high fives

Dear Readers,

Yesterday was Blooms and Bouquets, our annual farmer-florist workshop, and our biggest event of the year!

It was a heart-lifting day! 28 participants came from as far as Michigan and Florida to hear Dave Dowling, Mimo Davis, Ellen Frost, and I talk about everything farming and flowers. 

Workshop topics included "Selling to Florists," "Crop Planning," "Growing in High Tunnels," "Butterbee Farm Systems," "Making a Bridal Bouquet," and more. 

Being around other jazzed flower growers is a much-needed shot in the arm during these hot, muggy summer days. Here are just a few of our wonderful participants:

This was Cassie Plummer of Jig-Bee Farm in Philly's THIRD Blooms and Bouquets! It's always so great to see her. 

This was Cassie Plummer of Jig-Bee Farm in Philly's THIRD Blooms and Bouquets! It's always so great to see her. 

Kelly Morrison of Color Fields Farm is trailblazing the way in Durham, NC- she just started a flower hub where florists can buy from multiple farmers at once! And, she used to be my manager when we both worked at a farm in PA.

Kelly Morrison of Color Fields Farm is trailblazing the way in Durham, NC- she just started a flower hub where florists can buy from multiple farmers at once! And, she used to be my manager when we both worked at a farm in PA.

Thank goodness for Carin Celebuski of Ladybrook Farm- she helped out at the event. She just started an amazing diversified farm in Monkton, MD.

Thank goodness for Carin Celebuski of Ladybrook Farm- she helped out at the event. She just started an amazing diversified farm in Monkton, MD.

Maya Velasco came from flower and veggie farming at Greyfield Inn in Florida to learn more about growing cut flowers. 

Maya Velasco came from flower and veggie farming at Greyfield Inn in Florida to learn more about growing cut flowers. 

Helen Campbell of Helen's Garden is just 20 minutes away from my farm. I'm thankful to have such a supportive and friendly flower neighbor. This was her second Blooms and Bouquets.

Helen Campbell of Helen's Garden is just 20 minutes away from my farm. I'm thankful to have such a supportive and friendly flower neighbor. This was her second Blooms and Bouquets.

Beverly Suckling owns Half Acre Flower Farm in Howard County. She was kind enough to host another farmer Angela Van Order, who came all the way from Michigan to attend the workshop!

Beverly Suckling owns Half Acre Flower Farm in Howard County. She was kind enough to host another farmer Angela Van Order, who came all the way from Michigan to attend the workshop!

Honestly, half the reason I put this workshop together each year is to get people's advice on what to do better on my own farm. It's just priceless to look at the farm through so many other eyes, and see with new perspectives.

And, lucky for me, our speakers (above- Ellen, me, Dave, and Mimo) hung out a bunch before and after the class so I got to soak up even more good vibes. If you ever go to St. Louis, check out Mimo's Urban Buds- it's an amazing 1 acre urban flower farm! 

I can't express all the gratitude I feel to this year's Blooms and Bouquets participants and speakers through words... it feels like a gazillion high fives bubbling up inside!

I wish you all a boost of confidence!

Laura Beth

PS All of these photos are by flower-lover, designer, and photographer Stacy Bauer!

Laura Beth ResnickComment