Market Report Friday 29 April

It is beginning to feel a lot like Mother’s Day. Easter is now behind us, and we are all systems go on the old Mother’s Day favourites, such as the chrysanthemum and carnations. We have been very busy at the farm over the past 12 weeks, getting the chrysanthemum to the perfect point. We are delighted this year in the quality and once again the colour range is magnificent. Last year was the first year that we grew the disbud chrysanthemum and this year we have perfected them…come into store and ask for the ‘white wonder’ – vase trials suggest this could last for well over 2 weeks and they really are simply stunning. These have proven very popular with our interstate customers with a large shipment heading for Brisbane tomorrow morning to blow them away.

The recent burst of lovely weather has also helped with our carnation production which tends to drop off considerably at this time of year. Carnations are also very popular for Mother’s Day, with their long vase life and beautiful colour range making them a standout.

From the market this week, we were lucky enough to purchase some out of season peonies. Pink in colour, with beautifully formed heads, they make quite a display…These have come in from Holland, along with some beautiful freesias, which are simply stunning, and also some very ‘chunky’ bunches óf pink hyacinth – the aromas are brilliant.

Asiatic lilies are again back into the market with greater supply, as are the oriental lilies – some new varieties can also be found in store with soft apricot/pink tone which open beautifully. It’s actually a surprisingly good time of year for most other varieties…supply is ok and the quality is great because the cooler conditions lend themselves to a slower forming, higher quality bloom.

If at all possible, you should make your way into store today to judge the best bridal posie most suited to Kate’s royal wedding. Most staff have submitted their creations and all customers are invited to cast their vote to win prizes such as movie tickets, champagne and a $50 voucher. On a personal level it is very dissappointing as my creation is not polling well, however, is quite obviously the best…such is life.

Richard is extremely busy this week, planning for the forthcoming week of madness, with large orders being placed with our lovely suppliers…they read this, so it pays to be nice to them to ensure supply.

Orders are being taken now, with our shopping cart recently updated to display some of our more popular lines. To maybe miss the rush on Sunday we encourage you to arrange for your pick-ups on Friday or Saturday, or even an early delivery to Mum on the Friday or Saturday could make an unexpected surprise.

Anyway, that is all this week. We very much look forward to seeing you over the next 10 days.