We're thrilled to catch up with Marisa Keris, the flower farmer behind Farmer Lady Flowers, based in Allentown, New Jersey. Marisa's informal education in flowers has been enriched through years of gardening, working on farms, and teaching art - specifically botanical drawing and working with natural dyes. Trained as a studio painter, Marisa holds a BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design and an MFA from Tyler School of Art. 

Inspired by her deep love for nature, and background in art, Marisa became a professional grower after growing up on her family's fourth-generation farm in Allentown, where she currently grows her flowers. 

Marisa is one of the founding members and President of Jersey Cut Flower Market, a successful cut flower coop comprised of 11 small-scale flower farms. 

Her mission is to grow flowers sustainably and seasonally, to create beauty, and bring that beauty to the community, while assisting in the stewardship of the family farm. Be sure to follow along with Marisa's beautiful flowers on her Instagram and website.

Talk about your flower journey - How did you get started??
 

I’m in my seventh year of growing cut flowers professionally, but I have always been a gardener. It took me years, two fine art degrees, multiple jobs, and moves to figure out how to bridge my artistic background with my love for the family farm and growing things. I grew up on the Christmas tree farm where I currently grow!

Tell us about your farm and anything you specialize in:

I grow on about two acres of the 24-acre family Christmas tree farm. We specialize in high-end varieties and colors of “wedding” flowers. We mainly sell wholesale at my co-op Jersey Cut Flower Market and also sell via farm pickup and a farmer’s market. We also take a few small weddings and workshops every year. 

What do you love most about using Rooted and being part of a collective?

Rooted opened up so many possibilities, like efficiently operating our co-op! Meeting and working with other local growers has been life-changing for my business, social life, and overall well-being.

What advice would you give your past self or someone just starting out on their farming journey? 

I’m a self-taught flower farmer who has the amazing privilege of having grown up on land and having access to farm that land. I feel incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to explore this career. Even with all this access, I struggled to figure it out. My advice would be to just keep moving forward, just keep going after what you want.

Can you talk about your crop planning process? How do you decide what to grow?

With little kids in the mix, sometimes I’ve resorted to an intuitive (last-minute) approach. But now I work up plans and seed orders in January and look at the Rooted data from our co-op sales. I still grow a few unfamiliar things each year to explore new possibilities. 

Can you share a success story that you’re particularly proud of? Maybe a moment when things came together in a way that exceeded your expectations?

The day we got our shipping container cooler hooked up was a game changer, and just in time for tulip season! Where there’s a will there’s a way. 

Has your farm changed in ways you didn’t expect when you first started?

I didn’t expect to actually make a living doing what I liked, because I failed at it a couple of times. Paying myself a living wage has been the single most important thing for my business survival and my personal creative freedom. It’s all because of our wonderful customers and local co-op. 

What’s one thing you wish more people understood about flower farming?

It’s dirty, sweaty, and a test of your physical abilities and boundaries. It’s mentally exhausting and fulfilling at the same time. You have to learn about things like irrigation and assemble these things yourself with the help of mentors, suppliers, and the internet!

What’s a lesson you’ve had to learn the hard way in flower farming?

For every beautiful success, there’s a problem to solve or a thing to repair. It’s expensive! I’ve really come to prioritize spending and value the tools I’ve invested in. 

What’s one small joy in your farming routine that never gets old?

I love the physicality of farming, and I do not take for granted that I have access to fresh air and movement every day. 

Do you have a favorite go-to book as a growing resource?

This year I’ve added to my library: The Cut Flower Sourcebook, Lean Farming, Flower Farming for Profit, SWGM’s Floral Standards.

Be sure to check out Farmer Lady Flower's website for more about Marisa's offerings and follow on Instagram to keep up with her beautiful blooms!