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He Specializes In “Forest Droppings”
Woodland moss, mushrooms, and colorful branches all have value to Patrick Zweifel. His Oregon Coastal Flowers (OCF) floral supply company markets these and other scavenged items as Forest Droppings.
“Forest Droppings are all the things you see on the forest floor,” says Zweifel. “We buy tree mushrooms, mosses, rocks, little ferns and more. The materials change from season to season.”
Zweifel buys the materials from foragers throughout the Pacific Northwest and sells them to other florists, wholesalers and designers. He doesn’t sell online to consumers, but he does sell through select farmers markets.
“Here on the Oregon coast these items aren’t that special,” admits Zweifel. “However, at the Los Angeles farmers market, where 95 percent of the booths look the same, Forest Droppings make ours stand out. That booth accounts for 40 percent of our sales.”
Zweifel explains that Forest Droppings are popular with people wanting to make weddings and parties look different. FARM SHOW readers interested in using the woodland materials in small quantities will be directed to a local dealer. If the quantity needed meets OCF’s minimum purchase, Zweifel will sell direct.
The biggest challenge is working with suppliers, notes Zweifel. “We grow and harvest many different plants and materials. Maintaining the relationship with our suppliers is one of the most important things I do,” he says. “We are always looking for new things to offer our customers. If a FARM SHOW reader has a special product I am not aware of, I hope they will let me know. I can help market it around the country.”
Contact: Farm Show Followup, Oregon Coastal Flowers, 9455 Kilchis River Rd., Tillamook, Ore. 97141 (ph 503 815-3762; sales@oregoncoastalflowers.com; www.oregoncoastalflowers.com).


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2020 - Volume #44, Issue #6