Last week, the Crookston Area Chamber stopped by a local business to honor and celebrate Sarah Klawitter. Sarah owns Kountry Korner Floral, a second-year flower farm in Crookston.
When asked how the community gets flowers from Kountry Korner Floral, Sarah indicated it can get flowers from Wonderful Life Foods, their Flower Farm, Crookston Farmers Market, Private Flower Events, and Flower Subscriptions. Sarah and her husband, Chris, have just finished plating their Summer flowers while harvesting their Spring flower crop. They have Spring and Summer Flower subscriptions available. You can find out more about flower subscriptions on their website: https://kountrykornerfloral.square.site
When asked how Sarah learned about the floral business, she mentioned she has taken various courses and certificates over the past year. Sarah has completed education through the University of Minnesota Crookston Extension Office and courses through various educators, such as Lisa Mason Ziegler, Dave Dowling, Robin Trott, and Lennie Larkin.
Her flowers begin in February by growing 95% of their annual crop from seed. This year, they planted over 10,000 seedlings, starting in their basement. When ready, the plants are moved to the greenhouse and grown in their flower field and high tunnels when the weather permits. Sarah and her husband introduced the concept of bouquet bars, where she displayed several buckets of flowers grown on their farm. The customers then choose which flowers they want to use in their bouquets. Sarah and Chris guide the customer through creating a beautiful flower arrangement. These have become popular with bridal showers, community groups, and private bouquet bars. She shares that their farm has fulfilled a missing element in their local and surrounding communities. They can provide a locally grown product that is sold directly to consumers. When asked how they keep pests from their plants, Sarah explained that buying 10,000 ladybugs is worth it. They are crucial insects to have on their farm as they limit the use of pesticides.
