As 2026 approaches, local flower grower Jessica Long is preparing to expand her business, Church Creek Farm, located in Salisbury, North Carolina. This small-scale family farm specializes in specialty cut flowers and is on track for a significant year ahead, having already tripled its production capacity.
Long’s ambitions have been bolstered by recent grant awards that support local agriculture. Church Creek Farm received a grant from the Natural Resources Conservation Service, which facilitated the addition of two high tunnels to improve growing conditions. Additionally, the farm obtained a grant from Rowan County Soil and Water Conservation to install a new well, enhancing its operational capabilities.
Increasing Demand and Custom Offerings
The rise in production aligns with a growing demand for locally sourced flowers. “We are always at the Salisbury Farmers Market,” Long noted. “We plan to be there every Saturday this year.” Alongside regular customers, Church Creek Farm has developed a subscription service allowing bouquet deliveries to customers’ homes or pickups at the farm.
Church Creek Farm offers a variety of floral products, including fresh bouquets, mason jar arrangements, wreaths, and dried flower arrangements. They cater to various occasions, such as weddings and proms. “We have tapped into more wedding work recently,” Long said, mentioning collaborations with numerous local venues.
Long is passionate about elevating the perception of local flowers, emphasizing that only 22 percent of flowers sold in the United States are domestically grown. “We are trying to get the word out about local flowers,” she explained. “We hope to be the go-to flower provider for Rowan County.” With plans to open a retail space, she is also pursuing certification as a florist.
Mentorship and Community Impact
In addition to expanding her business, Long is committed to fostering future generations of flower growers. She collaborates with students from West Rowan High School, offering internship opportunities that immerse them in agricultural practices and event planning. “They intern on the farm and get involved in weddings and events,” she said.
A significant goal for 2026 is to establish a mentorship and scholarship program for aspiring flower growers. “I mentored two girls last year who have started their own business. I hope to do that this year and attach a scholarship to it,” Long shared. This initiative reflects her desire to empower youth and support their educational aspirations in horticulture.
Long’s journey has not been without challenges. In early 2024, she experienced a stroke, which prompted a difficult recovery. “2025 was a chaotic year because I was trying to play catch up constantly,” she recalled. Now, however, she is focused on future opportunities, already booking events for 2027.
The intricate nature of her business requires meticulous planning, especially for wedding arrangements. “We don’t have packages; everything is custom work,” Long explained. She meets with clients to discuss their specific needs and develops tailored quotes for their events. “That is why we push for weddings to plan six months to a year in advance so that we can grow their flowers,” she added.
Despite the demanding nature of floristry, Long finds fulfillment in her work. “I love every minute of it,” she stated, embodying the spirit of resilience that defines her approach to both business and family life. As a mother of three, she also emphasizes the importance of family, stating, “Behind the business, I am a mom first.”
Long’s aspirations extend beyond her immediate success. “Our mantra is: ‘Support your local community and they will support you,’” she said, underscoring her commitment to community engagement. As she looks toward the future, she expresses pride in her children’s growth and development, indicating that her family remains her top priority.
Located at 6825 U.S. Hwy. 52 in Salisbury, Church Creek Farm is more than just a flower-growing business; it represents Long’s dedication to her craft, her community, and the future of local agriculture.
