Have you ever dreamed of transforming an empty yard into a vibrant tapestry of flowers? I certainly did, and my journey from a novice with a barren plot to a flourishing flower farmer is a testament to the magic that can happen when you pair passion with perseverance.
I embarked on a journey that would forever change the landscape of my life—quite literally. With no prior experience, no tools, and just a vision, I set out to cultivate a garden brimming with my favorite blooms. It was a blank canvas, an empty yard waiting to burst into color. And now, as I walk through the lush rows of flowers that I’ve nurtured, I’m reminded of the power of starting from scratch and the beauty of growth.
Waking up to fresh flowers every day is a dream that many harbor, but few take the leap to realize. For years, I was one of those dreamers, dragging my husband to countless properties, searching for the perfect spot to start our flower farm. After multiple missed opportunities, we finally took a chance on our neighbor’s ¼ acre field. Marion Cran once said, “It is always exciting to open the door and go out into the garden for the first time on any day.” This sentiment became my daily reality.
The turning point came when I enrolled in Floret’s Online Flower Workshop. This six-week intensive course, led by Erin and her team, was a significant investment, but it equipped me with invaluable knowledge and skills. The course handbook delved deep into the intricacies of flower farming, and the lifetime access to the Floret Alum online community provided a platform to connect with fellow flower enthusiasts.
Here are some of the invaluable lessons I gleaned from my inaugural year:
Lesson 1: It all starts with Good Dirt
Good soil is the foundation of a successful garden. I learned this the hard way when my initial attempts to grow flowers in front of my house were thwarted by poor soil. A soil test and proper amendments made a world of difference, transforming my neighbor’s field into a fertile haven for dahlias and focal flowers.
Lesson 2: Embrace the Dirt
As a flower farmer, dirt becomes a second skin. It’s therapeutic, yet it can leave your hands cracked and your feet soiled. I discovered the importance of caring for my hands with creams and embracing the dirt as a sign of a day well spent in nature.
Lesson 3: Footwear Matters
Flip flops were my go-to until a painful encounter with a bumble bee taught me the value of closed-toe shoes. Protecting your feet is a lesson learned quickly on the farm.
Lesson 4: Overcoming Fears
Spiders and bees were my nemeses, but flower farming taught me to coexist with these garden allies. The bees became my companions among the dahlias, and the spiders, well, they’re still a work in progress.
Lesson 5: Sun Protection is Key
The best tan of my life came with a caveat—sunspots. Protecting your skin with hats, sunscreen, and UV clothing is crucial when you’re under the sun’s gaze all day.
Lesson 6: Hard Work Pays Off
Managing the fields alone due to COVID was grueling, but the satisfaction of seeing my seeds bloom into a sea of color was unparalleled. The physical exhaustion was a small price to pay for the joy of harvest.
Lesson 7: The Miracle of Drip Tape
Irrigation is a game-changer. Drip tape saved me countless hours and ensured my flowers received the perfect amount of water, even on the windiest of days.
Lesson 8: Early Riser
Sleeping in is a luxury not afforded to flower farmers. The early mornings became a cherished time, filled with the sounds of nature and the soft glow of dawn.
Lesson 9: Accepting Failure
Not every seed will flourish, and not every plant will survive. Accepting crop failure and learning from it is part of the journey. It’s about grace and growth.
Lesson 10: Vigilance Against Pests
Aphids taught me the importance of routine pest control. Neem oil and ladybugs became my allies in protecting my precious sweet peas and other blooms from destruction.
Lesson 11: Weed Warfare
Weeds are relentless, and staying on top of them is essential. Landscape fabric helped, but diligence is key to preventing weeds from overtaking your plants.
Lesson 12: Continual Blooms
Succession planting ensures a steady stream of flowers. It’s a delicate dance of timing and planning, but the reward is a constant supply of beauty.
These lessons are just the beginning of what has been an incredible journey. From the first sprout to the last bouquet, each step has been a learning experience, a moment of joy, and a chance to connect with the earth. My once empty yard is now a testament to the transformative power of flower farming. It’s a place where nature’s palette is on full display, and every day is a new opportunity to grow, both as a gardener and as a person.
As I look ahead, I’m filled with anticipation for the next season. The garden is a living, breathing entity that evolves with time, and I am its humble caretaker. To those who dream of starting their own flower farm, I say: take the leap. The journey is as beautiful as the blooms you’ll cultivate.
The lessons I’ve learned extend far beyond the garden. They’re about resilience, adaptation, and the joy of creating something from nothing. My flower farm is a reflection of my journey—a vibrant, ever-changing landscape that started with a dream and a patch of dirt. And if I can do it, so can you.
Related posts:
1st Year Flower Farmer
Six Important Questions to Answer Before You Get Started Growing Flowers
Learning from the first year of growing flowers
