Graze at the Flower Fields

Spring is a season of fresh starts and new beginnings, and the San Diego County Farm Bureau celebrated that spirit by hosting Graze, their first annual one of a kind tasting and education event at the world-renowned Carlsbad Flower Fields. Over 200 people from our community had the opportunity to taste local bounty and behold an array of San Diego Agriculture, while networking with the farmers and purveyors. Several of our favorite industry partners including the San Diego Water Authority, the San Diego Safari Park and the San Diego County Master Gardeners Association participated too.

We were thrilled to be invited to represent San Diego’s Cut Flower industry, the #10 Top Crop in the county producing $41,497,668 in annual sales. We flowered our display table with bouquets, topiaries, a wreath, assorted waxflower and Leucadendron as well as our protea books and promotional material. In addition, we hosted a boutonniere bar where guests could select a floral accessory of their choice or make their own.

San Diego Grown Dinner

The San Diego County Farm Bureau hosted their biannual San Diego Grown Dinner at Orfila Winery and Be Wise Ranch on the most perfect fall day - sunny skies, a slight breeze, and mild temps welcomed over 200 guests as they enjoyed savory appetizers, sipped on cider, beer and wine, listened to live mariachi music, sampled tasty olive oil, visited the boutonniere bar and finally settled in for a feast among the veggies!

Once again, we partnered with the Farm Bureau and created protea décor for the event. We flowered the Orfila Winery entrance with wreaths and garlands, decorated the cocktail tables with posies, garnished the bar and buffets with handtied bouquets. In addition, we hosted a boutonniere bar where guests could take a floral accessory of their choice to go or make their own.

Chef Michael Ground of the Patio Group and his talented team prepared a three-course farm-to-table feast with a bounty from the county. Guests enjoyed a selection of fresh, fall fruits and vegetables along with grilled and smoked beef, barbeque chicken, sausage and a host of sweet treats! Each course was paired with fine wines from Rancho Guejito, Edwards and Orfila Vineyards.

Here’s a peek at the menu:

Dinner entertainment not only included a colorful mariachi group, the Farm Bureau ‘conveniently’ arranged the launching of the SpaceX satellite which lit up the night sky like an explosion of fireworks radiating beams of light.

San Diego Grown Dinner 365

There’s really no way better to celebrate summer’s last harvest than enjoying a exquisite farm-to-table dinner straight from the source: The San Diego Grown Dinner – Hosted by the Farmers and Ranchers of San Diego County. And, that is just what we did!

On Sunday, September 20th, Chef Jeff Rossman, owner of Terra American Bistro, and a talented team of culinary arts students from Grossmont College served over 175 guests a specatular farm-to-table dinner at Stehly Farms Organics in Valley Center. Upon arrival, guests were greeted by Chef Jeff as they sampled savory appetizers from the Slider, Crostini and Soup Bars.

Our Flower Farmer Florist Mel Resendiz added some festive flare to the dinner by designing a gorgeous arrangement and wreath for display. And together we created 26 arrangements that garnished the tables and hors d’ oeuvre stations. Kudos to Mellano & Co. and Weidners Gardens for donating some of the floral gems that were added to the seasonal recipe.

Everyone mingled throughout the dinner, enjoying the delicious locally grown food and wine. There’s definitely something special about eating a scrumptious meal in a stunning outdoor setting.

The Farmers and Ranchers of San Diego County along with Chef Jeff and his team created an amazing menu that left all the guests feeling like they had just eaten at a Five Star restaurant.

Here’s a peek at the menu:

This celebration of locally grown didn’t end with dessert. A unique box of San Diego Grown goodies was presented to the guests to take home and enjoy with their families.

Cheers to a bountiful harvest!