RiverView Gardens is the result of JoAnn's passion for growing flowers. In late December new seed catalogs begin to pour into her mailbox and the seed list grows ever longer. Because she now shares these beautiful marvels of nature at the market, she no longer feel guilty about the abundance. JoAnn is a member of the national Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers.
JoAnn grows her flowers on a six acre parcel by the Spokane River that is owned by her daughter and son in law. They have graciously allowed her to plant several perennial beds, build a 480 square foot unheated hoop house, a small greenhouse and plant a cutting garden 100 by 150 feet where she grow annuals, bulbs and tubers. JoAnn shares a "mother in law" apartment seperate from the main house with her 102 year old aunt. The family cuts hay from the back acreage and from 6 Dexter cows her gardens are fertilized. She maintains an “organic” approach to management of the soil, avoiding artificial fertilizers. Compost, manure and rotation provides some control over disease and pests. Watering is by a drip system with straw mulch for conservation.
In mid-February the season begins in a greenhouse and from then until the soil in the beds is comfortably warm the new seedlings are watered, fed and finally transplanted to larger containers and put in the unheated hoop house to harden for the outside. This is done in successive plantings according to each type of flower requirements for days to maturity.
This year JoAnn will grow 25-30 varieties of annuals from seed. Lilies, glads and dahlias will be planted after frost and many perennials will be encouraged to flourish. From her effort the customer will have a wide choice through out the market season for unique bouquets and bunches of focal flowers.
JoAnn is particularly concerned the flowers be fresh and at their peak for the longest vase life possible.
If you want to schedule a special picking at the garden during the week this can be arranged by phone.
Learn More About RiverView Gardens Located In: Otis Orchards, WA They travel 3 Miles to get to the Farmers Market They sell: Single Stems, Market Bunches and Ready Made Bouquets. The stems will be from annuals, perennials, tubers, corms, bulbs, grasses and shrubs. | Contact RiverView Gardens Phone Number: (509) 981-2729 |
