Little Hollow Flowers

Ep. 49: Sustainable Flower Farming & Extending the Growing Season with Little Hollow Flowers

Little Hollow Flowers

A Conversation with flower farmer Dustin Saunders from Little Hollow Flowers on The Backyard Bouquet Podcast

Nestled along Colorado’s scenic Front Range, Little Hollow Flowers is more than just a flower farm—it’s a testament to resilience, sustainability, and a deep love for plants. In Episode 49 of The Backyard Bouquet Podcast, I sat down with Dustin Saunders, one-half of the duo behind this thriving cut flower farm. We explored how a chance encounter with a fallen ash tree led Dustin and his partner, Kate, to flower farming, the challenges and rewards of growing in an extreme climate, and their commitment to sustainable practices.

From a Sidewalk Garden to a Full-Scale Flower Farm

Dustin and Kate’s journey into flower farming began unexpectedly—when a tree fell on their home in Boulder, it cleared space for a small garden, where they first experimented with dahlias. That experiment quickly grew into a passion that led them to search for the perfect farm location. After two years, they found an idyllic five-acre property in Larimer County, complete with a greenhouse, allowing them to extend their growing season despite Colorado’s harsh winters.

Overcoming Colorado’s Climate Challenges

Farming in Colorado is no small feat. With summer highs reaching 100°F and winter lows plunging to -20°F, season extension is essential. Little Hollow Flowers employs a mix of heated greenhouses, cold frame tunnels, and frost cloth to keep plants thriving. According to Dustin, “Our goal is to maximize the season on both ends, whether it’s starting ranunculus early or keeping heirloom chrysanthemums blooming into November.”

Dahlias, Ranunculus & Specialty Perennials

Little Hollow Flowers specializes in dahlias, ranunculus, and unique perennials, with a strong focus on growing resilient, climate-adaptive varieties.

Their top-performing dahlias include:

Cornell Bronze – “God’s gift of a dahlia,” says Dustin, for its productivity and on-trend color.
Rock Run Ashley – A dusty pink variety perfect for wedding work.
Ferncliff Pearl – A stunning white ball dahlia with a soft blush center.

They also cultivate ranunculus at scale, growing up to 10,000 plants per season, along with heirloom chrysanthemums, unique perennials like Sanguisorba (Burnet) and Penstemon, and even ornamental grasses for floral arrangements.

Working with the Colorado Flower Collective

A key part of their business is wholesale sales, with 75% of their flowers going to florists and event designers, including through the Colorado Flower Collective, a local floral co-op that connects growers with buyers in Denver. The collective allows small-scale farmers to combine their offerings, making it possible to fulfill large-scale floral orders while staying rooted in local, sustainable practices.

Sustainability and the Future of Flower Farming

Water scarcity is a growing issue in the West, and Little Hollow Flowers is adapting by incorporating more perennials, native plants, and low-water varieties. Dustin explains, “We’re rethinking how we farm. By focusing on regionally adapted plants, we can grow beautiful flowers while using less water.”

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a flower farmer or a home gardener, Dustin’s story is an inspiring example of how passion, adaptability, and community support can lead to a thriving flower business. To follow their journey, visit Little Hollow Flowers or find them on Instagram (@littlehollowflowers).

📌 Listen to the full episode on Spotify | Apple Podcasts.

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