How Blooma Farms is Reshaping Denver's Gardening Supply Landscape

The Changing Landscape of Denver’s Horticulture

In a surprising twist in the gardening sector, Blooma Farms is making a significant move into the market previously dominated by Welby Gardens. With the latter's closure, Blooma has seized the opportunity to expand its operations, acquiring a five-acre site in Denver that features 120,000 square feet of greenhouses. This acquisition not only broadens Blooma's footprint but preserves a vital part of Colorado's horticultural legacy.

Opportunity in Adversity: An Uncommon Business Shift

Jeremy Friedman, the owner of Blooma Farms, personally understood the weight of Welby Gardens' closure. "When I heard that Welby Gardens was closing, I felt compelled to continue providing products to our independent garden centers and landscapers," he stated. This sentiment resonates strongly within a community that thrives on support and cooperation amongst local businesses. By acquiring Welby’s land, Blooma is ensuring that the diversity and quality of horticultural offerings remain accessible to both garden centers and landscapers in Colorado.

New Leadership: Merging Expertise and Innovation

One of the most significant aspects of this acquisition is the joining of forces between Blooma Farms and Al Gerace, the former CEO of Welby Gardens. Gerace brings decades of experience and an intimate knowledge of the local market. As Friedman puts it, "The mentorship of Al is our very own gold rush." His arrival marks a shift not only in Blooma's operational capability but also in its strategic direction, especially in expanding landscaping offerings from 15% to an anticipated 30% of Blooma's business.

Safeguarding Local Community Interests

Friedman's initiative to expand Blooma Farms is driven by a desire to safeguard the interests of local businesses. Welby Gardens had been a cornerstone supplier of flowers and plants to many local independent garden centers. As Friedman pointed out, there is a growing supply gap within the industry, and with the closure of numerous greenhouses, the community was at risk of facing a shortage. His commitment to ensuring that local businesses can continue to thrive is a defining aspect of Blooma Farms' future.

Future Trends: Sustainability and Innovation in Horticulture

As the gardening world evolves, sustainable practices and innovative plant varieties become paramount. Blooma Farms has been proactive in these areas, collaborating with Colorado State University to develop hardier plant varieties that are designed to withstand the changing climate. Their premium offerings, especially unique poinsettia varieties, may become crucial as more gardeners seek sustainable options that flourish in Colorado's varied environment.

Conclusion: A Blossoming Future for Denver’s Gardening Community

The story of Blooma Farms is one of resilience, adaptability, and community focus. As the company navigates this new chapter, the future looks bright not only for Blooma but for the entire Colorado gardening community. Local homeowners, landscapers, and garden enthusiasts can look forward to a more robust selection of high-quality plants, ensuring that their gardens remain vibrant and impactful.