We shop at United Flower Growers
@ufgca at least once a week, and every time I’m reminded why it never feels routine.
It’s one of the largest Dutch-style flower auctions in North America, where millions of stems pass through each year and are distributed to florists within hours. Everything moves quickly, but there’s a very specific rhythm to it once you’re there.
The most distinctive part is the clock. It runs backwards, and instead of prices going up like in a traditional auction, they start high and drop second by second until someone makes a decision. You watch it, you wait, and at some point you either commit or you lose it.
What makes it even more interesting is how much pricing depends on that exact moment. It shifts constantly with supply and demand, which changes week to week. Supply is never fixed - it depends on weather conditions, growing seasons, global market factors, and even logistics. At the same time, demand is just as unpredictable, often shaped by trends, design direction, and simply how people are feeling about certain flowers at that time.
It means no two weeks are ever the same, and nothing is ever guaranteed to behave the way you expect.
I often say I don’t need to jump out of a plane for adrenaline - I get it right there at the auction.
The photos are by our collaborator, my dear
@margheritaporra .
