Passionate beyond words, Grace of Moore Blooms has created a vast and beautiful garden of Dahlias.

In 2007, Grace’s father-in-law, Larry, was using her yard to grow Dahlias and collect the tubers to sell for the Fraser Valley Dahlia Society. Grace would give away the unused flower stems to her friends, and one day a friend suggested she build a roadside stand. Up one went at the end of her driveway and in no time, her new stand was flourishing.

Each hand planted by Grace, her husband Bill, and a little help from their daughter Anayah, Moore Blooms has grown from 80 Dahlia plants to over 5000 with 200 varieties, and Grace is now the Treasurer of Fraser Valley Dahlia Society.

TFV: How old were you when you started gardening and getting interested in growing flowers?
GM: I was in my early 30s, I started planting strawberries and it went up from there. 

 TFV: What made you start selling dahlias through your flower stand? 
GM: My father-in-law grew dahlias in our garden for tubers. I didn’t want the flowers to go to waste, so I would drive around and give them to people. I had a toddler at the time and a friend of mine gave me the idea to sell the dahlias. 

About 12 years ago, we started selling the dahlias on the roadside with a patio table with an umbrella. Every time it got windy, I would have to chase the umbrella, as it would fly into my neighbours field. That’s when my father-in-law built the white flower stand for us and we’ve been using it ever since.

TFV: What do you love most about dahlias?
GM: I love that dahlias come in such a vast variety and how they have a long blooming season.

TFV: What is it like having your whole family involved? 
GM: It has been a challenge, but we each have different jobs and it has worked out well. Bill, my husband, is in charge of working the grounds, fertilizing, watering and weeding. My daughter Anayah sometimes helps with disbudding, bundle and supplying the stand during summer time.

 TFV: Can you share any tips and suggestions for people when caring for dahlias?
GM: Dahlias need fertilizer, 4-10-10 works the best for us. We also try to water at least once a week and when they get to be about a foot high we stake them.

TFV: Tell us a little bit about your life outside of the dahlia farm.
GM: Our daughter keeps us busy with her dance and gymnastics. I also do taxes in the off season and we try to get away on at least one big trip a year

TFV: What are you most proud of?
GM: It makes me proud that people love what I do, and that I get so much help from my family.

TFV: Who in the floral industry inspires you?
GM: People like Vanessa Oddy, inspire me to grow more varieties that are mostly used for weddings, like Cafe Au Lait. And other florists help me put colours together for my bundle.

GRACE MOORE

Sunrise or Sunset?
I love both

Sandals or boots?
Boots

Chocolate or Vanilla?
Vanilla

Night In or Night Out?
A Night In

TFV: If you could recommend one place in the Fraser Valley to a visitor, what would it be? Why?
GM: I should say Cultus Lake, it blends natural beauty and there are a lot of different activities you can do.

TFV: What is a favourite summer tradition of yours in the Fraser Valley?
GM: Summer is our busy season for selling flowers, so before the dahlia season starts, we go to waterslides and do a weekend away. 

TFV: If you were a destination, where would you be?
GM: If I were a destination, I would be at home watching the sunrise and sunset.

Whether you’re local to Chilliwack or just passing through, Grace’s Dahlia farm, Moore Blooms, is just a short stop from the highway and her flower stand is waiting for you.

Perfect for a friend, foe, or just to brighten up any room, take the quick detour and grab a bouquet!