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L  O  C  A  L

E
S
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2010

SOW Local of Oakdale, New York is a small, single acre, 3-season farm specializing in locally grown, pesticide-free, seasonal cut flowers. We grow for retail customers, event florists, small events and DIY bulk flowers. SOW was founded in 2010 by the husband and wife team, Chris and Lauren.  Its origin came from the combined desire to grow affordable and sustainable beauty while supporting the environment. We take great pride in our crop planning and preferably foster native, pollinator-friendly cultivars. Our blooms thrive without the use of toxic pesticides. This both benefits the global environment and you as a consumer– you will be rewarded with the freshest blooms of the season—and all without a carbon footprint.

Local Flower Movement

The “Local Flower Movement” aka “Slow Flower Movement” describes the effort to establish a philosophy of employing sustainable practices, supporting the local economy and reducing chemical use through the purchase of domestically and ethically grown flowers.  Prior to this movement, the majority of flowers purchased in the United States were imported from South America. Regardless of the perfect growing conditions, in poorly regulated foreign countries, workers are often exploited and there are limited environmental restrictions.  Moreover, due to the substantial transit time (five or more days), it is common to apply chemicals directly to the blooms in efforts to prolong their vase life. Unbeknownst to many people, dermal absorption of the noxious chemicals can occur and always, gloves should be worn.  

The Farm

The Farm

​SOW Local specializes in locally grown cut flowers.  From traditional to whimsical, we fill our buckets and bouquets with seasonally relevant annuals, perennials and woodies. All within an acre of land, our annual crops are grown in a traditional row format which allows for an easy harvest and our aesthetically pleasing perennials are found within the landscape.  The majority of our plantings are grown from seed and the majority of seeds are collected from our own stock. It is not clear if this practice helps to reduce disease or if it is due to our biodiversity and the use of insect deterring plants; fortunately pesticides are not necessary and never used on the farm.

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Artist Colony

There is nothing more important to a farm than its location. While this largely pertains our soil and climate, we are also quite content to farm within the historical Idle Hour Artists Colony. In the 1890’s, this working farm complex was constructed by William Vanderbilt.  His estate plan included a sixteen acre plantation complete with brick housing for animals as well as a living quarters for farm staff. In 1926, the Vanderbuilts sold the farm to theThompson Family. The acquisition married the Thompson’s love of real estate and art–hence, the working farm was transformed into multiple art studios and budget-friendly house dwellings suited for aspiring artists. In the 1970’s,  the Colony was designated a historic district and sold to buyers as individual homes.  Minimal changes have occurred in the colony as much effort has been put forth to maintain nostalgia and its quintessential element of charm.

The Farmer's

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Chris and Lauren fulfill the role of farmer and florist and work together to make SOW Local run.  Lauren loves research and she carefully selects for native, pollinator friendly hardy varieties that grow well and without pesticides in our area.  She crafts a detailed yearly calendar plan including succession planting, when to sow seeds inside and out, when to purchase seeds and bulbs ect. The planning calendar is unique as it is based around Oakdale’s growing zone, 7a.    Chris is our expert seed propagator and planter, having the unique patience and dedication it takes to sow all of our seasons blooms.  Maintenance including composting, weeding and watering also fall into Chris’s hands while Lauren does the majority of harvesting, bouquet making and farm stand maintenance.  Though there are no clear boundaries, their unique background and diverse skill-set as well as personal interests are highlighted by their roles on the farm.   

Services
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Services

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Subscriptions

The Stand

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Events

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Weddings

Flowers

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Wheelbarrow

YOU'LL FIND OUR FLOWER FARM'S BEAUTIFUL BOUQUETS OF FLOWERS EACH SATURDAY
starting in May-October at our road side farm stand

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Events

Events & Weddings


Imagine your perfect event embellished with beautiful, fragrant specialty cut flowers. Let’s make it happen…Choose your level of participation. Relax and let SOW orchestrate every floral detail for your event? Or do you prefer a DIY approach? Is it a large or small event? What is the backdrop of the event?  SOW Local? A designation or your home? And consider hardware…do you have a favorite vase? Love the nostalgic look of a Ball jar? Or would you like SOW to choose a vessel?  Finally, let's concentrate on your blooms…consider your stem number and length.  Do you prefer a large, jaw-dropping statement piece or a small, precious bouquet of sweet peas and garden roses?  Are you partial to a certain scent? Would you like to incorporate edible flowers and herbs?  What is your color palette?  Brights, neutrals or do you prefer seasonal colors? What are your favorite flower forms? Round like a dinner plate dahlia? Spikes of hollyhocks? Check the many services that SOW has to offer below.

Menu

FULL SERVICE

Relax. SOW Local will arrange, deliver and set-up your arrangements from start to finish. Perfect for a wedding or large event.

BOUQUET BAR

An unforgettable, unique experience, complete with a take-home party favor!  We harvest the blooms and let you and your guests take the reins on design. Fresh as well as dried flowers available for crafting.  Hosted at SOW Local or your preferred designation.

DIY BUCKETS of BLOOMS

If you enjoy floral design as much as we do and you wish to bring a personal element to your event, choose DIY!  You will receive a bucket of fresh (or dried), loose blooms at nearly wholesale prices.  Excellent for small events and a practical, budget friendly approach to a large wedding. Local delivery available.

FLORAL ACCESSORIES

Boutineers, wrist corsages, floral crowns and hair pieces are all available in fresh and dried flowers.  Any furry friends attending?  Adorn them in a precious strawflower collar and they will be the bark of the ball!

A LA CARTE

Unlimited options.  Consider a single hand-tied spiral bouquet for a special day or multiple large arrangements. Local delivery available.

WORKSHOPS

Have you ever struggled with bouquet making?  A formal lesson in how to effortlessly craft the perfect hand-tied spiral bouquet. All the necessary tools of design as well as vases will be provided. Hosted at the farm or your preferred destination.

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The Stand

What is most important when selecting produce, taste or appearance? Typically, a supermarket tomato is ripe-red, firm to the touch and free of blemishes and sadly, bred for high yield and durability during shipping and no longer for taste.  And who needs a pretty tomato that lasts for eons? 

 

Hence, a small, street-side farm stand was created at the 4 Jade Street farmstead in Oakdale, NY and here’s where you will find the freshest produce on the Island.  We pledge “harvest to table” which can be interpreted as a fresher then farm to table. The stand is “unmanned”, open for three seasons and primarily offers market bouquets and vegetables.  Seasonally, garden shop items such as holiday cards (Mother’s day), wreaths, dried flowers and pumpkin are also available.  

 

The stand is restocked on Wednesday and Saturday morning, so if you are planning on a special bouquet or looking for specific produce, please contact us as we would like to make sure your shopping trip is productive.

The Syand
CSA's

Flower Subscriptions

What is most important when selecting produce, taste or appearance? Typically, a supermarket tomato is ripe-red, firm to the touch and free of blemishes and sadly, bred for high yield and durability during shipping and no longer for taste.  And who needs a pretty tomato that lasts for eons? 

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Contact

CONTACT

4 Jade Street Oakdale, NY 11769

Tel: 860-227-3821

You can also contact us by using this form:

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