2014 July PASO Magazine

LAHARGOU FAMILY from page 18
Farming is another big part of the lives of the
Larhargou family members. And in today’s economy
and changing times, diversification is the way
to keep the family business going.
“In farming you have to change with the times.
Adjust to the resources you have available and be
open to change,” explained Kim.
Kim was asked to help with the flowers for
her boss’s wedding back when she worked at
Wells Fargo Bank. She loved doing it and did
such a great job that friends started asking her
to do the flowers for their weddings and special
events.
“When we sold Quiznos a while back I knew
what I really wanted to do. So I went back to
school at the Floral Design Institute and then
started “Flowers by Kim” right here on the ranch,”
said Kim.
“Flowers by Kim” is now a three part business
specializing in fresh flower arrangements for
events, draping and styling and living plant rentals.
Their business is thriving and they cover the
Santa Barbara to Carmel area with up to 80% of
their business from out of this area. Many times
an out of the area bride is planning a wedding
in the area and Kim is the go to gal to supply the
flowers and plants.
The family is also known for their heirloom,
GMO-free, dry land farmed, delicious and juicy
watermelons.
“The first year we grew them it was pretty much
Kim and her girls in the Flowers by Kim floral shop on the ranch.
just for us. We had neighbors that grew them and
thought why not try it,” explained John.
Now it is a seasonal family business that takes
them to sometimes 13 farmers markets a week.
“We first started selling them out at the airport
at Marguerite Nunn’s restaurant, and then people
kept wanting more and more so we started planting
more and more,” added John.
And keeping to the diversification theme, they
also have a ranch-stay vacation home, the Haymaker
Inn, on their property for people visiting the
area that want the comforts and privacy of a private
home versus a motel or hotel. The 4 bedroom, 2
bath home is located adjacent to the forage hay
field and offers a peaceful country setting for visitors
from out of town. They are located just five
Michael and Eric as youngsters in 4-H.
minutes from the Paso Robles Event Center and in
the heart of east-side wine country so the vacation
rental is proving to be a great option for visitors
to our area.
So as you can see this is one busy, happy and
successful family who loves the California Mid-
State Fair and continues to make it a big part of
their lives.
* * *
For more information on Flowers By Kim you
can contact Kim at (805) 674-5243 or www.
flowerbykim.com. For information on booking
the Haymaker Inn call (805) 712-5891 or go to
haymakerinn.myvr.com. Also start watching for
those famous Larhargou watermelons at the local
Farmers Markets this July.
185 Niblick Rd.
Paso Robles CA 93446
“Look for the Big Gun”
Bridge Sportsmen’s
Center, Inc.
Big Buck Contest
(up to $350 in merchandise)
239-GUNS (4867)
1319 Spring St. bridgesportsmen.com
20 Paso Robles Magazine, July 2014