March 16, 2025 – San Ignacio Farm, Colombia
Perched 2,801 meters above sea level in the Andes, just outside Bogotá, the San Ignacio Farm at Alexandra Farms is a floral oasis—and the perfect altitude for cultivating world-renowned garden roses. On the first day of our journey to Colombia, Choice Farms was welcomed with open arms to a place where precision meets passion, and where sustainability and community are at the heart of every bloom.
From the moment we arrived, the energy on the farm was vibrant and inspiring. We learned that more than half of the farm’s workers are women, and of those, over half are heads of household—a powerful reflection of Alexandra Farms’ commitment to creating opportunity and empowerment through floriculture. Their pride, skill, and warmth were evident in every interaction.
Inside the Greenhouses: Trial Varieties and Garden Rose Magic
The day began with a walk-through greenhouses overflowing with color and texture. We had the rare chance to step inside the new varieties trial greenhouse, where we each selected a stem of our favorite variety to cut and share with the group. The experience sparked great conversation about color, form, and fragrance—and made it clear just how hard it is to pick a favorite when the options are this breathtaking.
Every bloom seemed to carry its own story. While some caught our attention for their subtle ruffles or delicate scent, others impressed with bold structure or unexpected shades. The greenhouse felt like a living library of beauty, each stem a chapter in the evolution of garden roses.
Breeding in Action: Creating the Roses of Tomorrow
One of the most fascinating parts of the day was a hands-on breeding exercise led by Dean Rule, the CEO of ConectiflorAndino which is the Ecuadorian branch of E.G. Hill Co.’s Rose Breeding program. We learned how new rose varieties are developed. We were shown how to hand-paint pollen onto the center of a rose—a small but powerful gesture that begins a months-long process of innovation, patience, and care. This intimate look into the start of a rose’s life gave us a whole new appreciation for the expertise required to bring new varieties to market.
Pushing Floral Boundaries Through Innovation
Innovation was on full display throughout the day. From promising miniature garden spray roses from Japan to other trial varieties identified by leading designers as missing from today’s global floral supply—Alexandra Farms is not just growing roses, but actively shaping the future of luxury blooms.
These new varieties are being thoughtfully developed to meet evolving trends and fill market gaps with beauty, resilience, and distinctive charm.
A Closed-Loop Commitment to Sustainability
The farm’s approach to sustainability was equally impressive. Flowers that aren’t sold are composted using trichoderma bacteria, creating a nutrient-rich sweetener that’s returned to the flower beds. This closed-loop system allows the farm to fertilize naturally—without chemicals—and reinforces their commitment to environmentally conscious farming practices. Every step is intentional. Every bloom, a product of care and respect for the land.
Reflections from the Field
“One of the most memorable moments was getting to cut a stem of our favorite variety and share it with the group. We could have spent hours in those greenhouses admiring the blooms—every corner revealed something breathtaking. But what made the day truly special was the camaraderie. It was inspiring to connect with other guests and hear how each of us plays a role in bringing these garden roses to life for the end consumer.” — Behind-the-scenes reflection from the Choice Farms team
Looking Ahead
Day One was a powerful reminder of why we do what we do—to bring florists, designers, and consumers access to the most exceptional blooms available. As we continue our journey through Colombia, we’ll be sharing more from inside the greenhouses, design sessions, and fragrance workshops that make Alexandra Farms a global leader in garden rose cultivation.
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