A popular rural flower stand is reopening after nearly two decades of dormancy.
The Blooming Barn was a well-known flower business at 3617 Dove Creek Rd. until its closure in the early 2000s.
The property changed hands a couple of times since then, until the Van Housen family purchased it a few years ago.
When Fiona and Cameron Van Housen joined his parents at the property, Fiona’s vision of reviving the Blooming Barn began to take shape, and after five years of rejuvenating the soil and foundation, The Blooming Barn will officially open just in time for Mother’s Day.
“(Cameron’s) parents were aware of the history, and they loved it - I think that was one of the attractions to the property for them,” said Fiona. “They moved from Vancouver, and they tried all of the hobby farm-type stuff, and when I moved onto the property with my partner… we have always wanted to bring (Blooming Barn) back.
“It definitely has always been on the radar. It’s been slow going, but we are ready now. The soil conditioning is difficult, but rewarding.”
Customers of yore have fond memories of the original business, and Fiona said they are working to replicate much of that ambiance with the reincarnation.
“We are definitely going to keep on with the dried flowers - that was a big part of the (previous) business - in addition to the fresh flowers, of course,” she said. “We also have some of their old pamphlets so we are definitely going to try to do some throwback stuff.”
While The Blooming Barn’s main focus will be flowers - the company offers more than 75 varieties of flowers and foliage - there is also a small produce component to the business.
“The produce is really just to complement the business, if people want to pick up some peppers, or what have you, when they come for their flowers,” said Fiona.
The Blooming Barn also offers a “Bouquet Club.”
A subscription guarantees the client fresh 20-30-stem arrangements for four months, from mid-June to mid-September.
Customers can buy seasonal subscriptions for fresh bouquets weekly (13), bi-weekly (8), or monthly (4).
The official grand opening will be May 8-10, with many specials all weekend long.
“May 8,9,10 will be the Mother’s Day sale/re-introduction to the community, which will include potted dahlias and flowers, baskets and more,” said Fiona. “The first 10 people each day will get a Mother’s Day grab bag. Signing up for the bouquet club will also be discounted.”
Fiona said there are already plans for expansion of the business.
“We’re farming 1.5 acres of flowers, veg and pumpkins this year, expanding up to 2.5 acres in the coming years. (We are) keeping the tradition of dry flowers, but bringing the farm into the 21st century with fresh bouquets and edibles.”
For more information on The Blooming Barn, including prices and registration for the Bouquet Club, visit thebloomingbarn.com
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terry.farrell@blackpress.ca
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