23 Things
Today is the last day of 2023. Can you believe it?! I sure can't. 2023 was a year to be sure. A year of rain. And weeds. But also - flowers and grit and this crazy whirlwind in which we get all the things (mostly) done while our sweet boys play in the dirt and brook and with family and friends while our baby girl farms with us up in the backpack or nestled close in a baby carrier. We learned we are tough and determined and that we really, really love our little farm and it's flowers.
So - in reflection and appreciation - here are 23 things I love about this flower farming adventure:
1) Daffodils. Always.
2) John. Forever.
3) Early morning in the flower field
4) My red snips
5) Friday bouquet deliveries to South Woodstock Country Store! Even better when I have some good company. Any excuse for a coffee and a donut or yummy breakfast sandwich.
6) Poppies. For me … they are second only to daffodils.
7) Buckets full of bouquets.
8) Learning new things and enjoying them! There is SO much to learn. Soil science. Bouquet making. Marketing. Accounting. Dried florals. Wedding florals … on and on the list goes!
9) Farming with John. We can get real about what works and what doesn't. Cut the things we don't like - add the things that make us happy and support each other's strengths.
10) Our brook! It is a heartbeat to our farm. We use it to irrigate our fields and cool off after hot days. It's constant babble is like a buddy when I am working I the field. It's a very special piece of our farm and home.
11) This sweet hat. It keeps the sun out of my eyes & the bugs out of my face.
12) Sharing this journey with our kiddos. The days where they can play outside while we work are the best.
13) A fresh bed with awesome soil - ready for new flower babies!
14) YOU!! All of you who take part in our CSA, show up at the Farmers Markets, drive to our flower stand, order flowers for events or holidays - YOU ARE THE BEST!!!
15) Sharing our flowers with you through Bouquet Bars or other events truly makes my heart sing!
16) A job that allows me to physically work hard outside, but also provides so many opportunities for creativity, connection, quiet and introspection.
17) Creating special bouquets. When I get to head out to the flower field with your special event in mind and create a bouquet just for you it is the best. I enjoy harvesting blooms that I think will bring the recipient joy and then putting those flowers together into a bouquet. Flowers = love
18) Lisianthus. Who doesn't!?
19) Broad forking. Call me crazy - but it's good for the soil and a good work out. I love it.
20) Soil Blocking. Less plastic. Less space for seed-starting. Healthier transplants. Win-win-win!
21) Herman! Our high tunnel. Three cheers for Herman helping us grow awesome blooms for you earlier and later into the season!
22) The clothing. I know - it's crazy, but I LOVE that I get to throw on work pants and a work shirt and … well - get to work. I am not someone who enjoys fussing with what to wear every day. (Dovetail are my favorite pants, Carhartt are my favorite overalls and Mucks are my favorite boots.) (And accessorizing with flowers is always encouraged. )
23) Creating something that fits what you need, what my family needs, what this land needs and what makes John and I happy is just the biggest joy. Truly. Dream it, do it and let there be flowers!
