As we wrap up the growing season, I’ve been reflecting on some of the highlights and lessons from this year on the farm. It’s been one filled with growth, learning, and community connection.
Giving Back to the Local Food System
This season, we donated 600+ farm-fresh eggs to Ulster County Healthy Families, which distributes food to their network of 80 families. I first met this wonderful organization during my vegetable apprenticeship at Phillies Bridge Farm Project, where we donated weekly vegetables and hosted their annual farm-and-family day, a special event filled with nature crafts, farm animals, laughter, and plenty of cake to celebrate graduating families.
It feels full circle to reconnect with them now that I have my own farm. Next season, we’re planning to grow specific vegetables the families have requested, a step toward deepening our mission to give back and strengthen our local food system.
One thing I’ve learned this year is that impact isn’t measured by scale. I used to find myself apologizing for only being able to donate “a small amount,” but I’ve learned from these organizations that every bit truly helps. Every egg, every bouquet, every bunch matters.
A Collaboration with Adidas
In June, we kicked off our season with an incredible collaboration, making 250 bouquets for an Adidas launch event in New York City. It was a wild ride. I wasn’t sure how I’d pull it off, but I said yes (as I often do) and figured it out along the way.
It took an all-nighter and some serious creative problem-solving to fit all those flowers into a sedan, but we made it happen. I’m so grateful for the experience. Collaborations like this don’t come around often, and I loved that Adidas wanted to highlight local farmers as part of their farmer’s market–themed event.
Flowers for All
We also launched our Pay-As-You-Wish weekend bouquets at our Beacon pickup location, The Floral Society, during the summer months. You never really know how something like that will go, but the response was so heartwarming. People showed up, supported, and took home flowers. Similar to this, we also raised funds for our Flowers-for-All Fund, another way we make locally grown flowers more accessible to everyone.
Growing (and Growing!)
This year, I grew over 50 different varieties of flowers, all started from seed. It was definitely a learning curve. Even with my background in vegetable growing, some flowers proved to be much trickier and slower to germinate. But that challenge made the successes even sweeter. We'll be editing down our list of flowers to grow next season, so stay tuned to see a preview!
Behind the Scenes of Our CSA
On the logistical side, I’m proud of how the CSA schedule came together this year. Between weekly, biweekly, and monthly subscriptions, plus pickups, deliveries, and shipping, it truly felt like a big, beautiful puzzle. It takes a lot of pre-planning, timing, and care to keep it all flowing, and I found so much joy in the rhythm of harvesting and sharing blooms with you all.
Native Gardens
This year, we worked on two local native garden projects with our dear friend and collaborator, Alexandra. Earlier this month at the farm, we also planted 400+ native perennials and seeded a meadow to support our pollinator friends.
