Ten Years of Farmer Bailey
Anniversary Farmer Feature: Paint Box Flower Farm
By Felicia D'Ambrosio
Paint Box Flower Farm's two generations of Violettes work side by side growing sustainable, high quality blooms–many of which begin as Farmer Bailey plugs!
Julia, Dennis, and Holly's farm on the scenic shore of the Penobscot River is a source of both inspiration and art supplies for this flower-growing family.
Julia specializes in the day-to-day floriculture, planning, and selecting varieties of annuals, perennials, and spring bulbs. Julia's parents Dennis and Holly are officially retired, but farmers know that retirement is more of a concept than a reality while the farm still lives.
Now in their seventh season of growing, Paint Box Flower Farm sprang from a planting of 300 Peonies. As Julia added 72 different varieties to their Maine landscape, her passion for growing flowers was ignited. Soon the vegetable gardens were transformed into blooming beds.
As the farm has evolved, so have their crop choices and business model–except for one of Julia's forever favorites, Lisianthus.
"We are constantly striving to add unique varieties," writes Julia. "Fresh flowers have a constant ability to bring beauty, joy, memories and contentment to our lives. They speak softly to us while never expecting anything in return."
Scroll down for an honest Q&A with Julia Violette, and follow the creative output of Paint Box Flowers on Instagram.
When did you begin buying plants from Farmer Bailey?
We became a Farmer Bailey customer in 2019. Our initial draw was the ability to purchase top quality plugs in small quantities.
What flowers did you start with, and have you pivoted?
Our initial order was for Lisianthus, which is still a customer favorite, as well as mine. Over the last few seasons, we have expanded our perennial plantings and have been excited with the new offerings.
How has Farmer Bailey supported your business? What are the advantages of plugs?
One of the greatest advantages from ordering from Farmer Bailey is the ability to directly ask questions or work out problems. The resource library that has expanded over the last couple of years is extremely helpful.
Which plants have most successful, and why? What do you consider your area of expertise, or greatest area of growth?
The plants that make the biggest impact at Paint Box are shoulder season flowers in tunnels. In the spring these are Campanula, Foxglove, Snapdragons, and Feverfew, to highlight a few. Last season the heirloom Mum cuttings really changed our late fall offerings.
What are your challenges?
Our biggest challenges are climate change and pest pressure. One way to continue to help flower farms is by expanding your perennial offerings, as they tend to be more adaptable to adverse weather conditions.
What is your best advice for new flower farmers? What would you have wanted to know in your first year of flower farming?
When starting out, it is best to start small and expand as time and money allow. You will have success, but be prepared for some bumps along your farming journey.
How many years have you been flower farming?
Seven years.
What is your typical business model? Has this changed over the years?
The majority of our flower sales are wholesale to either designers or florists, or bouquets to niche market stores.
How do you spend your non-farming time? What brings you great joy?
When not farming, my greatest joy is spending time with those I love, enjoying the outdoors, traveling, and reading.
Tell us about yourself, whether business-related or a personal passion.
I love to be challenged both professionally and personally. One way that I do this is to challenge myself with growing new-to-me varieties and dialing it in over a couple of seasons. Mastering winter Anemones has been the choice for the past two seasons.
Is there anything else you'd like to say that we did not ask?
Congratulations on your tenth anniversary. Looking forward to what the future holds for Farmer Bailey!
