10 Things I Learned Farming Flowers
I’ve just come in from tidying up the garden, weeding before the sun hits and the mosquitoes bite. They send me indoors where I am now sitting down to write. Today I am writing a bit of reflection, what the present looks like and how that may shape the future of Flower Child Heirlooms.
This time last year I was about to celebrate 34 years of life, and our interview with QC Exclusive was hitting the stands. It felt like such a treat and a reward for all my hard work. I was wrapping up a BUSY summer season of tending petal plots and managing pop ups. For those of you who are not familiar, Petal Plots are a term we came up with for plots we managed pro bono in Charlotte yards with the understanding that flowers harvested would be ours to sell. All of this with two kids who were 4 + 7 at the time in tow. I feared they would resent me for a summer like that, spent rushing all over town, covered in dirt and sweat. I was exhausted mentally and physically.
You could call it the great experiment because I learned so much growing in various conditions. However, gardening IS the great experiment. It is constant shifting, changing, adapting and growing. Last year was our highest in revenue, but lowest in profit. It was a wash from a numbers standpoint. I had never worked harder, and I’ve had a job since I was 16 years old up until I chose to stay home when our son Simon was born. I am beat and yet determined. I find myself defeated and struggling with burnout at times, and still even a small speck of determination exists.
Our Petal Plots have officially ended their tenure. All 5 of them, we have let go one by one for various reasons and seasons. I have said goodbye to all of them reluctantly, and some with a huge sigh of relief.
10 Things I Learned Farming Flowers
I’ve learned I have more than enough space to grow a great many flowers in my own yard. One doesn’t need much land at all to grow a garden, and I believe just about anyone can grow enough flowers for their table.
I’ve learned that in my entire yard that is technically 1/3 of an acre, There is not an ounce of full sun anywhere. Everything I’ve grown here has been in part sun or shade. With that, flowers take slightly longer to grow or bloom. Bloom size sometimes suffers when I am experimenting with plants that require full sun. Sometimes I am pleasantly surprised! Like when I’ve defied the ones who say it can’t be done. AH HA!
I’ve learned there are so many unique plants to play with, even with less sun exposure. A whole world awaits when you embrace what you have.
Once again, I have been reminded that time is too precious to spend running around chasing anything, even flowers.
Work is still work, no matter how dreamy it looks or sounds.
Not many people buy flowers consistently in the summer. Take summer off.
This work is seasonal, and no matter how thrifty and resourceful you are, you must rest.
I’ve learned I quite like web design. I enjoy all things design in fact, and am currently taking classes focused on UX/UI + Graphic Design…hit me up if you need a site, prototype or general help with graphics. I am also all ears if you have some pointers to share.
Numbers aren’t everything. They are something in the society we live in, but not everything.
I have learned that I am enough, even when it seems like I have nothing but sun spots, mosquito bites and dirty fingernails to show for it.
Our Plot Plans make a great guide to garden planning year round.
I could go on and on. All of these experiments constantly taught(and continue to teach) me to shift and try again. Such is problem solving. Change is inevitable regardless of vocation. Through all of these changes, we’ve held onto the experience of growing flowers and sharing that knowledge with others. THIS will remain constant. It is my heart work. HOW I/we go about it will evolve, which brings me to what that looks like going forward, at least for now. : )
“Through all of these changes, we’ve held onto the experience of growing flowers and sharing that knowledge with others.”
For now we are leaning into the magic of holding space for others in our garden with intimate events and gatherings. Our newsletter is where you can find announcements as these seasonal opportunities present themselves. Our one on one Garden Consults + Checkups have offered so much support to our clients, support that comes easily and is ready to give. This same support will make its way into an accessible and playful course format very soon! This “business” started as a flexible means to show up for my family, as an outlet from the stresses that come with raising a family, and it will continue to grow to compliment families and friends outside of our own. Thank you for being here and for giving us a purpose. Peace, Love + Lots of Flowers! <3
