Families and Flowers

Mark Freeman's Families and Flowers looks at three family flower-growing farms in booming Encinitas, California, where the problems of family dynamics, economics, and environmental regulation are all compounded by outrageous land prices. The Ecke family began raising poinsettias in the 1920s: today, their “Flower Fields” (seen here in an unforgettable aerial view) draws 150,000 visitors to neighboring Carlsbad each year. After World War II (and their release from the Manzanar Japanese-American internment camp), the Tayama family settled in Encinitas and started their gardenia and orchid-growing business. Weidner's Plants is the youngest of the group, “only” having been in business 32 years. But nothing stays the same: the Eckes have moved most of their production to Guatemala where land and labor are cheaper, the Tayama-Kimuas are aware that houses going up around their property are selling for a million dollars each, and the current daughter/manager of Weidner has no children to ultimately take over the business. An interesting portrait of a changing industry in the once self-proclaimed flower capital of the world, this documentary (broadcast on local PBS stations) is recommended. Aud: C, P. (R. Reagan)