For each of the past five years Emily Pek’s business has started from seed.
Pek, owner of Frayed Knot Farm in Newbury Township, annually sows more than 30,000 seeds, producing colorful, fresh flowers used to create hundreds of bountiful bouquets.
The arrangements, sold through a subscription service and for special events, are assembled by Pek, 32, who operates the farm using organic and land regenerative growing practices.
“I put a lot of work into making sure there are no chemicals,” she said.
Using a community-supported agriculture plan, subscriptions for bouquets are sold in the months prior to harvesting.
Funds from the subscriptions are used as seed money to begin the planting process in early spring and also to sustain the farm throughout winter months.
Beginning in July, weekly bouquet pickups for subscribers take place at Shed Boutique and Wellness in Chagrin Falls, Sophie LaGourmande in Cleveland Heights, Room Service Boutique in Shaker Heights or through Ohio City Farm in Ohio City and Shaker Heights.
The bunches of delicate blossoms, created from a selection of more than 100 flower varieties, are first wrapped in a special hydrating material to retain freshness, followed by simple craft paper to complement the organic, natural presentation.
Unlike many businesses that suffered losses throughout the coronavirus period, Pek said that hers grew exponentially. Many people confined to their homes sought the service for their own enjoyment or to be used as gifts.
“I’m really lucky that I have a really strong community that wants to invest,” she said.
The cost for a subscription of six summer bouquets is $215, or $384 for a dozen. Subscriptions for this season are sold out.
Composition of the bouquets changes weekly according to which flowers are in bloom.
Calendula, yarrow and echinacea along with wildflowers and specialty annuals such as dahlias, zinnias and celosia are just a few of the varieties grown and cut. Fresh herbs are often added to enhance fragrance and thus provide an olfactory as well as visual experience.
Although Northeast Ohio’s nippy weather prevents outdoor gardening during winter months, an expansive greenhouse allows for early seed germination for some varieties beginning in February.
Once spring arrives Pek prepares flower beds by using a “lasagna” gardening method. First, a tarp is placed over the designated area to smother unwanted growth. After the covering is removed, a layer of wood chips followed by another layer consisting of rich compost is applied, readying the area for potentially successful plantings.
Pek’s grandparents have owned the land just south of Route 87 and Auburn Road for several decades and it’s where her interest in gardening was first nurtured.
Although Frayed Knot currently operates on a single acre, three additional acres serve as potential space for future growth.
In keeping with a full organic focus, the flower farmer relies on rainwater to nourish the plants. However, during dry spells water from nearby Sunrise Springs Water Company is delivered. Pek then quenches plants’ thirsts with the laborious task of hand watering.
“My next big infrastructure is a well,” she said.
Pek, of Shaker Heights, appreciates the natural and community-minded business that she has cultivated.
“I just love being in tune with the seasons and that I can work outside every day. It’s really important for me to be in tune with the world around me and Circadian rhythm. There is something very visceral about flowers, I selfishly love bringing that joy to people,” she said.
