Here’s how native plants inspired the creation of our little native flower farm…

For years, I dreamed of expanding my garden and yard into a flower farm filled with roses, cosmos and rows of beautiful flowers.

But I was also concerned about the decline of pollinators, birds and natural habitats that I kept seeing in my hikes along eastern Lake Ontario. Inspired to act, in 2019 we switched our gardens and plant shopping habits to native species.

But finding true native species was difficult at best.

We either had to drive nearly two hours away or shift through tables piled high with non-native plants in the hopes of finding even one native plant. And more often than not these were NATIVARS… a genetically-altered mass produced ‘knock-off’ of a native plant; made for humans not wildlife…

My growing frustration brought my flower farm dream back to the fore…

Was it possible to have a native flower farm?

Could growing and sharing native flowers inspire others to grow more native plants and help to stop the decline of pollinators and local wildlife?

I asked nurseries and flower farmers. All said no~ it could not be done. Many of them proceeded to tell me why and in great detail. My personal favorite was “No one likes or will buy native flowers and plants, they are just weeds.“

Well, sometimes you just have to keep working an idea out. I’m so glad I did!

On the other side of the world I found the answer

in Australia’s native flower farmers, who were inspiring, kind and supportive. My new Aussie friends hadn’t heard of a native flower farm in the United States but were certain if it could be done there it could be done here…

With A LOT of MOXIE,

some native seeds, soil, and a simple 1st year growing plan Lazy Dirt Flower Farm began in January 2022 with the first sowing of wild quinine seeds.

So here we are.

A small family flower farm growing NATIVE plants for your garden & NATIVE flowers for your vase right here in beautiful Mexico,NY!

We’re small but growing …

Our family thinks of Lazy Dirt Flower Farm as ‘scratch-made’ in that we are starting with what we have … an old farm, potting bench, and lots of elbow grease…

we are small but mighty!

We now have over 30 native plant species available with more growing up to the farm stand every week!

Plants range from small seedlings (plant babies) in their first year of growth up to 2-3 year old plants.

Plant babies are available for only $5 each so you can fill your garden with native plants without emptying your bank account!

Lazy Dirt Flower Farm is the only NATIVE PLANT NURSERY in Oswego County licensed by NYS Dept. of Agriculture.

Our native plants are organically grown and propagated here on our farm specifically for our region and able to flourish in our unique climate.

We do not collect from native plants because to do so endangers wild growing populations and the habitats these plants support.

The majority of our plants are perennials, drought tolerant to save water, and are excellent for pollinator gardens. Many are native riparian plants for the eastern Lake Ontario region.

CHECK OUT OUR NATIVE PLANTS

Sharing the joys of native plants & gardening with you is our ‘jam’

Our family loves growing native plants for your garden and creating beautiful bouquets, wreaths, and container gardens with you.

And since we all love to add whimsy to our gardens, Lazy Dirt Flower Farm shares practical & artful gardenalia too!

Don’t you just love a dash of whimsy in your garden?

I sure do~ this pretty ‘flower’ is one of my favorites. Created and gifted to the garden by our talented friend Becky.. Adding whimsy to the garden, you can get pretty creative!

So whether you are new or an ‘old hat’ to gardening with native plants, I’m are so glad you’ve come along on this adventure!

The pollinators & birds are too!