Charles Little and Company

Charles and Bethany Little

Unknown.jpeg

Charles Little & Company was founded in 1986, by Charles Little on 35 acres of nutrient rich soil along the Coast Fork of the Willamette River. The farm is run by Charles and Bethany Little. Both have a passion for growing an extensive collection of botanicals for fresh and dried flower sales. Located at the base of Mt.Pisgah in Eugene Oregon, the crops consist of varieties of all kinds; ornamental herbs, grasses and grains, unique sticks, pods and berries. The farm relies on the principles of regenerative agriculture to grow ornamental crops year after year.

IMG_4217.jpeg
IMG_4287.jpeg
IMG_3853.jpeg
IMG_7136.jpeg

With an extensive background in farming, horticulture, and gardening in Oregon since 1977, Charles has deep knowledge in cultivating flowers with a focus on permaculture and sustainable farming. Having started as a hobby gardener, Charles' ambition was to farm flowers specifically for drying. This niche started Charles Little and Company utilizing annuals and perennials that were fun and interesting flowers for the dried floral world.

While participating in a collaboration with a neighbor growing 4 ½ acres of Larkspur, Charles gained quite a bit of notoriety for the amazing 8ft tall stalks that consisted of all the differing colors of this beautiful flower.  It was during this time that Bethany introduced herself to Charles asking for a job. She herself has been enthralled in gardening and flowers from a very young age. While attempting to grow her own larkspur at this same time, she accidentally grew a single blooming variety. After a newspaper article came out about Charles and the amazing Larkspur fields, Bethany knew she needed to see them for herself and a love story and partnership began.

IMG_8116.jpeg

Bethany Little has been the co-owner of Charles Little & Co. since 1998. She is the sales & shipping manager, as well as a wreath making extraordinaire.

Today Charles Little & Company is a farm that provides fresh and dried flowers all over the United States. These flowers satisfy the desire for every color and type of material used by crafters and floral designers, from professional to individuals who simply want to enjoy a beautiful bouquet on their kitchen table. It is a place fit for everyone.

The next time you are in the Eugene, OR area it is highly recommended to check out this amazing farm- and even clip your own flowers! Otherwise check out their website and enjoy the amazing selection of dried flowers they offer there. 

Show Notes

  1. Dried flowers can be a great way to grow your business and extend your season.

  2. Dried flowers may also give you a great way to pivot your business if the need should arise.

  3. As you start to dry flowers, be sure to find a dark warm place with great air circulation.

  4. Cut stage is very important when producing a quality dried flower. You want lots of color showing.

  5. When selecting woodies and perennials, look for flowers that may have multiple seasons of harvesting.

  6. It can take up to 3 years to really get a lot of productivity from perennials and up to 5 for woody’s. So the best time to start planting them is no