Press Release: 5/4/2026

Healey-Driscoll Administration Tour Women-Owned Flower Grower Businesses in Middlesex and Worcester Counties

 



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:



5/01/2026



MEDIA CONTACT



Phu Mai, Director of Communications



 Online



Email Phu Mai, Director of Communications at phu.mai@mass.gov



MDAR Commissioner Randle poses with staff, MOTT Executive Director Kate Fox, MA Flower Growers Association Past Board Member Bob Luczai, and Natalie Ferjulian, owner of Ferjulian's Farm outside next to Ferjulian's Pick-Your-Own tulip field



SUDBURY — Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) Commissioner Ashley Randle was joined by state officials and members of the Massachusetts Flower Growers Association today to tour three women-owned flower grower businesses in Middlesex and Worcester counties. The visits mark the beginning of the gardening season and highlight the important role women farmers play in Massachusetts’ floriculture sector.



“For Massachusetts residents, home and commercial gardening is a passionate labor of love, and our local greenhouse and nursery operators have been supplying everything needed to be successful,” said MDAR Commissioner Ashley Randle. “Across the state, we have over 170 locations to help gardening enthusiasts of all levels and interests with the seeds, plants, equipment, and expertise to create beautiful landscapes while enhancing our environment. Today’s tours spotlight some of our tremendous women in agriculture who have built successful businesses catering to the demands of our largest sector.” 



With over 3,000 acres of land in production, Massachusetts garden centers and nurseries are the largest agricultural sector in the state. These local businesses, many of them multi-generational and family-owned operations, support the local economy with more than $164 million in revenue each year. In addition to plants, seeds, and supplies, they also offer florist services and host special events and seminars throughout the year to provide gardeners with the knowledge to improve their green thumbs.



Today’s visits were to JP Bartlett’s Greenhouses in Sudbury, Ferjulian’s Farm in Hudson, and The Farmer’s Daughter at Hillcrest Farm in Auburn. All women-owned, these small businesses represent a diverse cross section of offerings, from wholesale to agritourism, retail and direct-to-consumer sales. The visits are part of MDAR’s efforts to highlight woman farmers in Massachusetts since 2026 has been declared the International Year of the Woman Farmer by the United Nations.



With the arrival of warmer weather and longer days, the time is perfect for residents to visit their nearest local greenhouse or nursery. Growers across the state have been hard at work since the beginning of the year to produce a variety of annual and perennial plants for consumers to plant and enjoy at their residences.



“We’re proud of the fact that Massachusetts has one of the largest greenhouse and flower producing industries in the country and this year as gardening season ramps up, we’re proud to see MDAR spotlight our women flower growers who have contributed so much to the sector,” said Massachusetts Flower Growers Association President Mike Paduch. “Today’s visits feature women owners who have all served on the Flower Growers’ Board in past years and have been devoted advocates who represent the interests of commercial flower growers across the state. We applaud their success and strongly encourage others to follow their lead.”



To find one of the many garden centers and nurseries throughout the state, click on the following link to be directed to MDAR’s MassGrown map.