The musings and adventures of an enthusiastic grower
I was recently asked, “What is a cut flower?” and while it seemed straightforward, the question caused me to pause. The simple definition of a cut flower is any flower or bud cut from a plant for decorative purposes such as flower arranging. But the more I thought about it, the more I wanted to …
There are several processes that flower farmers use to ensure customers are getting the freshest flowers possible with the most extended vase life. One of the essential factors in keeping flowers fresh is hydration. During the day's heat, flowers lose water through a process called transpiration. Warmer temperatures during the day can cause the flowers …
Continue reading "Fresh as a Daisy: 5 Tips for Extending the Life of Your Flower Bouquet"
How is it possible that it is August already? Time certainly has been flying this summer. Our lives here at Whistling Bee Farm have been hectic this past month as the annuals we are growing are finally hitting their stride. The flowers are at their most abundant, and we are trying to keep up with …
Continue reading "What’s Growing on in the Garden: July 2022"
Each season, I like to try something new. Something I've never planted before and have limited knowledge about growing: I enjoy the challenge and exhilaration of trying a new variety. I love the learning process, from the research before planting to the harvesting and enjoyment (if I'm lucky enough to get that far). Often, I'll …
I've learned many lessons from the garden over the years, whether it be patience, persistence, or gratitude, but one of the first things the garden taught me was that you must have a sense of humor. As growers, we face many challenges, from pests, disease, weather extremes, wildlife, and sometimes even ourselves. I probably would …
What a busy month June has been! With the school year closing, there were final soccer games, concerts, field trips, recitals, and competitions to attend with our son. I didn't know if I was coming or going half the time! So during this busy month, I tried to squeeze in as much time as possible …
Continue reading "What’s Growing on in the Garden: June 2022"
That's right; it's official, I am taking the leap from garden hobbyist to flower farmer! It is exciting and scary and everything in between, but I'm ready for this new stage in my life. My passion for being around plants has grown drastically over the past few years, and I could no longer ignore the …
Oh, ranunculus, you are ridiculously good-looking with your fluffy blooms comprised of seemingly endless petals akin to the ruffled petticoats of long ago. I may have only started growing you for the first time this season, but I feel we will have a lasting relationship. You may be a bit finicky and challenge me as …
It's hard to believe that May is coming to a close and that we are heading into June. One of the busiest months in the garden, May certainly kept me on my toes! This month had both beautiful and trying moments between planting, watering, harvesting, starting seeds, working on the new garden space, and trying …
Continue reading "What’s Growing on in the Garden: May 2022"
I was familiar with the spring-blooming daffodils, tulips, lilacs, and peonies, but I was recently unaware of another spring flower, the anemone. Coming in an array of colors and sitting atop sturdy stems and lacy foliage, anemones had somehow flown under my radar until last year. It wasn't until I started researching cut flower varieties …
THISTLE BE THE DAY 