Interview with Alison from Pierrepoint Proteas

We are very excited to kick off our ‘Soil to Vase’ in store events by showcasing one of our local growers here in Southwest Victoria. Yay!

One of our most frequently asked questions is, ‘Where do you get your flowers from?’

We are very proud to support local growers in our region for many reasons:

• Freshly picked – so a longer vase life for you.
• Seasonal – so we are getting the flowers at their best.
• We can liaise with the growers easily for special orders.
• We are supporting another local, small business which adds to our local economy and supports other local families.
• A reduced carbon footprint with less transportation involved.
• Strengthening the relationships we develop with our suppliers.

So, who do we get our flowers from?

Meet Alison from Pierrepoint Proteas –

Most locals think of you in terms of growing the gorgeous King Protea, but we know better, there is more to you than that. So, tell us…

1. How you got started in the flower growing business?

Angus and I started about 10 years ago and bought a sheep farm that is adjacent to Angus’ parents’ farm… and it happened to have proteas growing on it.

We were going to bulldoze the flowers but the former owners talked us out of it and suggested that we give it a go.

Ten years later they are still growing proteas and have increased their range.

2. What do you grow? Do you have plans to add other varieties or types of flowers in the future?

We currently grow a few varieties of Protea, Leucadendron, some Waratah and Blushing Bride.

We have just planted and expanded our variety and quantity because you must purchase a minimum number of plants from Proteaflora, which are the main wholesalers of plants.

We are also clearing out old and non-productive plants and planting new ones so that we can plant in the area where the irrigation is.

3. Are there any challenges relating to your location?

Because it is on the side of a hill the wind is an issue. The soil is clay so that can be problematic with being too wet and the proteas don’t like wet feet.

4. What has been the most challenging aspect of growing and supplying your blooms?

Rabbits, the gate left open, and lambs eating the flowers!

Finding markets to sell the product to can be a challenge. To make it worthwhile to freight to the wholesalers we need at least 5 boxes full of King Protea. That’s a lot of picking!

It also takes patience as there is a 3 to 4 year wait before the flowers are ready for picking. The weather is a factor as you cannot pick the King Protea when it’s wet or raining as the bloom, or fuzziness, on the flowers rubs off.

5. What is the process and what goes into the flowers we buy?

First, there needs to be a worthwhile quantity to pick.

In the height of the season, we use a buggy and trailer and walk along each row picking armfuls of the Kings. We start at the top of the hill and work our way down, then it’s off to grade them by length, strip the leaves off, cut stems to place in water and into the cool room to condition.

We then pack them in boxes, fill the orders and go to meet the truck that will take them to the wholesalers.

6. Are there any ways that you try to reduce your impact on the environment?

We mulch with the stripped off leaves and hand weed with minimal spraying and just fertilise with a native fertiliser in Autumn. We also use recycled flower boxes to pack the flowers in. There has been a lot of tree planting on the property too.

7. What is the most rewarding aspect of growing your blooms?

I love seeing where they go and what happens to them. It is rewarding that people absolutely love the flowers.

On a beautiful day with the sun shining, colourful flowers, a great view – I certainly don’t miss the bank job!

8. What time of year are your flowers available?

Mother’s Day until Christmas.

(From a florist’s point of view, we find it is inconvenient that they often finish the week before Christmas!)