September 8, 2026
Reflecting on the first year of flowers...First, I will say, I loved it. Super hard work. From the seedlings, to the planting, to the growing, harvesting, bouquet making, and marketing. Lots of lessons, some bruising. But overall, the beauty of growing things, the grace of the garden, the company of the pollinators, all make it worthwhile. Did I make a profit? Hard tellin' without knowin'! It started off a personal endeavor and only evolved into a business midway. Still strange to think of it as a business, or myself as "in business." But I suppose that's what it is. As the year winds down and I begin to look to the next, I will be more intentional about varieties. I do not like bright colors. Sorry Benary's Giant Purple, we can't be friends. I want subtle subtle subtle whites, ivories, icy pink, blush, shades of orange, rose, particularly a dusty rose, peach peach peach, icy and creamy yellows, reds in all shades except for actual red, periwinkle blue, lavendar, etc. More glorious foliage, which truly is the difference between a mediocre and amazing bouquet. Textures and sculptural height. I am starting to dry flowers and here I will make an exception to my "no bright colors" rule - very bright colors dry into lovely subtle colors. Subtle colors dry to gray. So, perhaps, next spring, I will plant a row or two of painfully bright flowers specifically to dry. I bought the worst bright red and yellow celosia on a whim but it is making the loveliest burgundy and mustard yellow dried flowers, so there you go. Another thing about the bright colors is the pollinators love them. Even if I don't love a vatiety, I let it be, for the bees. One thing I am being very mindful about, is never regretting a decision. This is all about joy for me, and as soon as I feel a "I should have" I turn it into a "I learned" and let it go. Right now I am hoping and and dreaming of a greenhouse to extend the season. Will it happen? Stay tuned for the next exciting installment of growing flowers part time because why not.Â