It’s fall again, harvest time, the season of comfort. Nostalgic imagery comes to mind — pumpkins, apple pie, cozy sweaters, steaming mugs of cocoa and colors, those moody yellows, burnt oranges and crisp reds the color of a Fuji apple. I always look for autumn bouquets so I can bring those delightful hues into my home. But this year, I want something new, something different, not the same seasonal bunch I grab at the supermarket.
A market with local roots
On the advice of a friend, I head over to Point West Flower Mart on Professional Drive. Once a wholesaler, Point West opened its doors to the public during COVID-19 and has operated that way ever since. Not only can florists enjoy what Point West has to offer, but so can the rest of us. And it’s much more affordable than you might expect. Whether you purchase flowers for yourself, as a gift or for an entire event, this place can help. And if you need assistance with design, they can provide that too.
Bursting with seasonal color
As I enter the mart, I’m greeted by Christina, one of the owners. I ask if she has any seasonal flowers and she beams, gesturing toward the large walk-in refrigerator in front of me. She’s warm, friendly and happy to help. Moments later, I’m standing in the chilled room, immersed in color.
Before me are buckets and buckets of beautiful flowers, perfectly bunched and ready for purchase: orange azaleas, yellow dahlias, snapdragons and roses, hydrangeas dusted pink. It’s stunning, for lack of a better word, and I’m overwhelmed by all the choices. I’m mentally drooling as I stoop over some roses to take in the smell. I want them all, I think, but saner heads prevail.
I bring dahlias to the register along with some greenery I couldn’t possibly remember the name of. The flowers are local, Christina confirms for me as she wraps them in paper. They’re from a farm in Sebastopol. Point West buys mostly local whenever possible, wanting to support county farms and help give something back to the community.
A place for kittens, too
And give back they do, but not just in the way of flowers. Point West is not only a flower mart, but also a foster home for kittens from the Rohnert Park Animal Shelter. In an adjacent room, you can visit with kittens who are looking for a home. More than 100 cats have been adopted since the project started a year and a half ago.
I thank the staff — they’re as lovely as the flowers — and pat Jerry’s head, the mart’s adopted feline resident. Then I visit the kittens on my way out. There are treats and toys and plenty of snuggles. It’s hard to leave. So if you come for a visit, just know you’ve been warned. You might leave with more than flowers in your arms.
Point West Flower Mart
150 Professional Dr. Ste. B
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
(707) 230-6070
Hours:
Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Sat. 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
Sun. closed
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