I now have a website for my flower farm, at www.bluebirdflowerfarm.com. I am writing a weekly blog post for the "Farm Journal" portion of that website. Most of my "and blooms" posts have thus transferred over there. Also, I haven't figured out an easy way to cross-post them--if you have any tips for me on that, let me know! [UPDATE: 1/16/21--I have closed down the website, and moved all of those blog posts over here! So there you go!]
In addition, I have started up a bi-monthly newsletter, called Bluebird News. In it I share information on various topics relating to growing, harvesting, and arranging cut flowers. It has been fun! Also, you are invited to join my list! I just need your email address to do so.
For pictures and such, I have finally joined the world of Instagram (@bluebirdflowerfarm)! Despite my initial reluctance, that has been a good thing for me, as it has forced me to take more pictures of my floral design work. I am also on Facebook (bluebirdflowerfarmutah).
Anyway, with all this content I'm creating on a regular basis, I haven't been around here much at all, and I apologize for that. I really don't want to let this space go entirely, because talking about books and gardening, and connecting with my friends here has been such a bright spot in my life.
A beautiful misty morning last week.
So, a basic update on what I'm up to these days:
Bluebird Flower Farm: I still love it! I spend pretty much all of my free time growing and arranging flowers. This spring I've grown around 200 tomato and pepper starts to sell as well. I have done one wedding now--for my niece--and am still figuring out which direction I really want to take this thing! If I want to get into weddings full-time, for instance, that will require some pretty major infrastructure--as in, I would need to hire a team, and buy a floral cooler at the very least. Not sure I'm ready for that. Or another option would be to go more towards the grower side of things and get into it more as a plant nursery. I have had many requests for that (hence the veggie starts.) Or just keep doing a little of everything.
I am growing my subscription base: I now have 2 business clients that want weekly arrangements, and one that wants arrangements every other week. I know that's not very much, but hey--it's 3x what I had last year! I have slowly been building awareness, marketing, etc., in my small town. So now I also have a handful of repeat customers who want flowers as gifts, or for special occasions. I continue to make connections that are promising. I am actually happy with the pace I am growing right now, especially as I have still have kiddos to care for and you know--other responsibilities as well (soccer coach! story for another time...)
I am smack in the middle of all the spring planting right now, except that this whole week it has rained and rained, which is very different than the usual weather here. I have cleaned my house and stuff. It's been weird. Maybe that's why I have found the time to get back on here!
Bookish stuff: Lately what time I have to read has either been spent on total fluff, reading something recommended by my kids (or for them), or reading business/flower related books. I have not reviewed a single thing in weeks!
I am listening to some crazy wind outside right now. I may need to stop what I'm doing here momentarily and go out to rescue all my poor little veggie starts. They're covered up, but it sounds like something is blowing around out there.
Family stuff: I know I don't write on here much about my family, but they are doing well. My baby will be 2 next month! I can hardly believe it! Her older siblings will all be done with school next week. Summer will be fun. I haven't made a plan for it yet, but we're going to make it fun! I will not spend 20 hours per week weeding like I did last year, for a start! (Cardboard and weed barrier, to the rescue!)
So, if any of you are still around--thanks for sticking with me through the dry spells! I will do what I can to post more regularly here. In the meantime, I would love to connect with you elsewhere!
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