.Nice Stems

Nothing seems to perk up a room quite like a splash of summer flowers, and nothing sucks more than draining the bank account to get them. Thankfully, Dragonfly Farm and Floral in Healdsburg has come up with generous solution: “Lazy Sundays,” a chance to save their extra flowers from the compost heap and save yourself a few bucks in the process.

Nineteen years ago, the owners of Dragonfly ripped out 6.5 acres of grapes, taking their chances on the petal trade, and wound up creating a magnet for bees, butterflies and brides. They now specialize in weddings, personally harvesting the flowers for their arrangements. Just recently, the florists decided to create Lazy Sundays, offering their blooming surplus to the public.

“We grow most of our own flowers, and we always have extras,” says owner Bonnie Z. “So at the end of the week, we just started to put them outside the door on Sundays when we weren’t open, for whatever people could pay.”

The folks at Dragonfly Farms don’t just deal in flowers; the farm chickens are out and the eggs are there for the taking—just let the staff know, and they’ll put some aside. Fresh figs are abundant as well, and Z says anyone looking for a peaceful nap in the shade is invited to pack a picnic, relax in the willow circle on site or set up an easel and paint as they please.

“People seem to really like it,” she says. “Just the other day, there was a couple having a picnic. There are always people looking around.”

Bountiful produce and flower fields aside, Z knows what gives her the most pleasure. “The best part is probably the people we get to meet,” Z says. “There are so many weddings. We see lots of people come through.”

During regular hours, flowers are available for purchase ($1.50&–$2.50 each) and arrangements can be ordered. Get your flower fix at the Dragonfly Farm, 425 Westside Road, Healdsburg. The Farm Stand is open Wednesday&–Saturday, 10am to 5pm, and pay-as-you-can flowers are available Sunday, 10am to 3pm. 707.433.3739.