Thank you for taking the time to learn more about the road this friendly neighborhood flower farm has traveled. Read on to learn about our story, our growing standards, the importance of local flowers, and about the farmers behind the flowers.
Our StoryDown the Road Farm was established in 2013 by first-generation farmers Lauren and Zack. We are a sustainably-managed specialty cut flower farm in the wooded, rolling hills of New Lexington, spreading joy through beautiful, high-quality, locally grown blooms and bouquets to our market, subscription, and other customers in Lancaster and southeast Ohio. We are working to live a creative and purpose-filled life on a small-scale, profitable farm that allows us to be self-reliant, contribute to the happiness of others, and steward the land.
We chose our name, Down the Road Farm, for three reasons. First, back when we started as beginning farmers, we knew we had a lot to learn, so we joked our "budding" enterprise would be a farm “down the road.” Second, the name represents our commitment to local, to being the farm next door, and selling within our community. Finally, our name is about our commitment to sustainability; we are tending this piece of land and choosing production practices that help protect our soil and other natural resources for the future. |
Our Growing StandardsWe are committed to nurturing our land, our environment, and our local community. We practice responsible land stewardship including soil building practices which promote soil organic matter and prevent erosion.
We focus on integrated pest management to utilize beneficial insects and support pollinator health, and use ground cover to decrease weed pressure rather than herbicides or mechanical cultivation. We take the road less traveled, using no hazardous synthetic chemical herbicides, pesticides, fungicides, fertilizers, or genetically engineered seed because we want to lessen our impact on the planet and do the right thing for future generations. Instead, we use cover crops, crop rotations, mulch, compost, and other natural methods to manage weeds and pests and improve soil fertility. If you have any questions about our production practices, please ask! |
Why Local Flowers?Flowers can delight us at our happiest hours, comfort us in our darkest days, and nourish our souls in the times in between. Flowers are a reminder to cherish the beauty around us.
Unfortunately, about 80% of flowers sold in grocery stores and to florists are grown, harvested, stored, and shipped (without water!) for days and even weeks from thousands of miles away. They are often treated with hazardous chemicals which pollute our environment and harm farm workers. The result is lifeless blooms that only live a few days, but leave a big environmental footprint. We want to be your "grown not flown" local flower option. Our flowers are grown in New Lexington, Ohio and are harvested fresh at their peek, usually within 48 hours of you receiving them, and rarely leave water post-harvest. We sell locally, bringing you the freshest flowers with the longest vase life available. |
Team DTRF
ZackField and Produce Manager
When he's not busy making it all happen on the farm, Zack is an experienced archaeologist, with a career spanning Ohio, New Mexico, Texas, Arizona, and the Midwest. He has a degree in archeology from Ohio University. |
LaurenFloral and Business Manager
In addition to farming, Lauren worked in Ohio's sustainable agriculture community for 14 years with the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association. Her environmental advocacy work has helped to protect Perry State Forest from coal mine development and led to clean car standards in New Mexico. She has sociology degrees from New Mexico State University and Ohio University. |
AmmiChief Mole Patrol Officer
Ammi is our wildflower, named after Ammi majus (false Queen Anne's lace). She is 4-year-old German Shepard/Blue Healer rescue pup. She likes herding sticks, digging holes, killing moles, and belly rubs. |
We believe that good, local food should be affordable and accessible, so in addition to cash, we accept the following payment options at the farmers market:
- Credit and Debit (produce and flowers)
- SNAP EBT (visit the Lancaster Farmers Market tent, produce only)
- Ohio Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program Coupons (Buckeye Hills Regional Council and LifeCare Alliance, produce only)
- WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program Coupons (produce only)
We are proud members of:
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HERE'S WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS HAD TO SAY:
"I'm in love with your fresh flower bouquets!... Thank you for the beautiful work you do.”
"The quality of your flowers and your customer service are both consistently excellent."