Article  and photo courtesy of The Barrie Advance -Focus on Business August 1998

Article written by Katherine Elphick

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Pick-your-own flower farm bloomimg in popularity

 

     When Mary Anne and Ross Gough offered to take care of the flowers for their daughter's wedding, they didn't call a florist. Instead, they headed out to Debby's Garden, a local pick-your-own flower and herb farm, and filled up their truck with freshly cut flowers.

 

"We ended up picking enough for all of the bouquets, centre pieces, alter pieces, boutonnieres and corsages." says Mary Anne Gough, who proudly admits to arranging all of the flowers herself.

 

"It was the perfect way for us to contribute because our daughter and her husband wanted the wedding to have a real homemade, hand-crafted touch." Debby Dubeau of Debby's Garden says that Gough’s are not alone in their desire to add a personal touch to a family members wedding. In fact, the pick-your-own farm has seen its wedding business increase substantially this summer.

 

"Brides, in particular, really seem to love the idea of coming out to the garden to pick their own flowers and country bouquets," says Debby.

"They say that it is peaceful and relaxing - especially before the wedding."

 

While it may be peaceful, it is also incredibly cost effective.

 

"It is much cheaper to pick and arrange your own flowers." says Debby. "For example, most brides who come out here spend between $50 and $100 and that will cover most, if not all of their floral needs."

 

Debby's Garden was established three years ago by Debby Dubeau and her husband Ken. The farm sits on two acres of land and offers about 50 perennials, 38 annuals and a variety of fresh culinary herbs. A dried flower shop, which is open year round for business, also exists on site.

 

Dubeau says that her and her husband decided to start the business after stumbling upon a pick-your-own flower farm in Michigan. "It just seemed perfect for us because I love gardening and Ken has always wanted to farm."

 

In addition to the wedding side of the business, Debby's Garden also caters to local restaurants, floral shops, crafters and the general public. "We are open to anyone who wants to pick their own flowers or herbs," says Debby, "Even if it is just for one bouquet."

 

Freshly picked and dried flowers from Debby's Garden can also be purchased every Saturday morning at the Barrie Farmer's Market.

 

Debby's Garden is located on Fralick Rd in Minesing. For more information call (705)737-0804.

 

Debby's tips for working with fresh flowers After picking fresh flower,

 

• place them in a bucket of cold water for at least six hours. Allowing the flowers to condition will help them last longer once they are arranged.  

• When arranging the flowers, be sure to remove any leaves from the stems below the water line.  

• Once the flowers are arranged, add either a tablespoon of 7 UP to the water, or a drop of lemon juice and a 1/2 teaspoon of sugar. This mixture will help feed the flowers and keep the bacteria down.