Hidden Gems: Meet Eliza June of Wildwood Flora

Today we’d like to introduce you to Eliza June

Hi Eliza, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
There are many reasons as to how why and where I got started. Let me start by mentioning my work as a community garden coordinator. I loved seeing groups of people come together, growing food, breaking bread together and sharing information that enabled us to take of each other and the land we live. These ‘old ways’ of living close to nature seemed rare and a important preservation in the modern fast world. Keeping these nourishing traditions alive felt like a deep calling and the very source of what connects each and every one of us. I began growing heirloom plant starts part time in my backyard, offering varieties you cannot find at the grocery stores at local farmers markets across the city. I underwent an greenhouse apprenticeship and worked in different farm and greenhouse setups to further learn the trade. In 2022 I was offered to take over the lease of Osterbrock Greenhouses. Since then we have recently purchased a new a permanent location, formally know as Shoyer Nursery on Winton Road that we are in the process of moving to. Finding access to land not rented can be difficult in and urban setting so I’m excited to have a space we are moving into that will become our forever home. You can now find us selling blooming annuals, culinary and ,medisional herbs, blooming perennials, tropicals, Christmas trees wreaths and firewood and cut flowers including a you cut flower field. Not to mention sharing our knowledge and passion for this trade.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
This industry has its ups and downs, a lot of it depends on the weather. My biggest struggle is transitioning from our rental location on Gray Road to our new place on Winton Road. Our lease hold is coming to an end there, and we are however fortunate to have found agricultural land to become our permanent home. There are many steps involved in moving infrastructure and letting our customers who have shop were for decades where we will be.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
We are growers and producers, meaning we are involved in every step of making and creating our products. Like most retail outlets that are buying and reselling everything is produced on site right before your eyes. We specialize in not just blooming annuals and perennials but cottage cutting flowers you can grow at home for bouquets or butterfly’s. Our herb plant selection is also extensive, including not just culinary but medicinal. I strive to go outside the box of ‘industry standard’ plants so we can offer a better and more useful selection for people lives and needs.
We also grow cut flowers and have a you cut flower field and picnic areas to enjoy in the summer months into the fall. In the slower seasons we offer holiday splendor of floral wreaths, evergreen decor, Christmas trees and firewood. We believe that natural decor and helping folks to bring nature into their homes will warm peoples hearts and home.

What matters most to you? Why?
ecological sustainability because without a healthy planet we really have no wealth at all.

Pricing:

• $1-$8 (annuals)
• $5-$25 (perenials)
• $1-$25 (cut flowers)
• $75-$120 (christmas trees)
• $35-$55 (wreaths)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.wildwoodflora.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildwood_flora/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wildwoodfloragreenhousesandflowerfarm/