We’re almost at the point where we’ll have our last plantings in the ground for fresh blooms to last through early November. Mums, celosia, amaranth, and the last of our late sunflower rows will soon be put out. Cooler temps are ringing in another fall season of autumn colors and full calendars, creating a boost of energy with the change.
Fall arrangements and decor are in planning. Pictured at top are some ingredients for dried arrangements that are in the works - green limelight and purple majesty millet are to the right. They absolutely shine and can last through winter for nice pops of color. I love the new palette of color and texture to work with: pumpkins, dried and fresh flowers, and foliage all combine for the cozy feel of tucking into happiness.
To make sure our dried inventory stores well for the months ahead, we pack them into cardboard boxes we get from Lowes. Then we store them inside a cooled/heated space to ensure moisture isn’t an issue. They will last months this way. Last year we had an overstock of dried inventory that recently went to Steadfast Flowers of Dallas, NC, who uses them in their apothecary services.
Pictured below is the lovely amaranth. I’m giving it another go this year by trying pinching for the first time. It gets tall and cumbersome to work with if it’s not pinched early on to encourage multiple stems, vs. one tall, woody stem. I’m really looking forward to working with it in the new season.
We have the farm flower shop opening in just two weeks and our very first CSA, featuring dahlias, will start soon after, with the first pickup being on September 8. A new season always energizes the farm, but this year feels extra invigorating with these new goals being put into motion. We’ve also planted pumpkins for the first time(!) and are looking forward to having fun with those in new fall arrangements.
We’ll keep you up-to-date with new workshops and events coming next season, and will share more details soon about welcoming you out to the farm shop’s official opening! If you haven’t yet signed up for our weekly email update, find it below so we can let you know about these exciting moments.
See you soon,
Lis & Tim
