Neverland Flower Farm
As we wrap up our first year of growing cut flowers, we’re already looking ahead and making plans for next year. We’re mapping out the field, ordering seeds, and dreaming about what’s to come. We have plans to build a farm stand, offer subscriptions, host you-pick events, and return to the farmers market. Be sure to follow our Facebook page for updates as we continue to grow!
Seed Starting
This year, I started many of our flowers from seed, but I also direct-seeded some throughout the season. Before transplanting the seedlings into the garden, we had to harden them off, which means gradually getting them used to outdoor conditions like sunlight, wind, and rain. This important step helps reduce the risk of transplant shock and encourages healthy growth throughout the season
Preparing Our Flower Plot
Over the past four years, we’ve faced so much weed pressure that by mid-season, it’s tough to keep up. We were spending way too much time and energy on weeding, so this year, we decided to invest in landscape fabric. It turned out to be the best decision we’ve made for the farm! Preparing the flower plots now involves a light tilling, laying down the fabric, and using a propane torch to burn holes for transplanting seedlings and direct-sowing seeds right into those holes.
Moving The Seedlings To The Field
We hardened off our plants and transplanted them into their new spots in the field, and honestly, it felt a lot like when my oldest child moved out. I was so nervous for them! They seemed so small and vulnerable out in the elements, and I couldn’t control their environment. But then they started to grow and thrive, marking the exciting beginning of our first year as flower farmers.
Dahlia Plot
Our dahlias have a dedicated plot all to themselves! While they’re not difficult to grow, they’re definitely one of the most labor-intensive flowers here at Neverland. They need careful planting, staking, pinching, and then come fall, each tuber has to be dug up and stored. I’m just starting that digging and storing process now - more on that soon!
Flowers Start To Bloom
About a month after transplanting, our first blooms started popping up! We were lucky to have plenty of rain through spring and early summer, so irrigation wasn’t needed until when the summer heat set in, and then our drip hoses took over. This first year has taught me so much - such as how to handle pests like Japanese beetles, cutworms, and slugs, spotting when plants need water just by looking, and realizing just how much I love growing flowers.
Our First Bouquet Sales
When I had enough flowers to continuously make bouquets, I started posting them on Facebook, and you all showed up! Friends, family, and even people I’d never met started buying them. It was the best feeling seeing how happy our flowers made everyone, whether they picked them up or I delivered them. Sharing our flowers with our community has been a highlight of my summer.
Planning For Next Year
We're already planning and preparing for our 2025 season! With over 30,000 seeds ordered, we’re expanding our flower selection to bring even more stunning bouquets to the market, shops around town, and our farm stand in Saverton. Stay tuned for sneak peeks of the beautiful varieties we’ll be growing just for you!