09/27/2026
This year was productive. A bit harder than previous years, because we tried a lot of new things. But we figured it out. Every year at this, I learn something important. At the beginning of this season, I was stuck- I felt like the amount of work was too much for a side gig, and I started to lose the joy in flowers. I spent a good while questioning what I was doing exactly and where I needed to go with this. No idea seemed just perfect for me. As the season progressed, I realized I’m not just telling a story with flowers, I’m part of the story. I’ve learned a lot this year. I’ve learned to appreciate every phase of life without a fight. I’ve learned to embrace beauty in its entirety, even if it brings me out of my comfort zone. I’ve learned to give back to myself when I’m feeling overwhelmed. I’ve re-set my priorities. Because life moves too fast. My heart is happy in the garden. My heart is even happier sharing the garden with others, and letting them be part of the story as well. And this year’s garden ended up being truly amazing!
My job now is to give back to this beautiful world that gives so much to me everyday. Through the winter, I will be putting together pieces of my thoughts/experiences in the garden, along with some pictures that have been taken, in book form. I won’t claim to be a gardening expert, but I’ve found a great deal of joy in building beauty, and I’d like to share that with the world.
Next year, I will be focusing on dahlias. They have captured my heart! I have a breeding plan, to come up with my own varieties that I can share with the world. I am also toying around with growing ancient grains. I just love the stories that can be told through growing things, and these historic grains are totally worthy of a comeback! I will explain more as this project moves along. Lastly, I will be planting less annuals that require a lot of seed starting ahead of time, and focusing more on perennials. I will still have the annual favorites and fillers for bouquets, but I won’t be overdoing it like I usually do 😅. In the coming years, I’m dreaming of a living hedge and a micro climate in our garden to make it ideal for growing flowers. I will be focusing more on the organic health of the plants and soil and coming up with a landscape plan for when the climate becomes unpredictable, as it has been!
So- my walk-through the flowers this morning confirmed the end of our season. We are tired and ready to let nature do her thing to prepare for the coming winter months. Fall is blowing in (really- five bouquets blew over at the stand yesterday)! That is usually our sign. I will continue hand pollinating dahlias until the first frost, and we have one last order of senior night bouquets to fulfill. After today, our roadside stand will be closed. Thank you so much for your support this season and I can’t wait to keep you updated throughout the rest of fall/winter on next year’s plans! We have had so many new followers and supporters this year! I would like to extend my deepest gratitude, to all who helped make this season incredible, by supporting our little flower garden! I am ready to put my gardening hands to rest for the winter, but I already can’t wait until next year!
2026- It’s a wrap!
