https://youtu.be/fxAX4ihvn9E
Our episodes this month have included a series of studio tours with holiday decor demonstrations -- and today you'll be treated to another inspiring visit. I'm delighted to welcome Polly and Mike Hutchison, owners of Robin Hollow Farm in Saunderstown, Rhode Island.
Mike and Polly Hutchison of Robn Hollow Farm and the NEW Robin Hollow Flowers retail store in Providence, Rhode Island
I first met Polly and Mike in 2012 when the annual Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers conference was held in Tacoma, close to me. I had donated a feature article to the auction for the ASCFG Foundation and Polly was one of the successful bidders. The following year in August 2013, I was on the east coast and invited myself to visit Robin Hollow Farm. I had literally just started the Slow Flowers Podcast the month before, and proposed that the three of us record a conversation for an episode. Polly and Mike were gracious hosts, as I not only stayed with them at Robin Hollow Farm, they also toured me around as they harvested and delivered flowers. It was a pivotal visit for me -- and really influenced my understanding of what was possible for a viable enterprise based on local flower agriculture.
You can listen to that conversation in Part 2 of Episode 104 (Polly and Mike's segment starts at 15:45). You'll want to go back and listen to our earlier conversation, which will bring Polly and Mike's inspiring story into further focus.
The new Robin Hollow Flowers storefront in Providence's Farm Fresh retail destination
In what feels like a "where are they now?" segment, I connected virtually with Polly and Mike last week to celebrate their new retail venture. Robin Hollow Flowers is located in Providence, about 25 minutes away from the farm, but much closer to their subscribers and to their farmers' markets.
A delicious summer wedding palette -- grown and designed by Robin Hollow Farm (c) Laura Klacik Photography
I asked them to give us a tour of Robin Hollow Flowers and discuss the evolution of their business. As a holiday bonus, Polly shares her design skills as she creates a signature wild and colorful holiday wreath -- you'll be sure to pick up some tips on a wide range of topics, from managing growth to building infrastructure to seeking funding from the USDA.
More beautiful floral designs by Polly Hutchison of Robin Hollow Farm
As Florist-Farmers, Robin Hollow Farm produces the majority of the flowers used in their designs. Robin Hollow Farm grows a wide range of gorgeous flowers in their fields and greenhouses, as well as a few special herbs and plants.
The studio at Robin Hollow Farm provides full-service floral design for all types of weddings and events. Known for using their flowers and sourcing domestic flowers when needed, Robin Hollow's specialty is to listen carefully and create gorgeous arrangements that reflect the vision of their clients. "Our point of view is to focus on the flowers themselves, with an opulent, fresh style, whether the event is modern or romantic, large or small. We specialize in unusual and botanical design," Polly says.
Seasonal flowers for a local wedding, designed by Polly Hutchison of Robin Hollow Farm
You can find and follow Robin Hollow Farm at these social places:
Robin Hollow Farm on Facebook
Robin Hollow Farm on Instagram
Slow Flowers Summit 2022 - Early Bird Ticket Prices Expire Soon!
There's just two more weeks to take advantage of the early-bird pricing for attending the Slow Flowers Summit -- our fifth gathering, which takes place June 26-28, 2022.
You can find all the details at slowflowerssummit.com, and if you act now and register before the end of December, you'll receive the lowest price ever -- $749. Registration to the 3-day event includes breakfasts, lunches, refreshments and an opening day welcome cocktail party reception.
Here's what a few of our past attendees shared about the Slow Flow...