Rooted Flowers in Agawam is a flower farm fueled by a passion for harmony between nature, land and family. Since 2019, owner-operator Becky Sadlowski and her family have rejuvenated the property from fallow farmland into a blossoming cut flower nursery.
The vibrant land is a testimony to the renewal of nature, perseverance, and committed vision. Hedgerows border the property and the house with a mixture of native plants and perennials as testing beds for new varieties and evergreens for floral designs, while offering pollinator habitat. On this visit, bees dance among thyme blossoms. “Everything we plant, we have to be able to use,” Sadlowski says.
Despite the cottagecore dream setting, Rooted Flowers is a working flower farm. Sadlowski is committed to a holistic approach that anticipates changeable and disruptive weather patterns. She explains, “Our farm’s inception was rooted in a vision to be resilient and adaptable, especially considering the challenging growing conditions New England often presents.”
As the region suffered heavy losses in food production due to freezes and flooding this year, the weather also impacted flower growers.
“The challenges of this year’s flooding took a toll on our crops,” Sadlowski explains. “We suffered the loss of all our field dahlias, a cornerstone of our offerings. We’ve been fortunate to have some mitigation in place with rows protected in tunnels and a dedicated greenhouse, which shielded part of our crops. Based on this year’s experiences, our future growing plans will lean more heavily into such protective measures to buffer against unpredictable weather events.”
Sadlowski learns by watching both land and crops. Although this has been an unusually wet year, the region has also faced drought conditions in recent years.
“In previous seasons, we grappled with water shortages to the extent of relying on our household supply to irrigate our crops,” she says. “To address this, we installed a well last year, ensuring that our plants remained hydrated even in drier conditions. While we can’t control Mother Nature, our approach is rooted in adaptation and learning. We’re committed to evolving with each season, leveraging our experiences to ensure the sustainability and resilience of our farm amid New England weather.”
It’s plant health that results in rich colors, fragrances, and strong plant structures. Sadlowski sees her farm in an overall “garden” style. “This comes from watching things come together naturally. It starts with the growth habitat. Varieties have to perform well, and that ultimately informs use in flower design,” she says.
Sadlowski sees her farm as a unified, living system.
“Our overarching philosophy is holistic,” she explains. “We believe that by nurturing and maintaining the health of our farming system as a whole, everything else, from plant vitality to final yield, will thrive. I began the journey towards organic certification but found inconsistencies in its practice among some peers. It led me to the realization that the best path for us was not just meeting a standard but exceeding it. While we adhere to many organic principles, our primary focus remains on fostering a thriving, sustainable and genuine farm ecosystem.”
As any gardener knows, it all starts with the quality of the soil.
“Integral to our cultivation strategy is our collaboration with a specialized agronomist,” Sadlowski says. “This expert assists us in determining which natural, certified organic ingredients are best suited to enrich our soil, optimizing plant health and yield. We believe in feeding the soil, and it will feed us.”
The offerings at Rooted Flowers celebrate cut flowers, including flower arrangements available at the farm stand, lavish wedding flowers, and thoughtful funeral arrangements. Orders for special events can be placed at www.rootedflowersshop.com.
With a true understanding of the needs of cut flower gardeners, Rooted Flowers offers tubers and corms for sale in their online store, www.rootedflowers.com. Rooted Flowers’ annual fall bulb sale opens on Oct. 15 at 10 a.m., with shipping and farm pickup options available.
Sadlowski expands on sourcing tubers. “Our farm actively engages in seed saving and the digging and dividing of dahlia tubers. While many of our specialty flower bulbs are sourced from trusted growers, we’re gradually shifting towards using more of our own stock. The recent challenges in Holland — a major bulb supplier that faced harvest issues due to weather disturbances — emphasize the importance of this transition.”
The farm stand is at 501 Shoemaker Lane in Agawam, where handcrafted wraps and jar arrangements await visitors. The stand has been seasonal, with Sadlowski innovating to stretch the season and provide fresh, local flowers year-round. This self-service stand runs on the honor system, accepting cash, Venmo, and PayPal.
With her son nestled in his baby carrier, Sadlowski shares parting thoughts.
“The heart of my farm and its joy lies in the profound sense of connectedness it nurtures … Working hand in hand with my family, tending to the land, and watching as the seeds of our efforts bloom, I’m reminded of the intricate web of relationships that bind us all. As the farm has grown, it’s clear that our approach to floristry isn’t just about flowers. It’s about weaving a tapestry of memories, moments, feelings, and people.”
Lisa Goodrich is communications coordinator for Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture. Learn more about local farms, harvest favorites, and seasonal fun in our online guide at buylocalfood.org.