Perennial Favorites Flower Farm
14235 Leopold Rd * Leopold, Indiana 47551 * (812) 843-4724 * kleeford@psci.net
Growers of Specialty Cut Flowers since 1995
Perennial Favorites Flower Farm was started in 1995 in the rolling hills of south central Indiana. Proprietors John Klueh and Tammy Ford met while studying horticulture at Purdue University in the early 80's. After careers in agricultural research that took them to Madison, Wisconsin for ten years the couple decided to move back to their native southern Indiana and start a horticultural production business. After extensive research they decided to concentrate on specialty cut flowers.
Settling in the Hoosier National Forest region of Indiana they set about the proceess of soil buiding and marketing through a lot of trial and error. This particular region of southern Indiana was never glaciated so the soils are typically low in organic matter, low in fertility, usually have a low Ph and less than optimal drainage. They had their work cut out for them. Through the years the soil structure has been improved through the use of green manure cover crops, and the incorporation of compost made from locally produced turkey litter and sawdust from a nearby sawmill. Water for irrigation is pumped from a 3/4 acre pond and distruibuted to the plants using trickle irrigation techniques.
Through the years a greenhouse and two high tunnels were added. The heated greenhouse is used to start plants for planting in the field through the course of the growing season. The high tunnels are used for season extension and also protect tender flowers from damage due to the elements.
John and Tammy became members of the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers
back in 1994 and through this association they have been able to network with growers all over the U.S. and beyond. By attending meetings and through print media they are able to stay up on new cut flower varieties, cultural information, and the latest in post-harvest care. The result is quality flowers with exceptional vaselife.
Back in 1995 when farmers' markets in Louisville were in their infancy Perennial Favorites' cut flowers were sold to florists and floral wholesalers in Louisville and Southern Indiana, but with the proliferation of cut flowers flown in from South America the focus turned more to direct-to-consumer sales through farmers' markets. Today they grow Delphinium, Campanula, Tuberose, Godetia, Zinnia, Sunflower, Lisianthus, Hydrangea, Snapdragon, Sweet Pea, Dutch Iris, Lilies, Peony, and Baptisia to name a few. They also grow an acre of Winterberry Holly for the holiday season and make beautiful wreaths that last well into the spring.
You may find Perennial Favorites cut flowers at the Bardstown Road Farmers' Market on Saturday mornings where they made their first dollar back in June 1995, and Monday and Thursday afternoons at the Temple Market on Lime Kiln Lane and U.S. 42 from 3:00 to 7:00 pm.
