Heading into year 2 of starting seeds and planting a flower field. Growing was not really in the business plan until covid hit in 2020. Over half the wedding business we had booked fell through. Devastating blow to Green Bee to lose the main focus and income for the summer. Panic set in but only temporarily because we quickly decided to switch gears and start seeds. Why not take these empty Saturdays and be at the local farmers market? A Green Bee grown cut flower garden sounded like a pretty cool avenue to explore. Let me tell you, folks, the transformation I went through learning to grow a beautiful bloom from a tiny seed; extraordinary!
We started our first wave of seeds back in March and have been babying them each day since. Some varieties have been up-potted, some need to be still. Some are just peaking through the soil, others have developed their unique characteristics. Each day we water and move fans, adjust the lights and heat mats, a little of this a little of that.
This week we will start to give our plant babes some real outdoor exposure. An hour or two a day for a while so they aren’t shocked when planting time arrives.
To get the plot ready, I was out pulling the dried plants of last year and removed stakes and netting. (Things I should have done in the fall LOL) We still have to get out and do a few waves of rock picking. We plan to add in some good compost and lime to the soil as well.
Target dates for planting are set for May 22nd and 23rd. We will make lovely rows of our baby plugs as well as direct seed so many other beautiful varieties!
Some of the flower varieties I’ve been working on in the seed nursery are;
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Eric is all about the plants that will end up on the side of a venison steak this summer! He has planted tomato varieties, cauliflower, peppers, melons, strawberries, and more. It’s been a very connecting experience to plan and pursue this year’s garden together.
Outside of floral activities, I’ve been working diligently with some other lovely ladies of the Medford community on a dog park! Eric and I have two dogs. My little guy, Oscar. His boy, Bandit. We walk our good boys morning and evening which can be extremely therapeutic when work is getting stressful.
Bandy-boy loves being down in the basement while we take care of the plants. Oscar wants to lay anywhere you might walk in case he can distract enough to get some pets. Both the boys enjoy time out at the garden plot. Wide open spaces and lots of sniffs to sniff.
I love my home life and couldn’t be more thankful for the love and support that gets me through a crazy day at the hive.
