Ten Years of Farmer Bailey
Anniversary Farmer Feature: The Marmalade Lily
By Felicia D'Ambrosio
The Marmalade Lily began as a part-time creative hobby for owner Laura Fisher, and quickly progressed into a thriving floral and event venue sharing the beauty and creativity of floral design with others. The venue is set on their 9-acre flower farm with a pond and barn. Guests love attending events here, and the Marmalade Lily team always see them meandering around the gardens with their hors d’oeuvres in hand.
Farmer Bailey plugs are an integral part of the Marmalade Lily's business model, and owner Laura Fisher was kind enough to share her perspective with us as we celebrate our tenth year in business. Read on for an honest Q&A with Laura.
"The Marmalade Lily began as a part-time hobby for me as a homeschool mom and quickly progressed into a thriving floral and event venue to share the beauty of floral design with others. The best part for me is meeting with the clients and getting my hands dirty in the ground planting new flowers. I have five grown children, three grandchildren, and a fantastic husband. My business is also my ministry. I have a heart for marriages staying together and always share my wisdom for a strong and happy marriage.”
Laura Fisher
The Marmalade Lily owner, Wedding & Floral Enthusiast
When did you begin buying plants from Farmer Bailey?
Eight years ago. I believe the first plugs I ordered were Lisianthus.
How has Farmer Bailey supported your business? What are the advantages of plugs?
After running a cost analysis I realized that ordering plugs for some flowers was more cost effective than starting seeds in trays myself. It has been beneficial for us as space for growing from seed, since our quantity of grow lights is limited. Having the plugs arrive ready to plant is a space and time saver. Farmer Bailey also has excellent knowledge of what flowers are needed in the wedding florals business and narrows the choices for me.
Which plants have most successful, and why? What do you consider your area of expertise, or greatest area of growth?
Lisianthus has been most successful. The price at the wholesaler is very prohibitive, so growing as much as I can for floral design is very important. We also have a wedding floral design business onsite, so this would be my area of expertise as well as greatest area of growth.
What are your challenges?
Our biggest challenge is estimating bloom time to have the flowers needed for specific events. I find my property has different microclimates that affect bloom time and this makes estimating when to plant very challlenging.
What is your best advice for new flower farmers? What would you have wanted to know in your first year of flower farming?
Soil, soil, soil. Test the soil, amend the soil, compost, and test. Also, consider advertising for garden volunteers. I resisted for nine years, as I am a for-profit business. We have had volunteers for two years now and they LOVE it here! It has been a game changer for us.
How many years have you been flower farming?
Going on 12 years.
What is your typical business model? Has this changed over the years?
We are a flower farm and wedding venue. We try to grow as many flowers as we can for the weddings we host on our property. We also provide wedding flowers for venues in Cincinnati. We have U picks on our property, floral design classes, and ladies' night.
How do you spend your non-farming time? What brings you great joy?
I spend lots of time with my family and grandchildren!
Tell us about yourself, whether they are business-related or a personal passion.
I have a heart for bringing people joy and loving people.
