Sept. 19, 2017, Dunnville, Ont. – Talk about giving visitors the “wow” experience.
Rosa Flora was the host greenhouse this past Saturday for Flower Canada Ontario’s first “Petals & Plates” tour and farm dinner. And those in attendance were equally impressed with the flowers, facilities and the food. The event was sold-out!
If consumers have ever wondered what it would be like to step into a flower greenhouse and be surrounded by thousands of flowers in bloom, this was their chance.
An 80-seat harvest table, beautifully decorated by a local floral designer was placed in the middle of a snapdragon greenhouse. A delicious floral themed, locally sourced seasonal meal was prepared by executive chef Jan-Willem Stulp (Grand Oak Culinary Market of Vineland Station).
The dinner was preceded by a cocktail hour with floral drinks, local beer and wine, and a tour of the greenhouse.
Featured on the tour were lisanthus and gerbera crops. Guests also had a peak at the cogen facilities and walked by the farm’s towering wind turbine.
Hosting the guests were Rosa Flora owners Joshua Bulk, and his sister and brother-in-law Arielle and Ralph DeBoer.
ROOTS IN 1978
Rosa Flora was launched in 1978 by Otto and Corine Bulk (who were also on hand to welcome guests). The farm has grown to over 1.5 million square feet of greenhouses, a fleet of 18 refrigerated trucks, and a 35,0000-square-foot cooler.
“The best thing about this type of dinner is that guests can mingle with farmers, florists and fellow flower lovers, eat amazing locally sourced food, and hear and share stories about why buying local is a movement worth celebrating,” said Jesseline Gough, marketing coordinator at Flowers Canada (Ontario).
The next Petals & Plates tour/dinner will be held Oct. 28 at CosMic Plants, a leading North American orchid producer in Beamsville. Visit www.petalsandplates.ca tickets and more details.
ABOUT FLOWERS CANADA ONTARIO
Flowers Canada Ontario Inc. (FCO) is the provincial trade association representing growers of cut flowers, potted plants, bedding plants and propagative material. FCO represents nearly 200 flower growers across the province on several issues including: government relations, crop management, environment, research and development, international trade, human resources, and marketing via the pickOntario brand.
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