All blooms are started from seed, bulb, or corm here on our farm, so much of my planning begins almost a year in advance. We start preparing the beds for Spring flowers in the Fall, and despite popular belief, there's still work to be done on a flower farm during the Winter! Seeds are sown in our specially mixed soil starting in the Fall and throughout the dead of winter. Most seedlings are tended to inside, but some varieties are resilient enough to survive being sown directly into the ground.

As spring arrives, any seedlings which have been growing indoors are transplanted out into the garden as the weather allows. Seeds which were sown directly into the ground should also be starting to show signs of life at this point, but some rows may look more barren than others - this is the point where I hopefully pat myself on the back for planting a few hundred extra seeds to account for any duds. Many of the directly sown seeds will typically need to be covered with a shade cloth to avoid being burned by the sun during this vulnerable stage.

Growth is imminent, but patience is crucial during this stage as we continue to nurture the plants with natural ingredients. We prioritize building soil health & flower strength, pinching back early blooms so that the plant can focus on expanding its root system and strengthening its stems. We also make sure to keep all beds clear of grass and weeds that will compete with our flowers for vital nutrients in the soil and stunt their growth. We always account for some casualties, but once they get past this stage, they're in the home stretch!

Once the flowers have reached their full blooming potential, they are picked to order which guarantees the freshness of your bouquet. Some cut flower varieties are more temperamental than others, but most are kept in a cooler after being harvested to extend their lifespan and keep them looking just as vibrant as the day they were picked.