See Anemones, But Not Sea Anemones!

See Anemones, Not Sea Anemones!

Last summer I had placed an order for Galilee White Anemones, as well as other varieties, to arrive in January. Unfortunately, I was informed in the fall that the location where the corms are farmed in Israel had experienced a drought that decimated a good sized portion of the crop. Without question, I was saddened that I wouldn’t get to grow these flowers. My own disappointment paled in comparison to the challenges faced by these farmers and my heart went out to them, knowing the tremendous dedication and hard work that goes into producing something from the land. It was a poignant reminder of the profound connection we share with the natural world and the unpredictable nature of our endeavors.

By a stroke of luck that winter, some became available and I placed another order immediately.

Which leads us to today when I was foliar feeding the little plants and I see the humped over shape of anemone flowers on the top of the their bed, very much resembling a small child in their nightgown, waking from a night of sleep.

This is great news for you, dear reader. It means that soon enough, you will be getting to share in the wonder and delight of these sweet little panda-faced darlings as well.

~Cheers

May 19, 2023June 21, 2023

Tales of Tulips: A Flower Farmer Florist’s Journey with Nature’s Beloved Beauties

Welcome to the enchanting world of tulips, and where the artistry of a northern flower farmer florist meets the long-awaited allure of these beloved blooms. Discover the timeless beauty and fascinating stories that lie behind every tulip, as we delve into the life of a flower farmer florist and their intimate relationship with these nature’s treasures.

A Blossoming Connection with Nature: As a flower farmer, my journey begins in the cold soil, where tulip bulbs are planted in the late fall with hope and anticipation of spring. The soil needs to be between 32 and 55 degrees F to limit potential fungal growth on the bulbs and yet allow for preliminary root growth, which will give them an advantage in the spring. It is in the tender sprouting of green shoots when we are still receiving spring snow flurries that I witness the transformative power of nature firsthand. Cultivating tulips is a labor of love, requiring patience, a tolerance of cold, and the right clothing. Yet, with every plucked bunch, I find solace and connection in nurturing these living works of art.

Captivating Varieties and Colors: Tulips offer an endless tapestry of variety, each cultivar boasting its unique charm and personality. From the classic elegance of single-flowered tulips to the whimsical fringed and parrot varieties, there is a tulip for every taste and occasion. The color range is equally captivating, spanning the spectrum from fiery reds and vibrant oranges to soft pastels and pure whites. Working with these diverse tulip cultivars allows me to create arrangements that embody individuality, symbolism, and enchantment.

The Language of Tulips: Tulips possess a rich history and symbolism that dates back centuries. From their origins in the Ottoman Empire to the Dutch “Tulip Mania,” these flowers have captured the imaginations of cultures across the globe. As a flower farmer florist, I not only cultivate tulips but also embrace their stories and meanings. Each arrangement I create tells a unique tale, whether it’s expressing love and affection, celebrating new beginnings, or conveying admiration and gratitude. The language of tulips allows me to weave narratives and emotions into my floral creations.

As a flower farmer florist, my journey with tulips is one of deep connection, boundless creativity, and the celebration of nature’s beauty. These captivating blooms have become not just a part of my livelihood but a source of inspiration and fulfillment. Through careful cultivation and artistic arrangements, I endeavor to share the timeless charm of tulips with mid-Michigan, allowing their vibrant colors and graceful forms to ignite the senses and awaken the love for nature’s treasures. Embrace the magic of tulips and let their beauty captivate.

January 15, 2023May 19, 2023

Sunrise and Bookkeeping

As a flower farmer, my days are filled with a never-ending to-do list. This is in addition to my primary 9-5 and my lovely family. From planting and watering to harvesting and selling, there’s always something that needs my attention. One task that I often push to the side is balancing the farm’s accounts. It’s not the most glamorous task, but it’s crucial for keeping the farm running smoothly.

However, this morning, tackling the numbers, I noticed a difference in the sky out of the corner of my eye. Mid-Michigan winters are very grey and the experience of becoming reacquainted with the sun these last two days are nothing short of necessary. I needed to step away from the computer screen and remind myself. So, I grabbed my camera and headed outside to catch the sunrise.

As I stood there, surrounded by the cacophony of colors, I couldn’t help but feel grateful. Grateful for the opportunity to wake up each day and do what I love – work on the farm and grow beautiful flowers. The farm’s accounting can wait, but this moment of peace and tranquility was priceless.

Stepping away from my daily tasks, even for just a few minutes, allowed me to come back to my work with a fresh perspective. I was able to tackle the numbers with renewed energy and focus. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best thing we can do for our work is to step away from it for a little bit.

As flower farmers, our days are filled with hard work, but it’s important to remember to take a break and enjoy the beauty of nature. Whether it’s taking a walk through the fields, or simply watching a sunrise, these moments of mindfulness can help us appreciate the beauty of our work and give us the energy we need to keep going.

So, if you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, take a moment to step away and enjoy the sunrise. You’ll be surprised at how much it can help.

November 13, 2022January 18, 2023

Planting Spring Tulips and Narcissus

We had unseasonably warm weather, right up until the weekend for planting spring bulbs, whereby I just had to start playing Christmas music. I found an entertaining mix of holiday music from movies, traditional classics, and revamped classics in with some original scores. Armed with this arsenal of audacious audio, I took to the fields!

Bulb planting wasn’t exactly a barrel of monkeys, mostly requiring tedious arranging of bulbs point up, flat down. Though, the semi-feral barn kittens acted like monkeys using me for a barrel or trounced the bulb bed that was getting my attention, similar to when I planted over 1700 lily bulbs. Tulips were planted much closer together than the lilies or the narcissus because these bulbs won’t stay in the ground after harvest. Each group of the 3600 tulips had dissimilar coloring, creating an interesting block pattern down the row before 6 inches of soil was sifted on top of them. These varieties are to me for growing and I look forward to assessing their suitability for our bouquets. Sumptuous varieties included Orca, Purple Heart, Mysterious Parrot, Silver Cloud, Rasta Parrot, Double Ice Cream, and Salmon Jimmy, among others.

I planted over 200 narcissus in the note-able varieties of Replete, Yellow Cheerfulness, and Gay Tabor. These bulbs will stay in the ground and produce more and more flowers each year! Cross your toes. 🙂

I want to thank Ball Horticulture and Johnny’s Seeds for selling bulbs to me and for use of their beautiful photographs!

October 18, 2022January 18, 2023

Sweet Peas

Kristina Dawkins

The sweet peas eagerly awaited being transferred into the high tunnel, shoots tall and roots creeping out the bottom. I don’t know what I’m waiting for. Maybe it’s finishing the end wall door…maybe it’s planting all the tulips? Yes, you read that correctly, I have one more variety to get into the ground even though we just received a load of snow. I’ve determined to seat them next to their sisters and not in a crate in the basement.

Back to the sweet peas. I’d been listening to flower market and growers’ podcasts, and everyone was saying that sweet peas were just the best thing for spring blooms. Really, they waxed poetic about the scent, I could almost see them drool. I’ll admit, they’ve never really caught my eye, or nose, but I was convinced to give them a try. So convinced, that I bought fifteen different varieties and created a PowerPoint slide deck to plan for a transitional color show as we look down the high tunnel row in early spring. Now, I suppose I might be savage because I didn’t plant them in true ROY-G-BIV rainbow order, but I couldn’t imagine having them any other way. See the slideshow for yourself:

August 14, 2022January 18, 2023

Hardy Annuals

I’ve taken over the kitchen with seedling soil and the basement with pink lights, heat pads, and freshly sown seeds of hardy annuals. I bargain with my family for the soil blocker and trays to stay on the countertop, so that they are there to set a tray of seeds if I have a few minutes.

Starting hardy annual flowers from seed is a great way to get the variety of plants I need (want?) for a good price -and- they grow outside in-ground through the winter! Hardy annuals are annual plants that can withstand cold temperatures and frost, making them ideal for overwintering or setting out before their last frost date early in the spring. Here are some tips for starting hardy annuals from seed:

Choose the right seeds: Look for hardy annuals that can be planted in “early spring,” often noted on the seed packet just like that, such as calendula, pansy, and sweet alyssum.
Prepare the soil: Work the soil in your garden bed before winter. Don’t wait till spring when the ground is cold and muddy. It won’t dry out enough to be prepped before your last average frost. Just get it done in the fall. Maybe this should have been #1….
Sow the seeds: Sow the seeds according to the packet instructions. Some seeds can be sown directly in the ground, while others need to be started indoors and then transplanted. Some need darkness and some need light. I use a heat mat for germination and then remove once 85% are sprouted.
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Transplant: Once the seedlings are big enough, transplant them to the garden. They need to be under row cover or in a plastic tunnel. I’m in zone 4b and use a mix of protection that includes low tunnels, agri-bon 70, and a high caterpillar tunnel.

I’m hoping my family forgives me for displacing their kitchen, or they may hold a grudge, but at least I’ll have super awesome flowers! Happy gardening!