A Season of growth: lessons from year one
The start of a new year brings time for reflection, and as I look back on my first season of flower farming, I’m amazed by how much I learned. Growing flowers has its joys and its trials, and 2024 was filled with both. From navigating a mid-season relocation to enduring early spring rainstorms that washed away a couple of flowering rows, my first year was a true test of perseverance. With those lessons in hand, I’m thrilled to share what I’ve learned and how Native Bloom Flower Farm will be growing in 2025.
Lessons from Season One
1. Sometimes You Have to Move to Grow
One of the biggest surprises of my first year was the challenge of a “good ol’ country handshake” gone awry. Issues with verbal agreements, and even confrontational behavior created a stressful environment that wasn’t conducive to the peaceful, joyful spirit I want to cultivate alongside my flowers. After weighing my options, I made the difficult decision to relocate the farm and join my father’s Hosta farm at Pine Forest Gardens.
What I Learned: Finding the right environment goes beyond soil and sun. Surrounding yourself with supportive people and a positive atmosphere matters just as much. A peaceful space is essential for creativity, focus, and overall well-being. Finally…always get everything in writing; a clear, solid agreement is essential to long-term success.
Adjustment for 2025: The new location in Tyrone GA is centrally located and offers plenty of sunshine, fertile soil, and room to grow. Now I have the ability to open my space to the public for tours, events and a retail/productions space. I’m excited to cultivate both flowers and peace of mind this season!
2. Mother Nature Has Her Own Plans
My first season was marked by torrential rains that hit just as I was establishing my first succession of seedlings. Entire rows of carefully planted flowers were washed away in a single storm. It was a tough blow, spending days shoveling mud and sand, but it taught me an important lesson about water management and the unpredictable nature of farming.
What I Learned: You can’t control the weather, but you can plan for it. Drainage systems, erosion control, and thoughtful site preparation are a non-negotiable.
Adjustment for 2025: I’ve redesigned my growing areas to improve drainage, and I’ll be planting with the natural slope of the land in mind. Mulch, landscape fabric and cover crops will help protect soil from future washouts.
3. Timing Is Everything
Between unexpected moves and weather delays, my growing schedule fell behind, leading to late summer blooms that missed key market opportunities. This experience underscored how crucial it is to stay on track with planting timelines, and to build in flexibility for life’s curveballs.
What I Learned: Early, consistent planning and preparation can help prevent setbacks. But when delays happen, it’s important to have a backup plan and a willingness to adapt.
Adjustment for 2025: I’m creating a detailed calendar with planting dates and buffer periods for unexpected delays. Seed starting will begin earlier this year, with more succession plantings to ensure a continuous supply of blooms.
What’s New for Season Two
1. A More Diverse and Resilient Crop Selection
I’m excited to introduce hardier flower varieties that can handle variable weather conditions. Look for vibrant sunflowers, hardy annuals, and long-lasting Lisianthus in addition to favorites like Dahlias and Ranunculus. Alongside of my focals and accents, I’m proudly growing several filler flowers and aromatic herbs including silvery Eucalyptus to fragrant mint and dill. These will add texture, fragrance and movement to my arrangements while enhancing bouquet structure and vase life.
2. Workshops and Community Events
One of my biggest joys is sharing the beauty of flowers with others. In 2025, I’ll be hosting hands-on bouquet-making and flower workshops on the farm. Stay tuned for announcements about dates and how to join the fun!
3. Expanded Flower Subscriptions
Based on feedback from my wonderful customers, I’m expanding my flower subscription program to include an early spring option, flexible pickup and new bloom varieties.
Looking Ahead with Gratitude
Growing flowers has been a journey of resilience, patience, and joy. Every setback has made me more determined and better prepared. Thank you to everyone who supported me through year one, whether you purchased flowers, sent words of encouragement or followed my story online. I’m excited to grow with you in 2025, in more ways than one.
~ Melissa Jolly, Native Bloom Flower Farm