Three Markets & A Vacation đ» Flower Farm Comeback Story
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- Äas pĆidĂĄn 17. 07. 2024
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Farmers Markets are tough business, and this week starts with one of our worst markets of the season. But if we want to be a successful business, we are going to have to figure out a way to deal with markets where the flowers don't sell. This week our solution is to follow up a poor selling Farmers market, with a weekend where we add an additional Sunday Farmers market into the mix. That means, more harvesting, more arranging, more effort, and more market time in our attempt ro rebound, and go from one of our worst weekends of the season, to one of our best weekends of the season! This video took a ton of effort to make, and something as simple as a like and a comment helps CZcams know that you enjoyed your time with us. So if you want to support us, please like and leave a comment down below. Thanks for watching!
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Ian and Serina of YOU CANT EAT THE GRASS feel that every small change can make a big difference to the world we live in. Every garden planted leads to a better future. We hope to inspire and motivate others to make positive changes in their lives by sharing our journey towards greater sustainability as we build our family farm. It's hard work to build a life worth living, and completely worth it!
Contact us at: iancolbeck@gmail.com
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00:00 Introduction
00:13 Saturday Market
02:35 Salmon Arm Vacation
03:44 Night Harvest
06:05 Shaker & Spoon
07:19 Making A Plan
13:09 Mother Nature Attacks
13:39 Beautiful Zinnia Harvest
16:28 Friday Workload
27:30 Beautiful Bouquets
27:47 Farmers Market Morning
32:04 Getting Ready For Another Market
33:16 Saturday Night Flower Harvest And Arranging
37:13 Sunday Kelowna Farmers Market
42:21 Conclusion
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Just love your channel. A kind suggestion for your market display is to start the first row of flowers on a lower level, like knee height, and then stair step them higher to table level. This way the bouquets become more visible to those passing by. If they can see them more clearly from farther away itâs going to be harder to resist those beautiful blooms!!
I had same thought.
Their displays seem to be working for them, very well!
I made that comment on another video, too, because I feel that from afar you mostly see the brown paper.
Agree
I think he does that on the Sat market.
What I think looks nice 2 finish off the brown paper wld b a sticker with their name on it.
Tip: consider a request box. People wanting certain flower arrangements could request what they want and when. Could have a reserved self for those that requested certain things.
I like the policy that when things are not going as planned - take a step back, back away for a moment. Come back refreshed and energized.
I was going to write the exact same thing.
Iâm surprised about the sunday market too ! I still suggest you have a lower table or your trolley thing so people see the colours more than the paper or bucket !
have the same thought - I understand not wanting things too close for people to steal as they walk buy but the colors can seriously pop...
Makes me happy to see the success you have the past 4 years in this flourishing farm. To allow Me and the public to see your 5 year plan develop to fruition is an honour for us.
Do you guys ever have an extra person walk the market with a few bouquets so people see them, ask where to buy, and drive some sales to your stand?
A friend of ours sells kettle corn, and when it's kind of slow one of their family members walks around eating from a bag of it, with the sticker on the bag facing out so people know where it came from.
The produce trail sign looks great. I've noticed that some flower farmers on CZcams go for the floret speedy way of making market bouquets with a recipe that focusses on flower shapes but lets the colours be pretty random. You guys have made a definite business choice to focus on colour combinations - that might be an interesting topic to discuss in an upcoming video.
The thing about tourists is that they don't have vases along to put the flowers in. Vases can be picked up cheaply at Goodwill stores. Could you have some on hand at the market to sell at a very slight mark-up?
Ow, that's a good thought
Save some food cans or ask relatives to help save them. Easy vessel that won't break. (Or ask customers to recycle for you?)
Good idea
Who could resist those gorgeous floral arrangements? đ
Your flowers and arrangements are absolutely gorgeous. You guys sure are awesome at what you do. The amount of time and effort as well as creativity is outstanding. God bless đ„°
I'm absolutely loving the longer video †Stunning flowers as always. Don't be disappointed...you never made so much with the veggies! I think you need more signage outside the road side stand. Personally I think that would be my priority, stock it FULL at all times and do some more marketing. It's going to build a loyal, local customer base. You could do a bouquet of the week and have a board...It's zinnia week etc. x
Amazing ideas
You guys have really been a saving grace for my partner and i. We always feel like we are drowning, insignificant, behind etc etc⊠lots of doubts! But when we see the reality of your farm and your ability to persevere makes us feel like we can do it. It makes us feel confident that one step at a time is sufficient. Your videos give us hope and inspiration every week!
I love your comments because I agree so much!
Them "What would you do if you had loads of money?"
Me "Pay Serina to be my personal florist, and fill my house with flowers!"
Them "You know she lives in Canada, and you're in the UK though, right?"
Me... Gives side-eye "Shut up with your technicality!"
Rmemeber that's if you have loads of money so it's doable. Lol
Loads of money, send private jet to pick up flowers and fly them back to you.
The night harvest shots under the moon are stunning. Thank you for the time it takes to do all the landscape and drone shots.
Serena, the dress you wore to the farmer's market was beautiful and you looked so pretty in it.đșđș
OK. I'm officially hooked on the beauty of your arrangements. Its like church choir music for the eyes.
Marketing help: purchase a banner full of your flower pictures to hang on the back outside of your 10x10 at the market. 2) hang a bucket of single cut excess flowers for $3 a stem. The bucket will catch the eye of folk many booths away as the wind sways it. Plus its a higher markup for your profit.
Also: "We grow them so you can enjoy them" isn't a bad slogan. People like "homemade" vs imported, so let them know these are homegrown.
I wish you great growth success.
I love your bouquets. They are extraordinarily beautiful. But maybe you could give yourselves a bit of slack recognizing the time and energy you devote to making these videos-thatÂŽs a second professional line which is incredibly important- to us! So your work is not actually only selling flowers but also the videos which you should give yourselves more credit for!
Y'all are doing such a great job. I was at my son's house 2 weeks ago after I was released from the hospital. I had cancer surgery and went a few days to my son's before going home on my own. My granddaughter who looks just like you was working the whole time I was there but her sister was home. She had gave up her bedroom for me to recuperate in and happened to walk in while I was watching one of your videos. She looked at the TV and said oh wow mawmaw look how gorgeous those flowers are! I asked her if I get well and start a flower farm would she come and work for me....she said mawmaw I would come live and work for you. That's my dream too!!!...đ„...that really touched my heart. Then she saw you Serena and said oh my God she looks just like me and Katelyn...lol...God bless y'all
Thats so fun!
Hi, sorry you had a low sales at the market so this advice is given to improve that for all the effort you put into your business.
I have suggested before to lower the buckets so that people can see the flowers. If you look at your video at 1.32 minuets in, you will see that the main colour is Brown. Very difficult to see the flowers as they are just below eye level and the customers are looking at them from the side, the brown paper surround.
Place the first row on the ground using the Zinnias and Sun flowers to catch peoples eye. Then the second row about 1 foot high on the crates you take. Then on the table.
When you show your bouquets to the camera you show them looking directly from the top which you know gives the best presentation. So you need to do this on your stand.
This comment is given to both help your sales and make the extremely hard work you put into making the bouquets worth it. The suggestions above will not cost any thing to try out, so please give it a try. Plus the suggestion below to walk around the market if sales are quite is also good. Again it cost nothing to try.
Good luck with this Saturdays market I will see if you try out the above suggestions.
Suggest you consider changing the layout of the Saturday market - maybe a U-shape so customers walk in between the bouquets. Just a small change will catch peoples attention. Great job on the bouquets this week!
The lightning flashes in the clouds were cool. Just remember - you can still be struck by lightening from a storm 10 miles away. Be safe. đ
Just love your videos guysđđŒ And I especially loved this one with you covering the two markets. Also the storms and lightning looked amazing on your camera xx Cathi xx đ
Yes, the storms & sky was fantadtic, I rewound & looked at it twice!âïžđ«đ
Every week I find yet another bunch of flowers that I love. You never cease to amaze me with your gorgeous flowers. Congrats on a successful week!
Look at you guys rocking the flower sales. You worked hard for the rewards :)
There are a few things that I think might be contributing to your problem at the market. As many people said, the stand is so high, that from a few meters away, you can not see the flowers very well. You have to come into the stand to be able to fully appreciate the arrangements. Second, the lights are much brighter between the stands, so when looking from there into the farmstands, everything looks much more muted and dark, so maybe a little light in the stand could help. The colors shine and attract the most, if the room, they are in, is lit very well. I loove your flowers, I think your bouquets look so georgous, the color combinations are just stunning. So i hope next years flower season will be even better. Greetings from Austria!
Bouquets were gorgeous. Sorry the new market didnât turn out better. I think your display needs some rethinking. When you had the veggies last year they were displayed beautifully and caught the eye of people passing by. The flowers are just sitting there in all clumped close together. Nothing stands out from a distance. My first suggestion would be white cloths on the tables. Brown is blah! Look at how the bouquets stand out in the stand against the white walls and counters. The brilliant colors really stand out. They sayâŠ..look at me! They probably look better in the stand than they do in the customerâs house because they are surrounded by white. Try to leave some space between the buckets. Some of the flower buckets could be stored behind the table to restock the front as it empties. They donât have to all be out in the front. You could leave some space between the buckets so they arenât all jammed in together. Maybe you could make a higher row down the center to elevate more buckets. You need something that stands out. I know you are trying to put a lot in a small 10X10 or 12X12 space and thatâs hard. Maybe a couple of large bouquets in vases (the inexpensive vases that have a wide bottom and narrower neck are easiest to arrange in because the stems splay out in the bottomâŠyou might even be able to create a large hand held bouquet and pop it in with little maneuvering after) to anchor each side out in front of each front tent pole on a pedestal (or covered crate) of some sort and perhaps a third one the center of the back row creating a triangle to grab the attention of the crowd. Price them accordingly, but think of it as display. If they should sell itâs a bonus. Who knows someone might just want a $60 or $70 dollar bouquet for someone special. It would also let the customers know you can do something other than wrapped bouquets should they want something special sometime. A little more difficult to transport, but Iâm sure you could work it out. Bouquets are beautiful. You canât improve on that. Your only option there would be to change to a white wrap. Display is important. I did craft shows for many years when I was youngâŠ.first with candles in the 70âs and then silk flowers. I would always have some huge candles or a large arrangement to try to draw people to my tables. I had a mold for a 10 pound candle and some for very tall pillars. I used those on an elevated display. When I was doing flowers I would make a large arrangement. People would come in to look. It would spark a conversation and people would usually buy something. To my surprise they would sometimes buy the big piecesâŠtaking away my draw, but it was income. Maybe try one in the stand to. Who knows? I hope some of this information may be helpful to you. You work hard. Your bouquets are gorgeous. I really want you to be successful doing what you love. đđđŠđ
Have you thought about selling CSA memberships? Guaranteed money upfront for monthly bouquets or getting in a local shop, coffee / bakery. Starting with 8 / 12 bouquets just on the weekends. The road side stand is an awesome idea, along as people pay. Your flowers are gorgeous!!!
I can see why zinnias are doing better!!! They have much better longevity on tables and they dry better and stay longer even!!! They look strong and muscular! đ€Łđ€Łđ€Ł and very vibrant colors .. Bold and Beautiful đâ„ïžđđœ
Zinnias have always been one of my favorite flowers. The first packet of seeds I ever bought was zinnia seeds. I thi k I was about 10 yrs old.
I love that u recycle your kitty litter containers into flower buckets! I had my husband take a kitty litter container from my neighbors recycling bin and I'm going to use it for bouq harvesting đ
Those little pink/green zinnias are gorgeous! I would love a bunch just of them - no fillers, no greenery, just those sweet little faces đ
I totally agree!
I so enjoy seeing your âfillersââŠ.grasses et al. They really elevate your bouquets. Iâm learning a lot from you for a 76-year-old organic gardener! Originally from San Diego, California.
My first annual cut flower stand will start next year in Vermont. Itâs to be called âKeep Smilinâ Flowersâ. Right in my front yard.
Giving away pumpkins these days to set a happy connection with my neighborhood. Met some really great people of ALL ages!
Thank you for all the inspiration. You Canât Eat the GrassâŠso true. My former lawns are being converted to cardboard/wood chips and raised flower beds.
Iâm soooooo excited! Raised veggie garden beds next year in my back yard. Maybe even mushroom growing and microgreens indoors. Yes!!!!!
Serena your bouquets are gorgeous, truly sumptuous đ
Ian your work ethic is so inspirational, ty both for taking us on this journey with you... I really look forward to your videos every single week đ
Love such videos of the market and sale's. Hope you posted more videos the content was amazing
Congratulations!!!! I am so happy for you, you guys work really hard and deserve it. You have a fan here in Toronto! đ
It would be great if you could put a white sheet under your red canopy as a false roof so the flower colors pop more instead of looking dingey â€ïž
Love the bright yellow and orange bouquets! I wonder if back-to-school sales have temporarily slowed things down. 22:57 awww.... sweet Buddy! Love the shots of the kitties! Love it when you're all back inside, safe and sound. I think it's great that you have access to a second market. Looking at all those gorgeous flowers makes me feel dreamy. So much beauty. Even more appreciated from watching your videos and seeing how much hard work and sacrifice it is to produce. See you later tonight on the live!
Love this story, your vacation, the zinnias and lisianthus shots, and the gorgeous storm videos!
you guys truly are an inspiration i love watching your videos from the uk your flower bouquets are just stunning i cant wait to see what the future holds for red roof family farm i have a feeling its going to be a belter ( thats northern for amazing !!!!! ) cant wait for the next video xx
It is such a pleasure to watch yâallâs channel
Yâall are inspiring
Woo hoo! Iâve been waiting for this!!!
your Farmer's Market closes so early! Maybe you can join forces with other vendors to convince the organization to stay open till 3pm? There are late shoppers (like me!)
Agree closed in 1pm is too short. Bur bheir summer is kinda so hot & dry. But it looks ok in spring & fall.
I'd be curious whether it'd be possible to have a morning to noon market, then a 5pm-8pm market, though I am not sure when their days cool down for the evening. If it doesn't cool down, then it would not make sense.
You guys are so fun to watch, and I look forward to each of your videos!
Beautiful flowers!! Happy you guys took a couple days away for a mini vacation!! You guys work
so hard. Cheers đ
love your flower arrangements, by far the best looking I've seen!đ
The snipping sound is just so satisfying â€. Love from India.
You guys are inspirational!!
Absolutely beautiful bouquets, love your channel guys đ€đ»
Great looking flowers as usual!
Loved this video! It is such a wonderful thing you let us peak into your world and even share your process with us! Thank you for being so honest with your struggles and sucesses. ThatÂŽs what is making this so very interesting and valuable. So exciting to see you grow.
Thank you for video the flowers are gorgeous I wish you best next time
So in love with this longer video what an amazing way to spend my morning..đđđđ
great job.....stunning flower....
Gorgeous bouquets!!! Beautiful Flowers!!! đđ»đș
I love all your videos! You guys are so generous with your time and information!
Your little one was all excited with his popcorn. So cute !!!!
Love your beautiful videos.you both work so hard đđđ»đž
Loved watching!! Favourite video of yours so far :) Especially loved it when the sound of the snips was perfectly timed to the music đđđđ
Very exciting to watch this journey of yours and see you brainstorm through difficult moments and make headway with the business. I'm proud of you guys....đżđžđż
beautiful work, beautiful flowers, beautiful people!đ
You are amazing, and the flowers are just beautiful.
Love this video! So nice to see three markets in a row. And your roadside stand business is a joy to see and hear about. Bet the downtown crowd will be watching for you to return. Thanks for sharing your journey, and your cats, they are so sweet. đđ»đ
EXCELLENT video! Great story telling. LOVE the LONG format! Congratulations on another successful week! đ”
never seen such pretty flowers like you all have!!!
Thank you for making these videos, i really appreciate the effort, you put into it.
I just drunken into each cutting sound! Love your videos đ love đ
Stunning flowers!
Wow the flowers are spectacular! So much color and no dyes needed! Amazing video! Love watching y'all! Thanks for sharing!
Congratulations on the grand total!!! Wonderful video.
Outstanding flower combinations!
The edits in the video is amazing. The flower clipping sound and lighting scene went along with the music.
omg I would buy all the flowers :) so gorgeous!!!
I waited till the end to hear the total for the short week! Excellent â„ïžđđœ
Love watching your vlog the flowers are so beautiful â€ïž
The bouquets are stunning. The colors are amazing! I love the lightening in this video. I think this one's my favorite video.
As your showing the individual flowers đș I was thinking those zinnias are SPECTACULAR!
This video is shot so perfectly. I am transfixed, It was that enjoyable. Great Job!!!
you guys - just wow. gorgeous! wish I could stop in for a weekly bouquet. was a fun vid, pics, and story. good on ya. SE USA.
Well done youâve done fantastic considering the markets were slow. The flowers look incredible in the field and the bouquets. Glad you had break too .
We were just in Salmon Arm too! It is lovely.
Everyone loved the bouquets I bought on Wed đ
love to see your kids helping!
Your video making skills are out of this world!!!! đ€© This video was such a treat, as usual!!!! I wish you all the success in the world, you deserve it!!!! đ
Gorgeous bouquets! Great video!!
Love all your videos Ian!
Incredible shots of the lightning! Amazing with the sunset colours.
Canât wait to watch this!
You are very talented. Just keep plugging along. I am glad to road side stand has picked up for yâall. Hope Sunday works out well for you. God Bless!
I think you did great! Beautiful flowers.
Your arrangements are absolutely gorgeous!
Love your work and videos
You do beautiful work Serina !
You both work so hard. Serena does the flowers and Ian you fill in wherever you can! Wonderful couple.
You guys inspire me so much, am in early spring in Australia, my 2nd year, feeling disheartened no one wants to buy my jonquils & daffodils, then suddenly 2 seperate businesses have asked for my flowers weekly. So grateful for your awesome channel to encourage me to carry on.
For me, daffodils are a tough sell. It's part of the reason we haven't really planted many yet. Once tulips start, then the customers start coming in too. So don't get discouraged yet! Also, I never sell them as daffodils (because everyone has the yellow ones in their garden) instead I sell narcissus, which sounds exotic, lol.
Just great pushing them limits ,thank you!
I think your bunches look very beautiful, elegant, fun and colourful. I think your Boquets include more flowers than before. I like to see so many blooms in a bundle.
Your bouquets are absolutely gorgeous!!!!
đčđžđđșđ·đ»đ„đŒ
Loving all of your content. Amateur gardener over here, with goals and plans to do this with my family. Good vibes to your farm, and family đ
You make such beautiful arrangements so pretty ,,you guys work so hard
Looks like most every wonderful thing that I could say has already been said, so I'll simply say, loved EVERY SINGLE THING about this video and as for the bouquets... resplendent works of art... EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM!!!
Thank you for always breaking down the financials. It gives me hope for my market future! â„ïž