Via Community News Service, a University of Vermont journalism internship
BURLINGTON — Plant lovers in Vermont had a good weekend.
On April 25 and 26, Bloom Flower & Home Market brought over 85 small and independent businesses to Hula in Burlington for the third year in a row. Attendees bustled through the green-lit venue clutching bouquets and potted finds. The market was presented by Gardener’s Supply Company and featured artisan confections, homemade crafts and hundreds of different plants.
“Our focus is on creating a space that feels inclusive, creative and fun to explore, while supporting small businesses in a meaningful way,” said Bianca Gallagher, one of the event’s co-founders alongside Robin Dionne and BJ Mansuetti.
From little bamboos to fragrant citrus trees, the market had something for all budgets. The affordability enticed many Rhode Islanders to visit the market’s first stop in Providence on April 11 and 12, and many Burlingtonians were similarly drawn last weekend.
“We knew that we could make a plant event that was down to earth and accessible,” Dionne said. “You’re not going to (Bloom) because you want to spend $100,000 on landscaping. You’re coming because maybe you live in an apartment, and you want to buy a plant that is affordable.”
The event attracts a more energetic audience than traditional shows, according to Dionne. With pop music pumping and a lively line at the bar, “it’s basically a party where you can buy plants,” she said.
The idea for Bloom blossomed during the COVID-19 pandemic to help Providence’s struggling small businesses. At the time, there wasn’t much the team could do, Dionne said, other than to start planning. The organizers envisioned Bloom as a platform for small businesses, and by the time it was safe to gather again in 2022, they were ready with applications.
“It was just good timing,” Dionne said. “People were ready to come out and do something that was joyful.”
The annual market in Burlington started in 2024 and has brought in approximately $300,000 for vendors each year since then. The team does a lot of advertising on social media to make that happen. Vending at Bloom requires significant time and resources for small businesses, especially vendors who have to travel to the Queen City. So strong attendance is essential, Dionne said.
Dionne said the market is a space for vendors to connect, too. Recently, Dionne put Hardwick-based Green Mountain Peanut Butter in touch with Aura’s Chocolate Bar in Rhode Island. The result: Aura Chocolate’s maple cinnamon peanut butter cups.
On Saturday, vendors chatted among themselves during slow moments, some meeting for the first time, others already acquainted from past markets.
Matt Stone from Gather Farm in Rhode Island felt the warmth of those connections and said the event does “a really great job at bringing community together.”
With growing concerns about small businesses’ sustainability in the current economic climate, planting the seeds of community is important for their survival, Dionne said.
“It’s so heartwarming, especially now,” she said. “It’s so hard to be a human living in this country right now … and to be in this tiny, little bubble with people that are working so hard at doing something great — it’s just such a heartwarming feeling.”
Bloom will look a little different next year and will move to the Hilton DoubleTree Expo in South Burlington to accommodate the increasing numbers of attendees.
The Hilton meets Bloom’s hosting needs, including at least 10,000 square feet. According to Dionne, the DoubleTree team is very excited, and has done a lot to keep Bloom in Burlington.
“I think that it’s going to be a good fit for us,” she said.
Vendors said they will miss Hula’s beautiful, lakeside backdrop but remain excited for next year, too.
“We’re definitely going to be coming back, year after year,” said Melissa Rechner, owner of Arden Flower Farm in Central Vermont. “It’s great to be around happy people—plant people!”