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A look into how flowers have forged their way into our family.

Bonhard Florist began in the 1940s thanks to my grandparents, John and Mildred Bonhard. My grandpa, John, had returned home from the Navy after earning his Lieutenant JG ranking during World War II. He was one of the few of his era to receive a horticultural degree from the University of lllinois.
Throughout their business, my grandparents worked as a team to provide the Belleville, Illinois community and surrounding areas with beautiful blooms! Up until recently, you could still see their greenhouses on what is now, Frank Scott Parkway (across from Copperbend). They grew many varieties but specialized in carnations, snapdragons and chrysanthemums which were sold to area florists as well as used in their own pieces.

My grandparents were kind, gentle people. I never once recall hearing either of them so much as raise their voice. Having lived through the Great Depression, they both knew what it meant to give back. I have heard of the stories of drifters hopping off the trains that came by their property, curling up in my grandparents’ smoke stack to stay warm for the night. Grandma would make them sandwiches-no one was ever turned away.

By the time I came around, my grandparents had happily retired from Bonhard Florist. Instead of sand castles, grandpa would plop me on the potting table (soil castles were more fun thanks to the many rollie pollies that posed as my village people).  I have so many questions I wish I could ask them today, but I know that they’re here, every single day, in my heart.

Without them, this dream would be just that, just a dream.  I am forever grateful for my grandparents and the lessons they taught me, not through words, but by how they lived their lives. 

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Welcome!

Hello friends!  Welcome to Riverbend Flower Farm! 

     Riverbend Flower Farm is a small, regenerative flower farm specializing in the production of in-season, quality blooms. We provide wholesale pricing to florists and floral designers while offering custom and mixed retail bouquets to the public.

     I have always had a passion for anything outdoors, a gift I can thank my family for instilling in me.  It wasn't until 2016, however, when regenerative farming came into my life.  Over the past 8 years, I have found myself on many different farms and homesteads, learning from those around me.  I like to think of myself as a lifelong learner and someone who is not afraid to say, "I don't know", but eager to utilize fellow farmers' knowledge, research, and some good old fashioned trial and error to figure it out!

So, as I have reached my early thirties, I have realized there’s no time like the present to pursue what makes me truly happy.  While I have been growing flowers for decades, I hope you will grow along with me as I navigate these first few years as a flower farm!

I look forward to sharing nature’s beauty with you!

Katie Canale 

Founder & Farmer

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About : About
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FAQs

All Your Common Queries In One Place

About : FAQ

Does Riverbend Flower Farm use chemicals?

No! Riverbend Flower Farm promises to never use harmful pesticides or fertilizers!  Here at Riverbend Flower Farm, we follow regenerative farming practices.  We value land stewardship, ensuring that our flowers are produced in a beneficial and healthy process.

Does Riverbend Flower Farm offer fresh-cut flowers year-round?

Currently, Riverbend Flower Farm offers fresh-cut flowers in the Spring, Summer & Fall.  We are currently trialing winter bulbs and hope to add season extensions to the farm in 2024!

Can Riverbend Flower Farm order rare or exotic flowers?

For wholesale and wedding customers, sitting down to look at varieties is a standard in our practice.  With that said, some flowers do not grown well in our zone.  However, if it is possible, we are always willing to give it a try!

Does Riverbend Flower Farm ship flowers?

While shipping is something we are considering for the future, we currently do not ship flowers.  Delivery within a 50 mile radius of the farm is an option.

Riverbend Flower Farm

Valued Partnerships

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Slow Flower Society

About : Clients
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