The musings and adventures of an enthusiastic grower
It’s that time of year again when I sit and reflect on the past season and look forward to the next. Goals emerge as I reflect on what I hope to accomplish in the upcoming year. Yup, with a new year comes new resolutions! A few years ago, I learned I need to set goals …
Happy New Year, garden friends! I’m back after taking time to be with family over the holidays. I hope you also enjoyed the holidays and had time with loved ones. It’s 2025! With a new year comes new beginnings, and when a new year begins, it ushers in a sense of renewal and hope. A …
Continue reading "Reflecting on Our Third Season at Whistling Bee Farm"
Things have finally started to wind down on the farm, and I am ready to dive into the planning phase of farming. The off-season months of winter are a time to look toward the next growing season and dream of all the possibilities. While the farm enjoys its winter slumber, I will be tucked indoors, …
Continue reading "What’s Growing on in the Garden: November 2024"
Our 2024 dahlia season is officially over, and all the dahlias are (thankfully) dug, divided, and safely stored until next season. It was a very challenging growing year, as climate change brought early heatwaves and crippling drought, which took a toll on the farm flowers, especially our dahlias. We lost many plants to the heat; …
By the time October rolls around, most of our flowers have started to fade, and I have turned my attention to wrapping up the season. I collect seeds and harvest the final flowers for drying while the threat of a season-ending frost looms. However, a few flower exceptions have become quintessential fall blooms on the …
Continue reading "What’s Growing on in the Garden: October 2024"
I’ll be the first to admit that I’m a sensitive soul. I wear my heart on my sleeve and can be affected deeply by what’s happening around me. My mind is restless, and it is often challenging to quiet it. I have dubbed myself a worry expert and never lack for something that causes me …
Here it is, October, and fall has fully embraced the farm. I am so ready for my favorite season to begin. I am a sweater-weather girl through and through. I love the smell of freshly fallen leaves and how they crunch under your feet, the nip in the air, and nature’s beautiful fall color palette. …
Continue reading "What’s Growing on in the Garden: September 2024"
In mid-July, I had the pleasure of attending the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers (ASCFG) Regional Conference in New Jersey. This two-day conference was jam-packed with tours, educational classes, and opportunities to meet other cut flower growers in my region. A few weeks ago, I shared part one of my experience at the conference, …
Continue reading "Field Trip: ASCFG Regional Conference Part Two"
We made it to September! I can’t believe summer has flown by so quickly, but then again, it always does. We are getting back into our routines as my son heads back to school this week, and I know our calendar will soon be a flurry of activity. I am looking forward to everything from …
Continue reading "What’s Growing on in the Garden: August 2024"
When I first started my cut flower business in 2022, I joined the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers (ASCFG). This organization was created to educate, unite, and support commercial cut flower growers, and being a member has been invaluable to me as I navigate the ins and outs of flower farming. In mid-July, I …
Continue reading "Field Trip: ASCFG Regional Conference Part One"
THISTLE BE THE DAY 