The musings and adventures of an enthusiastic grower
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"
For years, I avoided succulents. Despite my fascination with them and affinity for how they look, with their fleshy, water-storing stems and leaves, they stood no chance of surviving in my household. I am loathe to admit that I have killed many a cactus in my day. When it comes to succulents such as cacti, …
As I’m working on my seed inventory and dreaming of the season to come, I love to flip through the seed packets surveying the beautiful photographs and reading the information printed on the packets. I’m looking forward to growing many varieties this season, some new and others annual favorites. One of the groups of flowers …
I’ve always been drawn to flowers. Their colors, textures, fragrances, and unique way that they beautify the landscape drew me in. And I love watching the interactions between blooms and bees; they share that delicate dance. It is a seemingly simple relationship that benefits them both and yet holds the planet and the life contained …
Somehow, we have successfully navigated the back-to-school marathon and all the music ensembles, athletics, and extracurricular activities that come with it. My son's event calendar was enough to keep me on my toes in September; after all, I am his primary chauffeur, personal administrative assistant, and head cheerleader at all his events. Such is the …
Continue reading "What’s Growing on in the Garden: September 2022"
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"
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 …
THISTLE BE THE DAY 