A season of harvest, observation and learning that building a flower farm is as much about what you leave out as what you choose to grow.

The first lisianthus bloom opened this week. What I expected to feel was excitement and there was plenty of that. But also gratitude. A reflection on growing lisianthus from seed and the slow work of building a flower farm.

The lisianthus field begins to settle into early summer as plants branch out and form their first buds. An update from the field crew on growth, pests, fertilizer, foxes and the season.

After 8 weeks of growth, lisianthus seedlings are hardened off and nearly ready for the field. A brief cold snap delays planting a few more days as rows and frost protection are prepared in the field.

An early start on fall clean up. A weekend of moving, re-arranging, and letting plants, pollinators and the garden itself set the pace for the next growing season.