Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Dundule.
Hi Kelly, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
In the winter of 2022, I was inspired to convert more of my lawn area into flower gardens and began planning for the upcoming season. I researched how to grow ranunculus, a flower I fell in love with when planning my wedding florals. I found several YouTube videos that detailed the growing needs of ranunculus, all posted by flower farmers who were growing commercially. I soon ordered several ranunculus corms, packets of flower seeds, and dahlia tubers. In 2022 I grew on a 50′ x 50′ plot. This year I’ve expanded to a 125′ x 50′ field, and my husband has joined me in the growing and marketing of our flowers.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
In many ways, it has gone really well! The community has been super supportive and has embraced our farm. We have amazing customers who encourage us and share what we are doing with their circles. However, there are definitely struggles as well: weather, pests, disease, etc. Farming is an endeavor that can be researched to a point, but so much of the process is learning through experience. One of the hardest things has been learning to be ok with leaving the to-do list undone. There is always something else to do – flowers to harvest, weeding, seeds to plant, etc. – but there are only so many hours in a day.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Bella’s Blooms?
Bella’s Blooms is a flower farm in Erie, PA, that grows specialty cut flowers and foliage using sustainable practices. We have flowers for sale from April through October. Customers can purchase our bouquets direct from the farm, at Ember + Forge (a local coffee shop), or at the Erie Food Co-op grocery store. We also provide arrangements for events like weddings, birthdays, and showers. Over 80% of the flowers sold in the United States are grown overseas. The global floral trade relies on a select set of flowers that can withstand the long shipping process. We are unique because our arrangements use materials that are seasonally available so that our customers experience the full variety of what nature has to offer.
I am most proud of our commitment to the stewardship of our land. Our farm is my childhood homestead, a 40-acre plot with a farmhouse that dates back almost 200 years. I love that I have found a way to honor its legacy of farming that marries cultivation of the land with the creative process of floristry.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Across many industries, there has been a renewed interest in local products. As customers become more aware of the availability of locally grown flowers and what makes the product different, I hope to see an increased demand for local flowers across the board – both directly from consumers but also from florists as well. The floral industry has also historically relied on products like floral foam that are not environmentally friendly. There are lots of new products and techniques that still allow for interesting and high-quality design without the need for foam and plastics. I believe this trend will continue to gain traction.
Pricing:
- “Pearl” Jar Arrangement – $15
- “Leo” Wrapped Bouquet – $25
- “Bella” Vase Arrangement – $40
- Buckets of Blooms – $50 and up
Contact Info:
- Website: bellasblooms.com
- Instagram: @bellasbloomsPA
- Facebook: @bellasbloomsPA
