Meet the Team
Lindsey
Born in Columbus, Ohio, Lindsey Long spent her formative years exploring nature with her grandmother, Beverly. These days spent under the sun learning the names of garden flowers from Bev felt like magic, and that feeling has followed her through life. When Lindsey's path led her to Ohio University for college she expected to feel out of place. But the foothills of Appalachia didn’t feel new, they felt like a homecoming.
Even after years of travel, Athens has always been home. So when it came time for her and her husband, Brian, to settle, it only made sense to officially plant their roots here, just down the road from Matt Craig.
Matt
Former photojournalist Matt Craig was working on a story about a flower farmer for the Memphis Commercial Appeal in 2008 when he was struck by the simple, charming nature of the work. He and his wife eventually bought a farm in Southeast Ohio, where they raised pigs, chickens, and goats and grew a garden. When a conversation with neighbor Lindsey revealed a shared love of flowers and complementary skills, the farm was born.
Our Mission
The Slow Flower Movement
In the United States, 80 percent of cut flowers sold are imported internationally. This industry standard uses up valuable resources such as water and jet fuel, produces excessive plastic waste, and generates exorbitant carbon emissions.
The Slow Flower Movement is a response to the current inefficient floral industry.
- Recognize and celebrate the seasons by respecting flowers when they naturally bloom
- Reduce the carbon footprint of flowers by sourcing as locally as possible
- Encourage sustainable farming practices that respect people and the environment
- Eliminate waste and the use of chemical products in the floral industry
Source: A Slow Flowers Manifesto by Debra Prinzing
Sustainability Efforts
Fred's Flowers has several sustainability practices in place on the farm including but not limited to:
Re-using plastic trays, pots and buckets
Using floral buckets from chain stores that would otherwise go to the landfill
Prioritizing natural materials over plastic when possible
Amending the soil with natural and organic materials such as farm made compost
Mulching with wood chips and low growing plants instead of fabric
Prioritizing the use of organically produced products and avoiding herbicides
CSA Program
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a model that connects farmers directly with consumers. By purchasing a seasonal share, members provide upfront capital to help us prepare for the season and, in turn, share in the benefits of the harvest.
Membership Details
- 10 seasonal bouquets with an upfront payment of $180
- Weekly bouquets provided starting in June
- Members receive first priority for special offers and exclusive events
- We accept most forms of payment
Payment must be received by April 1, 2026 - Pick-up: Tuesdays between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM at 8585 Phillips Lane.
- Please bring your own vase or container
CSA FAQ
As a small team of two, we cannot pause subscriptions. We encourage you to have a friend pick up your bouquet instead. Unclaimed bouquets will be donated to local charities and small businesses.
Our bouquets feature a curated mix of blooms at their peak; therefore, we cannot accommodate specific substitutions.
The best way to reach us is via email at fredsflowersathens@gmail.com.
CSA spots are limited. Please email us at fredsflowersathens@gmail.com to sign up or to request more information.