History
Mike and Hideko Sakaue started their own greenhouses in 1990. "I learned the flower business by observing my father and friends in the greenhouse," says Mike. Sakaue Nursery is a seven-days-a-week operation, with flower bulbs being planted on a continuous schedule throughout the year. Flowers are harvested "green" before any buds have opened. Most flowers are hand harvested - no shears are used. From there they are stored in the cooler at 37 degrees until market day. Mike and Hideko's three daughters all help in the business whether it is harvesting, bunching flowers, cutting, weeding or selling. The Sakaue's sell the most flowers for Mothers Day and Valentines Day. Mike's favorite thing about the business is planting the flowers and seeing the outcome. Quality is very important to him and he is very proud of his flowers.
The Sakaue's distribute their flowers solely at farmers' markets throughout the bay area. You can find their flowers and meet Mike, Hideko and daughters at the following markets: Sunnyvale, Campbell, Monterey, Fremont, Oakland, Los Altos, Santa Clara, and Evergreen.
"When choosing flowers for purchase, select buds that are tight and have yet to open. We recommend that you trim the ends and change the water every other day for longer lasting flowers. Not all flowers can be dried. When shopping for dried arrangements, ask which types of flowers are dryable, such as roses, statice, fantasia, etc."
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