The musings and adventures of an enthusiastic grower
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"
Spring has officially arrived! At least according to the calendar. However, I don’t think Mother Nature got the memo because this week, we are dipping well below freezing each night. With the unusually warm winter, many of our fall-planted bulbs are weeks ahead of schedule, and now I’m rushing to protect them from the freezing …
It’s that time of year again when I happily stroll the floral displays at the Adams Fairacre Farms Garden Show! I have been coming to this annual garden show for over sixteen years and look forward to it every year. It always comes when I need it most, after a long, grey winter when I’m …
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, …
You know when the kids in the backseat of the car constantly ask, “Are we there yet?” Well, that’s been me the past few weeks while I dream of spring. Don’t get me wrong, I love the changing of the seasons. My Northeastern roots keep me longing for that first snowflake of the season and …
And just like that, the growing season is officially over! November went by in a flash, and now we’re entering the last month of 2023! Each year, I marvel at how fast time flies. I’m unsure how it always catches me off guard, but it always does. It is time again to share what’s been …
Continue reading "What’s Growing on in the Garden: November 2023"
This week’s post isn’t going to be pretty. It’s not filled with photos of beautiful flowers, harvested vegetables, or even cute wildlife (well, maybe a few). But it will give an unedited glimpse into the reality of being a grower during climate change. As the climate crisis worsens, we are seeing natural disasters occur more …
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 …
I know that spring hasn't quite sprung, as there is still snow on the ground, and the temperatures remain below freezing, but is spring at least springing? Please say that it is. It seems that each year, about this time, I decide that I am done with winter. I am done throwing on ten layers …
I’ve been noticing the signs for a while now, but I couldn’t bring myself to admit the truth. It started innocently enough, an extra seed packet added to the shopping cart every once in a while, but it has escalated over the years. Now it might be getting out of control. My garden beds are …
THISTLE BE THE DAY 