Seven years ago, on an unseasonably warm winter day, we moved from the city to the country.  It was our desire to give our kids room to grow, and slow down our pace of life. We also wanted to grow and preserve our own food.  As soon as the boxes were unpacked, we began planning our garden.  We couldn't wait for the spring thaw to work up a patch of soil to plant our seeds.  We planted all our family favorites and as any gardener would do, tried some new varieties.  We planted  corn, green beans, potatoes, cucumbers and a couple rows of flowers.  We converted an old well house to a chicken coup and enjoyed the sounds of baby chicks.  As sunny spring days turned to long hot summer months, we were eager with anticipation over our bountiful harvest.   We enjoyed eating fresh veggies from the garden and preserving them for the winter months.   

​Although the vegetables were our primary crop, the flowers brought the greatest joy.  Even though we had only a few varieties, we marveled at their beauty.  Together, we watched the birds and insects benefit from their seeds and pollen.  We began taking pictures and observing how the sunlight would illuminate the flowers.  We cut the flowers, arranging them into bouquets and bringing the beauty indoors.  But most of all, we loved sharing the bouquets with friends.  Anyone visiting the farm would leave with produce and a bouquet.   

"Even as a child, I loved sharing flowers.  I remember as a small girl, I would cut the wild violets in our back yard and share them with family and friends."  ~ Dawn VanBlarcum​
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