Isabelle Baldwin
Sid Egly of Gypsy Flower Farm in Maryland.
Wearing overalls and a tank top, Sid Egly greets me on his 1-acre flower farm in Poolesville, Maryland, his hair pulled back and wildflower tattoo on display.
Egly is the embodiment of a flower farmer — warm, observant, ready to get his hands dirty. He is one of a few Certified Naturally Grown, or CNG, farmers in Montgomery County. That means Egly's Gypsy Flower Farm specializes in growing unique and beautiful cut flowers without the use of pesticides or chemicals.
Farmers use pesticides to control weeds, insect infestation and diseases, which increase crop production, and, in turn, profits.
For organic growers, however, basing your garden on the theory that “nature knows best” has its advantages, too.
Avoiding the use of pesticides benefits the environment in more ways than one. It helps to prevent water pollution, topsoil loss, soil contamination and toxic runoff — something that can lead unassuming customers to develop rashes and illnesses. Beyond the environment, starting from the soil up and rejecting chemicals can benefit your mental and physical health.
“There’s no reason to rush farming,” explains Egly, who believes that his flowers look better when they’re grown organically.
The proof is in the soil: Egly’s celosia, amaranth, snapdragon, lupine, Gomphrena and zinnia were either in the process of blooming or primed and ready to go.
In the fall months, asters, carnations and dahlia selections — including Clair Obscur Cactus and Bora Bora Cactus — and more than 2,000 sunflowers will take center stage through November.
Isabelle Baldwin
Beginning Roots
Egly’s love for flowers runs in his family. The artist-turned-farmer first became fascinated with all things green in 2013, when his mom, award-winning floral designer Stephanie Egly, opened up her shop.
In Stephanie’s Secret Garden, located at the farm, she works on centerpieces, bouquets, boutonnieres and corsages for various celebrations.
In a frenzy of passion, Egly began re-searching soil composition, growing and harvesting flowers, and how to create organic compost. Less than two months later, packages of seeds were being delivered to his doorstep and he was creating in-depth seedling growth schedules and evaluating spacing requirements.
“The months approaching my first growing season were spent more in the greenhouse than anywhere else,” he says. “Flower farming became my main priority, requiring my full attention day and night.”
Isabelle Baldwin
Gypsy Subscriptions
Gypsy Farms offers three-month, four-month and nine-month community-supported agri-culture (CSA) flower subscriptions, or “Gypsy Subscriptions.” Each subscription includes the option of receiving one or two bouquets per month.
The three-month, Early Bird Flower Subscription, running from April through June, provides flower-lovers with an assortment of popular and unique spring flowers, including colorful tulips, anemones, nigella and sweetly scented hyacinths.
The four-month, Warmer Days Flower Subscription, running from July through October, offers summer and early autumn bloomers. The assortment includes robust sunflowers, berries, “cottage garden” lupines and more.
The nine-month, Four Season Flower Subscription, running from April through December, is for true flower gypsies and includes a wide variety of bouquets. Tulips, sunflowers, zinnias, miniature pumpkins, heavenly scented greens, winter berries and evergreen wreaths will get subscribers through the growing season and holidays.
Two pick-up locations are available: Gypsy Flower Farms at 15115 Mount Nebo Road and Poolesville Hardware at 19961 Fisher Ave.
With the sugarbush flower on his wish list of rare flowers to grow, Egly won’t stop until he feels that his unique farm is complete. Or, at least until he has another acre and an outdoor greenhouse.
Gypsy Flower Farm supports the organic and all-natural farming movement. Egly is looking for-ward to the future of Gypsy Flower Farm and the educational opportunities that it can create for beginner farmers and those who wish to create a full-time career in flower farming.
Egly was recently visited by Eco City Farms, a nonprofit urban teaching and learning farm in Prince George’s County. You can view photos from the visit at gypsyflowerfarm.com.
Keep up with Sid’s adventures on Instagram @gypsyrooted and on Facebook at Gypsy Flower Farm. For direct inquiries, email Sid at sidegly@yahoo.com.
Other Farms to Visit
Burnside Farms, Haymarket, Va. Prince William County’s claim to fame! The 5-acre farm offers cut-your-own-flowers seasonally. Located at 4905 James Madison Hwy.
Butler’s Orchard, Germantown, Md. One-hundred acres of pure joy! At this family-owned orchard, there are opportunities to pick your own produce throughout the year. Blackberries, blueberries, raspberries and apples are offered seasonally. They also offer dig-your-own potatoes, cut-your-own flowers,and pick-your-own herbs and tomatoes. Don’t miss: The October pumpkin patch and corn fields! Located at 22222 Davis Mill Road.
Fields of Flowers, Purcellville, Va. Open from mid-May to the first winter storm, guests are invited to wander acres of flower gardens and pick at their leisure. The Loudon County gem provides buckets, scissors and a workstation to clean your bouquet when you’re done. Located at 37879 Allder School Road.
Seven Oaks Lavender Farm, Catlett, Va. Take a break from the bustle of Northern Virginia and pick-your-own lavender and herbs. For additional “cool points” with your family, the farm has bunnies to pet and hold, and a large playhouse. Don’t miss: The shaded trees, rocking chairs and porch. Located at 8769 Old Dumfries Road.
Rockhill Orchard, Mount Airy, Md. Where else can you pick eggplants and peaches? Rockhill offers seasonal pick-your-own produce opportunities, and from June to mid-October, the community is invited to pick seasonal flowers from almost two dozen varieties.Don’t miss: The largest corn maze in Montgomery County’s Agricultural Reserve. Located at 28600 Ridge Road.
