Market Report 29th July 2010

Its official. I’m over winter…Bring on Spring…a small glimpse of spring at the start of the week, and then back into the depths of Winter.  The carnations at our farm were not exactly sure how to react to the balmy top of 12 degrees on Monday, so maybe it could lead to a spike in production…

We are now relying on the Queensland production coming into Victoria to ensure supply and quality that we are used to.  In a similar way through the heat of summer, the Victorian farms send a lot of product to the wholesalers in Queensland to meet their demands when it is too hot for good flower production.  Things such as the chrysanthemum, Gladioli, statice and of course many of the tropicals are coming in from Queensland in good numbers.  The winter favourites such as the tulips, stocks, and iris are of brilliant quality and make up our advertised specials this week…

3 bunches of iris, stocks, or orchids for only $20.00 have proven to be very popular to brighten up the home through this cold period.  The daffodils, and erlicheer are also very popular.

The Kale is nearing its end for another season.  People have really warmed to the ornamental cabbage variety.  In a large vase, 3 to 5 stems of kale simply look stunning, and can last for weeks (be warned – make sure you change the water regularly – can produce an unpleasant aroma…)

Next week from the farm in Ballarat the tulip pots and the hyacinth pots will begin.  Last year these were very popular, mainly for a simple cheap gift that flower for several weeks.  The bulbs can then be planted in a suitable spot for the following year…if you can be bothered, or better still come into stems and buy some more?

We received a large quantity of Green Trick plants this week, so we have been busy planting for christmas production.  The ranunculi continue to forge ahead despite the cold weather…the first of which will be available by mid August.

I believe this is all.  Please come on down to Stems and see what bright wonders we have in store to brighten up the winter dreariness.