World Of Spray Roses Visits Alexandra Farms
Last month, one of our freelance team members had the absolute pleasure of visiting Alexandra Farms for their annual, invitation-only farm experience, and what a trip it was. Equal parts inspiring, educational, and joyfully indulgent, this was a true deep dive into the world of garden roses, shared here through her eyes.
Where Romance is Grown
Alexandra Farmsis a family-owned boutique grower of romantic, nostalgic, fresh-cut garden roses nestled in the fertile savanna of Bogotá, high in the Andes mountains of Colombia. Founded in 2005 by Jose R. Azout and named after his daughter, Alexandra, the farm has become globally celebrated for cultivating roses with exceptional beauty, fragrance, and performance. Their blooms don’t just decorate spaces; they tell stories, spark emotion, and inspire florists around the world.
A Gathering of Rose Lovers
This annual trip is strictly invite-only, bringing together a carefully curated group of florists, designers, marketers, and wholesalers from across the United States, South America, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. While backgrounds may differ, the shared passion is unmistakable: an insatiable love for garden roses and spray roses.
From a European perspective, it was especially fascinating to hear how the industry operates in the United States, where the appetite for garden roses is not just strong but deeply emotional. It set the tone for a trip filled with shared ideas, fresh perspectives, and plenty of flower-fuelled conversation.
First Steps in Bogotá
After an early morning arrival in Bogotá following an eleven-hour flight, we were warmly welcomed and whisked away for a quick reset before the real adventure began. Monday started bright and early with a visit to the San Ignacio Farm, the original farm, where learning about sustainability and innovation took centre stage.
Here, we learned about Flordeverde, a nonprofit certification promoting responsible environmental and social practices. Just as inspiring is the farm’s commitment to empowering women through meaningful employment, something that adds even more beauty to every stem.
The Magic of the Trial House
One of the most unforgettable moments of the trip was stepping into the trial house. Imagine a vast greenhouse where every single rose is in full bloom? Something you would never normally see in a commercial setting. It was, quite simply, magical. Like being a child in a candy shop, but make it roses. Guests were invited to choose two favourite varieties, which felt almost impossible. Naturally, the spray roses called immediately. Among the trials were stunning, full-headed varieties reminiscent of the beloved Bombastic styles, alongside delicate, low-petal-count spray roses.
A Scent Experience to Remember
The day continued with lunch on the farm, followed by one of the most fun (and surprisingly tricky) activities of the trip, a scent test. A selection of beautifully fragrant roses was paired with individual scent notes, and guests were asked to match them, much like a wine tasting. It was harder than expected but full of laughter and connection, the kind of experience that brings people together and deepens appreciation for the complexity of each bloom.
Creativity, Culture, and Spray Roses “In the Wild”
Tuesday took us to El Jardin Farm, where the group explored more of the growing process, including complementary crops like the most beautifully fragrant jasmine. After the tour, guests were welcomed into a space filled with vases overflowing with all the farm’s rose varieties, a breathtaking sight. Following lunch and a vibrant cultural dance from the team, it was time for a floral masterclass. Designers were invited to create freely, and it didn’t take long for the spray roses to disappear into arrangements across the room. What stood out most was seeing spray roses truly “in the wild,” not styled for a campaign, not curated for a shoot, but naturally chosen by florists again and again. Almost everyone used them, weaving them effortlessly alongside single stems, proving just how essential they’ve become in modern floristry.
The Rise of Spray Roses
Throughout the trip, conversations kept circling back to one thing: Spray roses are no longer a supporting act; they are a staple. Florists spoke about how they’ve become part of their weekly orders, valued for their versatility, movement, and ability to add that soft, romantic fullness clients love. They’re being used more intuitively, more creatively, and more confidently than ever before. Whether elevating a bouquet or bringing texture to a design, spray roses are quietly (or not so quietly) taking centre stage. One moment we particularly loved was overhearing Steph from Fairynuff Flowersshare that she now includes spray roses in almost every single wedding bouquet she creates. Honestly, we’ll take that seal of approval any day.
A Beautiful Farewell
The final day offered a chance to explore Bogotá itself, a vibrant, colourful city full of life, before ending the trip in true style with an evening at the Grand Hyatt Bogotá. Let’s just say the spa may have been enjoyed… extensively!
To Alexandra Farms, thank you for such a generous, inspiring, and joy-filled experience. It was a true pleasure to see your spray roses in their element, meet your incredible team, and witness firsthand the passion behind every single stem. And to all the other wonderful guests, thank you for the laughter, the conversations, and for making the trip so special. Safe to say, plans are already quietly forming for a little USA World of Spray Roses road trip… watch this space.
