Name: Roxanne Renner
Farm: Santa Rita Organic Flower Farm
Location: 6441 E. Highway 246, Lompoc, CA 93436
What they grow: A cornucopia of color and variety, including culinary herb blends, fresh lavender, heirloom tomatoes, swiss chard, kale, peppers, eggplant, squash, leeks, beets, broccoli, carrots, seasonal tree fruits and berries, and over 30 varieties of their organic cut flowers
Where to buy: Farmer’s Markets including Tuesday in downtown Santa Barbara, Wednesday in Solvang, Thursday in Carpinteria, and Sunday in Goleta. Additionally, they offer Lompoc’s only CSA program, with affordable pricing and great selection of farm-fresh produce. To sign-up, email santaritaflowerfarm@yahoo.com
In season now: Vine-ripened strawberries and blueberries, their famous multi-colored sunflowers, stone fruit, sweet onions, lemons, heirloom tomatoes, and the unique pincushion flower
Their story: From Tom Shepherd to Tutti Frutti Farms, Renner has worked alongside some of the best farmers in the Santa Barbara County. With her produce “pedigree,” her and her partner Jeff Hendrickson decided to start their own organic farm and CSA in Lompoc. Started in 2003, these two UCSB alumni have grown a seasonal wonderland of fresh produce and flowers.
“It is important to grow with integrity,” said Renner. “Rather than specializing in one particular item, we love to grow with the seasons and carry on the traditions of pure, organic farming.”
Their florist quality flowers are all certified organic and pesticide-free, a rare feature for an increasingly synthetic floral industry. What was once an old Christmas tree farm is now a blooming metropolis of healthy produce and sustainable living.