Cobblestone streets won't stop Alexandria florists from delivering fresh flowers right to your front door.
Alexandria, Virginia is located approximately six miles south of downtown Washington D.C. Being this close to the nation's capital is considered to be largely responsible for the continued growth of the city through the turn of the century to present day.
Old Town is the oldest section of Alexandria and has been designated by the city as a historic site. It was first developed in 1749 and some of its architecture still retains some of the old world charm. It is here that tourists and locals can experience boutique shopping, fine dining as well as theatre. There are historic walking tours that operate in the area helping tourists take in the city’s rich history.
Market Square is the location of the longest continually running farmers market in the country and has been in operation every Saturday morning for the past 240 years. It was originally created as a means for local Alexandria flower, fruit and vegetable farmers, meat producers and bakers to gather in one area to sell their products to local residents. Throughout the years the various farmers markets have changed slightly to allow local artisans, and other area businesses to keep stalls.
Farmers markets help to keep Alexandria flower growers in business and most will tell you that these markets account for up to 50% of their annual sales. Alexandria flower shops ordinarily make up the other %50. An Alexandria flower farmer will typically sell to and Alexandria florist by the stem or bunch, but will sell pre-made bouquets through the markets. The best way for local Alexandria flower farmers to stay competitive against the growing amounts of imported flowers, is to produce unusual or hard-to-ship flowers. One area flower farmer reveals that in order to sell to Alexandria florists, growers must load their vans with their top quality flowers and take them directly to Alexandria flower shops. As long as the product is unusual and of high quality, they should have no trouble selling it all by the end of the day.
Alexandria florists prefer to buy from local growers as the flowers are fresher and smell better which keeps their customer coming back. Entertaining is a part of everyday life in Washington D.C., and thanks to its close proximity to Alexandria, flower sales for Alexandria flower shops and growers never seem to dwindle. If you are in the area, take some time to visit the Market Square farmers market to purchase some of the best produce in the area, home grown by a local farmer.
Alexandria Popular Attractions
- Torpedo Factory Art Center
- Carlyle House - get a bit of history at this historic home
- Old Town - quaint and charming section reminiscent of old English towns
- Washington Masonic National Memorial
- Woodlawn Plantation and Pope-Leighey House - historic home of Martha Washington's granddaughter
- Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
There are many wonderful flower shops in Lorton that can help with any floral or gift-giving needs. You can also rely on local Annandale florists or Arlington flower shops to send flowers that are just as fresh. You may even try Fairfax florists for local flower delivery.
Every gardener knows that under the cloak of winter lies a miracle ...
a seed waiting to sprout, a bulb opening to the light, a bud straining to unfurl.
And the anticipation nurtures our dream.
- Barbara Winkler