Frequently Asked Questions
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer CSA shares for the 2023 season but plan to continue offering these in 2024.
What is a CSA?
CSA stands for "Community Supported Agriculture." Purchasing a "share" in a CSA program guarantees members a portion of that year's harvest, while providing the farm with the capital needed for early season expenses. This model fosters a strong relationship between farmers and their surrounding communities.
By investing in Valley Ridge Farm, our CSA members directly support a local family business. In return, they receive our strongest commitment to work tirelessly toward providing an abundant and varied selection of the most beautiful dahlia blooms of the season! Once the buds start opening and the field is bursting with amazing color, weekly dahlia bouquets will be provided to our members as their "share" of the harvest.
When do dahlia CSA shares begin?
Dahlia shares will begin the week of August 15th. Members will be notified 1-2 weeks prior to the start date. Please make sure to add our email (info@valleyridgedahlias.com) to your contacts list to prevent our emails from going to your spam folder.
Extension and Mid-Season 3-week Dahlia Shares begin the week of September 19th, with further extensions available until our season ends at first frost.
How are shares delivered?
Dahlia shares are cut the morning of pick-up when possible and then pre-wrapped in kraft paper. Members agree to pick up shares at their chosen time & location each week. The options available are (a) Tuesdays from 4-6pm at Stoneybrook Farm Market in Hillsboro, VA, and (b) Wednesdays from 4-7pm at the Jefferson Maryland Farmers Market. If none of these is feasible for you, feel free to contact us. Additional pick-up options will be considered based on interest. We reserve the right to reschedule pick-ups if extreme weather makes us unable to harvest or travel for deliveries.
Who will receive the Donation Share dahlias?
A weekly gift of fresh flowers has the potential to bless and brighten the lives of many individuals within our community. Recipients we consider for Donation Shares include senior living/assisted care homes, women's shelters, hospitals, etc. We choose organizations and share a list toward the beginning of the harvest season.
For 2022, we are donating to the Frederick Rescue Mission and Faith House in Frederick, Sterling Care South Mountain nursing home in Boonsboro, and Lovettsville Home Assisted Living in Lovettsville.
What if I'm unable to pick up my share for a certain week?
We encourage members who are unable to collect their share to send a friend or neighbor to pick it up. If you send us a message in advance, we can try to make other arrangements. Any unclaimed shares will be donated to a local organization.
Can I order additional flowers to pick up with my share?
Absolutely! If you would like to order extra flowers, feel free to place an order from our store or send us an email to check on availabilty. In addition to dahlias, we have celosia and sunflowers growing and are happy to deliver with your dahlia share.
Can I purchase a share for someone else?
Of course! Valley Ridge Farm dahlia shares make wonderful gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and other special occasions. If someone else will be the member, just use the Order Notes box in the cart to enter their name, email, and phone number before completing checkout. This will ensure that we can contact them about the season start date and as needed regarding shares.
What if the harvest is impacted by unexpected challenges?
As members of the farm community, CSA share members assume some of the risk of farming. Natural or other challenges can lead to a smaller or lower quality harvest than anticipated. We are committed to mitigate losses and work tirelessly to provide our members with an abundance of high quality blooms.
There are no refunds for shares missed by members, or for smaller shares than planned. However, please know that our CSA members are top priority, so the shares receive blooms before all other outlets.
How do I sign up?
You can sign up from our shop by clicking on the button below. Alternatively, if you have additional questions or would like to use a different form of payment, feel free to contact us here or by emailing us at info@valleyridgedahlias.com.