What does a flower farmer do in the depths of winter?

I often get asked what I do in the winter months…“ I bet you must be really relaxing”. Well, I am not as relaxed as you might think! Before Christmas we worked on getting peonies in the ground. Over the Christmas break there was a lot of dividing dahlia tubers (still not finished!). The recent ice and snow events created some headaches in terms of covering and protecting beds but I think we have mostly survived it. The upcoming predicted warmer weather will be full of pruning and winter clean up. There are a few reclamation projects - spaces I’ve let go for the last year or two and am now attempting to reclaim. I’m also inventorying seeds and planning my sowing/planting schedule… The grow racks are actually already full of babies!

I’m also working with a few clients on “garden coaching”, which has been a whole lot of fun! All of the interaction that’s great with working with design clients but none of the backend of waiting on me to produce plans. While I adore the creative process of drafting landscape plans, the cut flower business is a jealous mistress and I just don’t have the time to sit down at the drafting table anymore. Garden coaching offers a great alternative for me and the client alike - a 90 minute consult at your place where we walk around and talk about your dreams. Problems areas, curb appeal, cut flower or herb garden, whatever! You take notes as we brainstorm and plan how to implement your dreams. If this sounds like something you might be interested in, head on over to my Garden Coaching section and check it out.

A little closer to spring, I’ll have another option - Container consults. I can’t wait to work on these too!

Charlotte and Cabarrus County peeps: I’m also interested in building a contact reference list for design installs. Anything from planting to irrigation, landscape lighting and hardscape. If you’ve used someone and really found them to be a gem I would love to have their contact information!

Thank you!