Yesterday (the 19th) was my birthday, and for the first time since we started farming, I gave myself the gift of a day completely off.

Birthdays were never a big deal to me–in the past they would come and go with little more than a cake or a candle (simplicity at my request). But as the years keep moving forward (I’m edging closer to Medicare–where did the time go?), they’ve started to carry a different weight.

Birthdays now remind me that time is precious. They are little markers along the way that whisper: live here, live now. Each one nudges me to slow down, to notice the small moments, and to be more intentional with how I spend my days. I’m keenly aware that I have more yesterdays than there ever will be tomorrows, and yet, instead of dwelling on what’s behind me, I find comfort in making the present feel fuller and richer.

I’m grateful that both my “Seashore Flower Farm Husband” and I are in good health, and that our kids still choose to spend time with us–gifts I don’t take for granted. This year’s birthday was wonderfully simple with the family: a short visit to the beach (unfortunately the weather didn’t cooperate), a walk to George’s for a casual dinner, and the coveted Fine Fellows ice cream for dessert (love, love, love). No fanfare, just a day that felt whole in its simplicity.

And now, back to farm life!

There’s something about the impending fall that feels like both an ending and a beginning. While the summer blooms are still hanging on, we’re busy behind the scenes preparing for next year’s flower magic. This season, the farm will continue to get upgrades, and we can hardly wait to share what’s coming!

✨ Peonies, Peonies, and More Peonies​
Because you can never have too many, right? We’re adding 20 new peony roots to the farm this fall. These long-lived beauties take their time settling in, but once established, they’ll reward us (and you!) with armfuls of lush, romantic blooms for years to come.

✨ Dutch Iris to Join the Party​
We already grow bearded iris, and this fall we’re planting 200 Dutch iris bulbs to complement them. These graceful flowers bring a whole different texture and color palette, and we’re already dreaming of the arrangements they’ll star in next spring.

✨ Specialty Tulips & Ranunculus​
It wouldn’t be spring on the farm without our beloved specialty tulips and ranunculus. Their jewel-like colors and delicate textures are always a customer favorite–and honestly, a farmer favorite too. Prepping their beds in fall ensures they’ll put on a breathtaking show once the days warm again.

✨ Winterberry Shrubs​
To add even more seasonal interest (and those perfect pops of red berries in winter wreaths and holiday arrangements), we’re adding about 6-10 more winterberry shrubs to the farm. We can already picture how stunning they’ll look against a backdrop of fresh snow.

Each fall planting feels like a little promise we’re tucking into the soil–a secret we share with the earth until it’s ready to reveal itself.

🌸 What this means for you: Next spring (and beyond!), these plantings will translate into even more lush, abundant bouquets, specialty subscriptions, and seasonal workshops. Think peony-filled mason jars, ranunculus that look like watercolor paintings, tulip bunches with a painter’s palette of colors, and holiday wreaths dotted with bright red winterberry. Every decision we make now is with you in mind–so when you stop by the farm stand, join a workshop, or pick up a subscription bouquet, you’ll be surrounded by the very best of what we’ve nurtured here.

And while spring is something wonderful to look forward to, we’re still savoring this season’s flowers–and have two more seasons to finish before we get there. One day, one bloom, one season at a time.