Spring forward with island time farm and gardens- Shelter Island's very own sustainable farm sprouting specialty cut flowers and oh, so delicious vegetables.
The Bloom Bar—which invites guests to design and build their own bouquet—is the ultimate party favor.
Allow us to introduce your new favorite spot on the East End: Island Time Farm and Gardens. Since the spring of 2017, co-founders Chris DiOrio and Kelci McIntosh have provided a fresh take on farming in the East End, sowing their own vegetable and flower seeds on their lush 1-acre property in Shelter Island. While you may know them best from the Havens Farmers Market, Island Time now offers some just-plucked projects including custom floral design, garden consulting, Bloom Bars and more. Here, McIntosh gets candid about her inspiration for the farm, and what new growth we can expect to see this summer.
First and foremost, tell us about the inspiration behind Island Time Farm and Garden.
Island Time Farm and Gardens grew from a shared love of growing. Chris and I, both avid gardeners, met in New Orleans in 2015. We moved to Shelter Island in 2017 not sure what we were going to do. I was thinking about starting a flower farm—wondering where that would be and how to acquire land and resources. I knew I could grow specialty cut flowers, I just needed to find my market. Learning about Shelter Island’s rich history in agriculture, the step to start a farm there made sense, specifically because there wasn’t a flower farm and there was a demand.
Island Time Farm and Gardens offers an array of products and services ranging from weddings and corporate events to home gardens and flower clubs
Why was Shelter Island the perfect location for your farm?
Chris was born and raised on Shelter Island. The wife of our landlord, Jay Card, was a mentor to Chris growing up. e land we grow on was a famous vegetable and flower farm, farmed by Jay’s father, Jay Card Sr., for over 40 years. Tucked into the center of the Island and surrounded by beautiful forest, it seemed just right.
Your wedding and event florals are absolutely stunning! What is your favorite part about curating an event?
My favorite part is collaborating with the brides—using their vision and color palette to make their dream a reality on their special day. Flowers speak to the beauty of these magical moments, and none of this can be done without my florists! We must have an enjoyable space and vibe to create in. Coffee, tea, delicious food and energetic music make all the difference. I want designing to be a great experience for everyone involved. Community is at the heart of our designs.
On top of weddings and events, you also provide home gardens around the East End. What can customers expect from that process?
We absolutely love growing gardens! We design, build, grow and maintain vegetable and cut flower gardens on the East End. Gardens hold a special place in our hearts. ere is nothing more enjoyable in life than going out into the garden and picking a perfectly ripe tomato or cutting beautiful blooms for a homemade bouquet.
Customers can expect a curated abundance of vegetables and flowers, tailored to their desires. As we have long had a passion for gardening, we have been able to select excellent tried-and-true varieties, while always looking for new and interesting plants to grow as well. It’s got to be good! If we don’t eat or harvest it in our home garden, we don’t grow it. We want the best for ourselves and the best for our clients. Keep it simple and delicious.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Getting to experience the beauty of nature every day. There is nothing like seeing a perfect bloom months after starting it from seed, just like there is nothing like tasting a delicious heirloom tomato right off the vine. One of my favorite times of the year is spending hours upon hours in the greenhouse seeding in the spring. We grow beautiful plants and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Beauty is my love language.
For private events and weddings, Island Time offers handcrafted bouquets, personalized wedding design and carefully curated floral arrangements.
Are there any new programs or products you are excited about for the summer?
We are really looking forward to weddings this season. is is an ever-growing part of our business. We’ve really expanded our floral selection for weddings.
Anything else we can buzz for the upcoming months?
Our Bloom Bar! Having a party or event? We bring the flowers to you and your guests design and bring them home! A gift they won’t forget. Check out our website for all our floral offerings. 62 N. Ferry Road, Shelter Island,425.879.6939,islandtimefarm.com
Photography by: PHOTO BY ERIC STRIFFLER, PHOTO: COURTESY OF SEE GOLDEN CONSULTING, BY LIV LYSZYK
