Purpose and Vision Statement:In 1980 Al and Marty Blackadar
purchased a large parcel of farm land in South Hampton, NH where they
made their home and used the land to raise Morgan and Quarter horses.
Once the horses no longer needed the beautiful pastures that
surrounded the residence and main grounds it became obvious that more
could be done with the land. One of Al's passions was growing
Christmas Trees. He turned that passion into Indian Hill Tree Farm
using only about an 1/8 of the farm land. Marty always enjoyed
gardening and knew the history of the land that was once used to
produce vegetables and fruits for the Amesbury and Exeter markets.
She and Al even found rows of wild asparagus when building the fence
around the horse pasture. Cultivating
the fertile soil and making use of the main grounds, plus what once
was the horse pastures she started building raised beds and growing
over 50 different varieties of annuals, perennials, bulbs, and woody
ornamentals, now known as Late Bloomer Gardens.
In 2007 and 2008 the garden expanded as
did Marty's knowledge. She learned, practiced and attended
conventions and educational opportunities with the Cut Flower
Association which is a large membership of Cut Flower Growers
worldwide. Marty has attended conventions in Oregon and Long Island
and Cornell University in Ithaca, NY thus far and will to continue to
attend future meetings.
Marty and crew have participated
in selling the flowers at the Newburyport Farmers Market and to a
few local upscale markets that include fresh local flowers as a
service to their discerning clientèle. Late Bloomer's target
customer is someone who enjoys the beauty of fresh cut flowers, but
might not have the time to garden themselves. Many customers love
the arrangements Late Bloomer can provide specific to their office
decor or somewhere in their homes without having to think about how
to get them home or how to preserve them. Getting fresh cut flowers
home from the grocery store usually doesn't bode well for the flowers
to last very long. With Late Bloomer's handling, delivery, and
guarantee, you really can't go wrong.
The fresh cut flowers are handled as
we've learned is necessary to enjoy the longest possible life from
them. Without the professional cooler, knowledge of when to harvest,
and correct method of hydrating the flowers they might not last more
than a day or two. It doesn't seem like such an expense to have
fresh flowers on a weekly schedule if they last from week to week
especially at a minimal cost of $15.-$25. depending on the size of
bouquet. And, if you become a LAF Club Member (Local Affordable
Flowers), they can be delivered to you for that price! No additional
delivery charge. Call and ask for details.
Late Bloomer Gardens does not grow
flowers for whole sale markets or large scale events. Our customers
are our neighbors or members that make up the community in our
offices, business', restaurants and homes. Everyone deserves the
beauty that a fresh cut flower bouquet or arrangement can add to
their environment. Our goal is to supply a little more beauty to our
friends and neighbors with flowers from our farm at a reasonable cost
during our New England growing season (and maybe a little longer
with the help of one small greenhouse).
The farm help for Late Bloomer Gardens
include young people who are either earning their way through college
with horticulture or some form of agriculture in their future or
people who love flowers and the opportunity to work with them. I
trust you'll enjoy our beautiful flowers and we'd love to get to know
you as a regular customer.