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Oh my goodness!
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Posted by backyardgrown 7b NW MS (My Page) on Fri, Sep 11, 09 at 12:23
| My old boss owns a small greenhouse/nursery and is leaving it on December 31 to move and be with her fiance. She has agreed to let me use the place free of charge to grow cut flowers, etc.
Her fiance also owns a pretty sizeable nursery in Ohio and I will be selling hanging baskets, perennials, annuals etc. that he grows.
I'm so excited! I would only be open on the weekends, but most people only garden shop on the weekends anyway. There is a small plot right next to the greenhouse that would be ideal for growing cut flowers.
Before I get in too far over my head, I have to sit down and figure out what I'm going to need to get started. |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Oh my goodness!
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| That does sound exciting!! I can feel your enthusiasm from here. In order to be successful, you need to gather as much information as possible. I hope your old boss is willing to generously share her valuable expertise with you. Pick her brain, and keep the lines of communication open. You stated "I would only be open on the weekends, but most people only garden shop on the weekends anyway." How do you know that is true? In other words, have you analyzed past sales data? Never assume anything, base your decisions on actual experience. What types of potentially locally grown cut flowers are in demand in your area? Ask florists (or other potential customers) for their input, to ensure you can sell what you grow, then start by growing the flowers you have been successful with in the past. (Here I'M assuming you enjoy gardening, heh.) Also, know your competition. If you know who your market is, and where, when, and why they shop where they do now, it will be much easier to figure out what exactly you need to do, buy, deliver in order to set yourself apart. Best of luck to you! :) |
RE: Oh my goodness!
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| I used to work there, and still do occasionally. Her primary sales are between April and June, mostly on the weekends and holidays. I'm still thinking about it. I don't know that I have the time to dedicate to a greenhouse/nursery that size with a full time job. I really want to take it over, and she and I have talked at length about it. I have been in contact with several florists in years past, and I'm going to make some calls next week . What has been in demand here are sunflowers and zinnias because they bruise so easily in shipping. My biggest competition for "locally grown" fresh cut flowers would be the farmer's market about half an hour from here. I'm still contemplating and putting together a plan. Despite my excitement, I also know how hard it is to run that place alone. Ask me how I know! LOL |
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