Janie) via the contact page for recommendations.

That said, I am happy to create a unique bridal bouquet and boutonniere duo for small elopement and courthouse ceremonies, May through mid-October. Please reach out through our contact page and I will send along more information.

6. I’d love to visit your urban farm; where is it located?

Thank you for your interest in visiting our little flower farm! Because Twig End Farm is our primary residence, we don’t openly share our address. Thank you for understanding and for helping to protect our time and privacy.

7. Where does the name Twig End Farm come from?

When my husband, first baby and I first moved into our little city cottage, we’d go for long walks in the neighborhood and along the Flint River. On almost every walk, I’d find a pretty branch or twig to incorporate into our indoor decor. I had to bring the outside inside; I just loved the magic of twisty twigs and branches. One day my husband said, “This place is ‘Twig End.’ Because every twig in the neighborhood ends up here.” When we started our small urban flower farm, it seemed fitting to give it the name we’d already been using for our twig-filled home.