Founded in 1983, the business began in a rented greenhouse and has since blossomed into one of the region’s premier ornamental operations.
The Fresh Herb Company
The Anderson family, Chet (pictured), Kristy, and sons Chet and Nick, have run The Fresh Herb Company in Boulder County, Colorado for 40 years. Over the years, this family-run enterprise has transformed significantly. Initially rooted in mixed and specialty vegetable production, it has since evolved into a thriving venture, specializing in ornamental flowers and plants, along with a flourishing event category that adds to its profitability.
Overview and History
Chet Anderson and his family are the proud owners of The Fresh Herb Company, where they have been market growers in Boulder County since 1983. Over the years, their farm and markets have evolved in both scale and direction, but their unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality, hand-grown local products remains constant.
Chet played a pivotal role in founding the Boulder County Farmers Market, where he continues to be an active and enthusiastic member, even after more than three decades. In the early years, The Fresh Herb Company primarily supplied fresh-cut herbs and specialty produce to local restaurants and grocery stores. Today, the company has transformed into a prominent local and regional grower, specializing in bedding plants and an extensive array of annual and perennial cut flowers.
Spanning 9.75 outdoor acres and encompassing 15,000 square feet of greenhouse space, their operation is dedicated to cultivating the finest hand-grown plants and cut flowers. Their meticulous care, from planting to post-harvest, ensures that discerning customers receive nothing less than exceptional products. Among their specialties are herb plants, flowering hanging baskets, succulents, peonies, sunflowers, phlox, veronica, as well as Asiatic and Oriental lilies.
Farm Operations
Operating a farm is an ongoing, year-round commitment. Farmers understand that it's an unending cycle intricately connected to the seasons, lacking a distinct starting or ending point. With that in mind, the following activities at The Fresh Herb Company align with approximate timeframes as outlined below:
All the processing, cooling, packaging, and other essential operations take place within the Barn.
15 shares of Left Hand Ditch are included as well as full documentation on extensive irrigation systems, pumps, ponds, misters, drip emitters and surface sprinklers.
All of the equipment, to plant cultivate, harvest, package, store, distribute and sell are included. Extensive documentation on business operations and assets are available after initial visit.
Spring
As winter approaches its end, it marks the opportune moment to commence indoor plant propagation, a practice that will extend throughout the spring season. Concurrently, this is the time to engage in proactive sales calls and visits to client grocery stores and garden centers. Weather permitting, we initiate the first round of outdoor direct sowing for flowers, typically commencing in late March or April, followed by multiple planting rounds that extend until approximately mid-July.
Summer
This marks the peak of the cut flower season, commencing with the enchanting arrival of peonies in June, alongside the highly anticipated first lily harvest. To ensure well-preparedness for the brisk pace of this selling season, the greenhouse is meticulously stocked with all essential materials. These include trimming knives, rubber bands, elastic binding string, as well as various packaging supplies such as bags, boxes, and more, enabling efficient presentation and distribution of beautiful flowers
Winter
As the calendar year approaches its conclusion, it's the season to conclude primary operations and assess the season's outcomes and the condition of all equipment. Tasks include turning compost, clearing irrigation lines, disking fields, cleaning and servicing tractors, and more. Focus shifts towards planning next year's budget and planting strategy, determining dates and quantities, while also starting to organize the staff and crew
Fall
Between August and October, the different growing plant categories will naturally reach the end of their respective cycles. As outdoor activities gradually wind down, the perennial field undergoes pruning and cleanup. Simultaneously, preparations are made in the greenhouse to safeguard against colder weather and ensure the ongoing cultivation of indoor lilies.
FLOOR PLANS
Main Residence and The Barn
