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Women Caring for the Land: Sunborn Gardens
July 26, 2019 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Free
Carol Larsen is truly a pioneer in the world of flower farming. She started selling cut flowers and bouquets at the Dane County Farmers Market in 1975, ran a wedding floral business out of her home, and also founded a Madison flower grower’s cooperative. In January 2019, Carol officially retired. Today, the business is run by Carol’s son and daughter-in-law, Hans and Lisa Larsen. The property is 20 acres, with three core areas of flower crop fields, three high tunnel hoop houses to extend the season and grow specialty flowers more suitable for greenhouse growing, and a beautiful residential space that doubles as a flower design studio.
What you will learn:
• On farm conservation practices, including crop rotation and cover crops on a flower farm, reduced tillage and incorporating pollinator habitat in a production system.
• Greenhouse flower production, including biological control of pests, nearly organic practices, extending the season and specialty cut flowers suitable for greenhouse growing.
• Sales avenues in a changing economy, including direct wedding sales, bouquet CSA and farmers markets.
• Balance of family and farm.
• Farm succession.
Registration recommended. Please register online at www.driftlessgrasslands.org/events or call Cindy, 608-930-3252
