Michelle Elston started Roots Cut Flower Farm in 2007 as a tiny farm outside Carlisle. Committed to growing sustainably, sharing beauty, and working with the land and seasons, she wanted to have meaningful and viable horticultural work while raising her young children.
Roots now includes a team of more than 15 people who farm alongside Michelle on 10 acres of rolling, rocky land. With fields and processes geared toward production, Roots grows flowers for 30,000 bouquets and 450 bulk buckets annually. Despite growing beyond her wildest dreams, her commitment to sustainability, beauty, and seasonality remains.
Learn more about this hidden gem from Michelle.
Can you share a bit about your business and how it reflects the unique character of Cumberland Valley?
Roots Cut Flower Farm grows fresh cut flowers to sell to supermarkets across PA and retail outlets in the greater Carlisle area. When I started this farm 18 years ago, I thought I’d need to attend DC or Philadelphia markets to sell these flowers. It was the greatest surprise to find that 50% of our sales can happen right here in Cumberland County. People here love fresh, vibrant, and local produce and flowers and are deeply committed to supporting small businesses. We produce 30,000 bouquets every year, plus arrangements, bulk buckets, and wreaths.
What inspired you to start your business, and how has the community influenced your journey?
I have always loved plants for as long as I can remember. Carlisle is my hometown, and when we moved back here from Massachusetts to raise our children, some time and space opened up for me to pursue this dream. Farmers on the Square was founded in my third year of having the farm, and we were fortunate to be vendors there for the first 14 years of the market. The wonderful market community definitely helped establish Roots.
What makes your products/services special?
The beauty of using only seasonal flowers grown right here on our farm is that they die! Some crops are only available for 1-2 weeks a year. Each season is short, and we must savor it in the present moment before the next wave of blooms comes. I think this ephemeral nature of local cut flowers makes them all the sweeter.
What does supporting local businesses mean to you?
I am extremely proud to hire only local people and offer competitive compensation. My team means the world to me. My farm and my husband’s landscape company, Earthworks Design & Construction, entirely support our family financially. We believe in the local economy because we live it every day!
What is one thing you would like visitors and residents to know about your business or Cumberland Valley that they might not already know?
We are only open to the public on select days each year when we host on-site PopUp events. We also do off-site events at local partner outlets. Additionally, our flowers can be pre-ordered for pickup or purchased at our retail partners’ stores. Our website has all the details! Our Holiday PopUp Shop is our most popular event. In 2024, the event was held on November 29-30 and is scheduled again for December 6-7.
