I've loved gardening since I was in grade school, spending weekends helping my dad as he planned, then surveyed our suburban backyard. As the oldest, I was his helper, but really, the best part was hanging out with him. He told me what he was doing and why.

 

A month after I retired from working at a public health nonprofit, I happened on Floret Flower Farm’s stunning book, Cut Flower Garden. Upon reading Erin Benzakein’s inspiring story of sweet peas, I was reminded of how my childhood introduction to growing them sparked my love of growing flowers. I planted a packet of sweet pea seeds in the rain one winter day, and come spring, to my amazement and joy, the plants grew and blossomed. To this day, sweet peas are a favorite. 

 

With early retirement came the ability to spend more time gardening and what better than creating a little flower farm to spread more joy. As I quickly devoured Cut Flower Garden’s lessons for farming flowers, I challenged myself to see whether I could I start a flower farm in my backyard. The timing was ideal to try, and lo and behold (plus a lot of digging, planting, and watering) I have a tiny flower farm.  

 

I love sharing my bounty of blooms with friends and family spreading joy and beauty. With my backyard flower farm, I can now offer lush fragrant bouquets and delightful posies to you.