There has been so much going on the last few weeks between releasing new courses and getting ready for our summer flowers and events. I thought it would be a great time to do a quick recap of everything that is going on at the farm right now and let you know about some fun things that are coming up!

Seed Starting and Planting Outdoors

Indoor Seed Starting Setup with 4’ wide shelves and LED Utility Lights

I always feel like our growing season officially begins once we start seeds indoors in early spring. In years past, seeds are started in early February. This year I am doing a combination of buying plugs and starting seeds indoors. I ordered plugs for things that are slow to germinate and would have required starting earlier in the year, like lisianthus and eucalyptus. Then I started the first of our seeds indoors in early March and did a second planting in early April. Our indoor grow space has definitely reached capacity now, and I am beginning to harden off plants outside to make more room in the indoor grow space for dahlia cuttings. This past week some of the hardy annuals, like snap dragons and feverfew, were transplanted into the new annual field, and in another week or two seeds for our tender annuals, like zinnias and sunflowers will be sown in the field. It is such a time of transformation on the farm, and it’s so exciting to see these little seeds grow into beautiful flowers.

Field Prep: Compost, Plastic, Irrigation

BCS Walk-behind tractor with compost spreader attachment

Each year there is a big project on the farm, and this year is no exception! Over the past few weeks my awesome team has been busy preparing a new field for more annual cut flowers. We have been burning holes in the plastic weed barrier, adding compost and fertilizer to the rows, and laying drip irrigation. I am so excited to have this new field on the farm and for everything it will allow us to do. These flowers will be used in our subscription bouquets, farmer’s market bouquets, and we will also be able to add more uPicks flower opportunities.

Bouquet Subscriptions (Just a few left!)

Speaking of bouquet subscriptions, we have just a few subscriptions left before we are sold out for the year! If you have been thinking about signing up for one or planning to gift one to someone for Mother’s Day, I would definitely place your order soon. We will start delivering bouquets in June when the lavender field is in bloom!

Course Launches

Growing flowers has been such an amazing experience for myself and my family, and over the years I have talked with so many people who also want to learn more about growing cut flowers. In the hopes of better serving everyone who wants to learn more about flower farming and share this experience with their family, I released two more cut flower courses: Children’s Cut Flower Garden and Cut Flower Mini Course

The Children’s Cut Flower Garden includes three different gardens for children 3 and older to plant and tend to during the summer. The plans include information on recommended varieties to grow, how to plant the seeds, how to care for the plants, and when to harvest your flowers to enjoy in a vase.

The Cut Flower Mini Course aims to provide the foundation needed to start your first cut flower garden. I talk about my favorite summer and fall favorites that don’t require any indoor seed starting, row covers, or hoop houses to grow well. I will also discuss how to plan out your garden, prepare the site, grow healthy plants, and harvest flowers to enjoy in your home or to share with others.

Photo Session Opening

I am excited to once again be offering the farm for lavender photo sessions this year! This is our fourth year making the farm available for photo sessions, and we have a beautiful, new, 1/2-acre lavender field for everyone to enjoy. Reservations opened up at the end of March for sessions June 4-19.

UPicks and Farm Events

We will also be offering uPick lavender again this June! This is a great time to stop by and visit the farm, enjoy a picnic by the creek, and walk through the lavender fields. Our new field has lots of space, so no reservations are required for these events, just show up and enjoy some time on the farm! Official dates will be announced in early May, along with guest vendors who will be offering refreshments.

In addition to our lavender uPicks, we have quite a few other events in the works, and I look forward to sharing those with you soon!

Farm Update: Spring 2022