Hello from the farm,
We've been in farm planning mode for the past six years, but this year things have escalated somewhat. We're developing a one-acre flower farm, planting Christmas trees, and ramping up egg production with a fourth chicken caravan — which sounds entirely sensible when said quickly.
The flower farm will focus on foliage, perennials and bulbs. There will likely be a few annuals as well (my seed-buying addiction is not currently responding to reason). A quarter of an acre is going into peonies, which will thrive in our cold climate. That sounds terribly romantic until you realise it involves lots of planning. The type that either overwhelms you or sends you straight to the art supply store. Naturally, I chose the art supply store.
In what I consider a completely normal transaction, I purchased a set of 280 design markers. Two hundred and eighty. This may be the frustrated artist resurfacing. Or more likely the result of a lifelong stationery obsession that began with Derwent pencils. If there were a Michael's (USA) craft store within driving distance, I would require supervision. Do not Google it. You will lose an hour.
Anyway — the plan...
Three no-dig beds, carefully sorted into early, mid and late bloomers. Each bed graduates in colour. The palette leans heavily into pastels; whites, soft butter yellows, pale pinks and blushes, moving through coral and peach into the dusty "old rose" tones of the Itoh peonies.
There's something deeply satisfying about mapping it all out before a single plant is in the ground. Farming can be muddy and demanding, but it can also be creative and beautiful.
