Farming flowers, creating a special kind of art

Flowers adorn every special occasion. They are an important part of Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and weddings. They say thank you, get well soon and sorry for your loss. Throughout a calendar year and across the holiday cycle flowers decorate rooms, churches and banquet halls. Where do all those flowers come from? Enter the floriculturist - a flower farmer in plain speak. And Saratoga has one of their own, Brooke Seitz of Barefoot Brooke Farm.

The farm grows all of their own blooms during the May through October growing season. They service all manner of local orders, supply weekly flower subscriptions, special events and weddings.

Brooke has a degree in Art & Design, and even though that is not floral design, her training, skill and eye as an artist has had a major impact on the success of the business. Brooke was not formally trained as a florist, so was never taught a certain way that must be followed. This means she does not get stuck in the boundaries of a ‘streamlined operation’. This allows her a different level of creative expression with floral arrangements. Which probably is why designing floral arrangements is Brooke’s favorite part of the business, although growing is an enjoyable experience also.

The concept for the business, for entering flower farming, was not Brooke’s intended career path. She was a teacher at Encampment, but the challenge of finding daycare for her young children made her decide to be a stay-at-home Mom. A love of flower gardening was something she had gained from her parents. In particular seeing how her mother found peace through gardening during a cancer battle. Once she left the classroom, Brooke began to make arrangements with the flowers they were growing. Doors began to open and a business was born.

Barefoot Brooke’s Flower Farm is currently in growth mode. Her husband is also active in the business and they are moving the farm to more land. This will allow them to grow more quality blooms and take on additional customers and specialty orders. Also in the planning stage is increasing florals and tablescapes, in collaboration with businesses and caterers in town

Visit http://www.barefootbrook.com to learn more about the flower farm, their services and how to order. Their Facebook page is, Barefoot Brook and Instagram BarefootBrookArt. The farm can be reached by email using [email protected] or by calling 307-710-7071.