How the Coronavirus has Impacted the Rose Industry in Ecuador
This global pandemic has impacted everyone around the world from health to the economy. In an effort to curve the increase of cases of the coronavirus we have all been adhering to social distancing and sanitation practices. Businesses have been struggling
The Role of Greenhouses in Rose Production
Nature has given us beautiful flowers in different shapes, sizes, and colors, but without a doubt the ones that stand out the most for the multitude of color variations are roses. At Virgin Farms we are known for offering the
How Do Flower Growers Prepare for Valentine’s Day?
How Do Flower Growers Prepare for Valentine's Day? One of the most important dates for the flower business is Valentine's Day, and without a doubt, the protagonists of this date, are the flowers, especially the red roses. They make their journey
The Breeders: Combining science and nature to create fascinating roses
Nature has bestowed us with roses that have incredible shapes and colors. Flowers convey happiness and awe us with their magnificent spectacle. Roses are not only present in gardens, but also in many other places like in our homes, offices, and
Discovering the Quality Control Process of Ecuadorian Roses
We had the opportunity to visit one of our suppliers in Ecuador: Florícola Ecoroses, located in the city of Machachi. This beautiful region near majestic volcanoes such as The Illinizas is surrounded by incredible rose plantations. The region of Machachi is
Visit to the Flower Farm in Cayambe, Ecuador
We ventured out to the flower farm in the north region of Cayambe, Ecuador. Cayambe is a zone characterized by its surrounding highlands and mountains, with mild weather ranging from 60°F to 68°F. It is also known for its flower
Travel Diary: Visiting El Quinche in Ecuador
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Santuario de El Quinche[/caption]
January 11th, 2019
Quinche, Ecuador
Our second day in Ecuador continued in the town of El Quinche. It is located northeast of Quito between Puembo (our hosteria or hotel) and Guayllabamba, and east Mariscal Sucre International Airport. This town is notable for a church.
After the Spanish conquest, Catholicism became the predominant religion. El Santuario de El Quinche is known for an annual mass pilgrimage. It begins in Calderón at night and ends in the town of El Quinche on the morning of the 21st of November. This is in honor of La Virgen de El Quinche who made apparitions to save a community of oyacachenses from a plague of ferocious bears in the 16th century. She proposed to help if the inhabitants converted to Catholicism. Inspired and full of hope, the townspeople constructed a shrine in the cave where La Virgen de El Quinche made the apparition. Miraculously the bears were never to be seen again. For over 400 years, the pilgrimage has been a tradition.
Travel Diary: Virgin Farms Goes to Ecuador
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Rose Farm Nursery[/caption]
January 10th, 2019
Today we embark on a journey to Ecuador. It’s close to Valentine’s Day season and we will be visiting our farms. Most cultivate roses and others are growers of calla lilies, asiatic and oriental lilies, and other focal flowers and fillers. Our flight takes off at 3:55 p.m. and we arrive at 7:55 p.m.
Arrival at Quito, Ecuador
As we descended into the city of Quito, from the plane we could see all the lights from the city below us along the mountains illuminated in the darkness. The view was breathtaking. After collecting our luggage we made our way 20 minutes to our quaint “hosteria” called San Jose in Puembo with historical roots. The property even has a corral with farm animals including llamas, sheep, chickens, and peacocks.