Stop on Sturt to smell the roses

DEAN flower producers, Soho Rose Farm have launched their Valentine’s Pop-Up Shop in the CBD.

Farm owner and florist Kristy Tippett said the store at 415 Sturt Street is open until Sunday, 14 February.

“We haven’t been selling anywhere near as many flowers as we have in the paddocks because of the pandemic, so we thought this time of year was a good opportunity to get them out there,” she said.

“It’s also a good way for us to be within our community, engage with it as a business, and meet people.”

Selling freshly picked, pre-made bunches of local, seasonal flowers straight from the farm, Ms Tippett said a Soho arrangement will be a thoughtful gift for any person in your life after a “tough” 12-month period.

“They don’t have to be for a partner, they can be for anyone that you love, to show them that you care,” she said.

“Coming from a floristry background, I understand lots of people are anti-Valentine’s Day, but this year is a good time to simply give something nice.

“A lot of people don’t buy flowers on Valentine’s Day because they don’t smell, but all of our roses are fragrant. They’re picked from the farm, brought to the shop straight away, and they’re different colours, not all red.”

Soho Rose Farm grow hybrid tea, David Austin, and old heritage roses, and other seasonal blooms like dahlias and sweet peas.

“Ballarat loves seasonal, local produce, so it’s really great to offer our farm-fresh flowers here in the middle of town for people to support,” Ms Tippett said.

Pre-order a bunch at sohorosefarm.com.au or pick up one in-store. Grampians-Pyrenees region wine Sub Rosa, Lucky and James chocolate, and handmade vases are also available at the shop.