Roses

 Approximately every 4 to 6 weeks the Cuenca Chamber of Commerce (of which we are members) provides opportunities for those who want to visit various business.  This past August we went with a group (mostly reitred gringos living in Cuenca) to Trebol Roses, about a 30 minute drive by bus and up about another 1,000 feet in altitude (a bit over 9,000 feet above sea level).

A view of the greenhouses as we approach.  The operation was started in 1997 with 2 acres of production.  It has grown to a much larger operation.

Above, the owner Juan Carlos is giving about 25 gringos a lecture about the company operations, the varieties of roses grown (more than 20 varieties), and facts about the process.  Juan Carlos has an MBA and truly loves his work.  His wife, Rosana is the Director of Sales.  Both are bilingual and are a bundle of energy and charm.  They ship roses to over 25 countries around the world.

Lauren and I in one of the greenhouses, trying to keep warm at this high altitude and enjoy looking at all the varieties of roses in various stages of growth.  Apparently this climate is perfect for year round production.

One of the hybrid versions.  Many of these grow to over 8 feet tall.

This is in the packing building.  Here the roses are separated by variety, trimmed, and measured for size.  Note sign in the back left.  The sign shows the Russian (RUSO) measurements for small, medium, and large.  The company was about to send a large order to Russia to be there for the first day of school.  Juan Carlos told me that on the first day of school Russian children bring a rose to their teacher.

The above roses have been sized, trimmed and bunched together.  The next step will be to pack the roses in protective containers to protect them during distribution.

One of the workers trimming the roses selected for shipping.

A dozen pink and a dozen red roses.

 Some beautiful creme colored roses.

Karen with Rosana (owner) in the area of the packing building where the roses are boxed.  This room is kept at temperatures in the mid 30's. 

Juan Carlos (owner) answering more 'gringo questions' in the packing room.

The above motivational sign in the cutting room which loosely translates to: "We plant the best efforts now to reap the best results tomorrow".

Two dozen roses that look fire engine red to me.

The hacienda of the owners.  Three generations of family have lived here.  The pictures don't do it justice.

After the tour, our hosts let us into their home and gave us snacks and some warm delicious drinks.  Each of us were given two dozen roses as a gift.  It was a wonderful 1/2 day adventure.  I highly recommend the trip.