On Joy

Growing flowers is, in itself a joyful act. Flowers are beautiful; growing things is satisfying. As this season began, I imagined that the joy would follow the abundance of the flowers grown in direct proportions.

As it would become evident as spring waxed on, there is even more joy to be had in growing flowers for others. Growing for oneself is a happy indulgence - a pretty garden that invites butterflies, windowsills full of flowers... Growing for others is like preparing a meal for friends - full of intention for the nourishment and pleasure of the recipient.

I have delighted this season in the connection to others that our flowers have afforded us. In the middle of the never-ending Pennsylvania January, people who have followed us along on this journey were willing to give us their trust and money for the flowers we hadn’t yet even started growing yet, as they joined our first bouquet subscription. To deliver those bouquets in July to the folks who believed in us in the dead of winter based on our scrappy garden and some Instagram posts truly warms my heart.

On a whim, we offered a bouquet bar for a community event. Watching others light up at the opportunity to touch flowers, choose their own colors and textures, gave me more joy than I had considered it might. Being in the presence of those who appreciate flowers is much like being in the company of friends with whom the pauses in conversation have long-ceased to be unsettling.

As this season continues, and as many more follow it, thank you for coming along for the ride.

It is truly my pleasure to grow for you.