IT was a back-to-back win as Flower Grower of the Year at the 2017 Sydney Markets Fresh Awards for Sam and Phil Dominello, third generation flower growers who have been operating as S&P Dominello at Peats Ridge on the Central Coast of NSW since 1980.
They have built one of the most respected and trusted businesses in the industry providing customers with the best quality cut flowers and service.
“We were surprised, elated, honoured, all the words that project happiness as my brothers work very, very hard on the farm,” Vicki Dominello said.
“The win in 2016 resulted in new customers and more people visiting our stand and we also gained promotion within the industry and community.
“But to now win two years in a row, we are absolutely ecstatic. Everyone was absolutely thrilled as they put in so much work on the farm.
“We are renowned for our lilies, their colour, length, quality, longevity, everything that signifies the best of the best.”
The business specialises in cut flowers with 4 hectares of greenhouses, 2ha of which can be heated up to grow liliums year-round, and lisianthus and freesias six months of the year.
They have taken a biological approach to their growing techniques with an integrated pest management system including using beneficial bugs to create an environmentally friendly and sustainable future.
Lower temperatures in the greenhouses with higher humidity also helps create an environment in which these pests do not thrive.
“This guarantees our clientele and consumers are not exposed to the poisonous gases and chemicals that imported flowers have been exposed too,” Vicki said.
“All of our cut flowers are placed into a scientifically developed and eco-friendly post-harvest solution to guarantee the longest vase life possible. Our ethylene sensitive varieties are also treated with an extra solution to prolong the life of these types of flowers.”
To ensure limited exposure to temperature fluctuations after harvesting, and, that flowers are delivered to the markets in a premium condition the company utilises a cool chain network efficient post-harvest turnaround comprising of a multiple of cool rooms set at different temperatures and a refrigerated truck to transport the flowers to market.
“We have set up a commercial scale worm farm to help with our sustainability. The vermitea extracted from the worm farm is a great plant booster. When using the vermitea extract on our crops, the plants become healthier and stronger. They are also more resistant to pests and disease which ensures less chemical and fertiliser use,” Vicki said.