First off, thank you to everyone who replied to my last newsletter.

The notes, anecdotes, and thoughtful reflections you shared were so heartfelt.

I’m usually out in the field or in the design studio when I check messages .. hands covered in dirt or eucalyptus sap .. so my replies are shorter (and definitely less eloquent) than I’d like.

But please know this: I do read every single one, and they mean a lot.

Keep them coming.

Now, if you’ve ever been by the farm, or even just driven past, you might have noticed the unfinished sections on either side of the attic.

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When we painted the house, we held off finishing that part because we wanted to fix the windows first.

That was two years ago.

It’s cramped and hot up there, and every time we had a free weekend, something else took “priority.”

So for two years, the house had a constant reminder that some projects take… well, longer than expected.

Enter Joe Goddu, Steve’s childhood best friend.

They were inseparable growing up, all the way through post-college, until life (as it does) got busy: marriage, kids, work, the usual detours.

I don’t even remember exactly how they reconnected, but it’s been fun watching that old friendship come back to life.

Joe lives in Manhattan and works in the art world — curator, dealer, appraiser, and a talented artist himself. (Check out his website, he’s the real deal.)

In a past life, I’m convinced he must’ve been a carpenter-acrobat hybrid, because the man has balance.

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Anyway, Joe made the three-hour drive yesterday, climbed up to that hot attic, and immediately started dismantling and fixing windows.

He and Steve spent the entire day working side by side, and by evening – ta-da – the painting and windows are done.

Two years later, the house is finished. Just in time before the rain and frost roll in.

I’m thrilled, and I suspect anyone who’s ever noticed that half-painted section is, too.

Speaking of rain, the forecast this weekend is looking pretty dramatic: gusts up to 60 mph.

Around here, that’s code for “get your plants tucked in.”

I try to time most of my transplanting and direct sowing right before a good rain, so I’m racing the clock to finish up my cold-hardy annuals before the weather turns wild.

Once those are in, that’s pretty much the end of my overwintering sowings.

The rest of fall will be about cleanup, clearing beds, prepping soil, and getting ready for the early successions that will be planted out in February (and, no, I didn’t forget about the tulips, ranunculus, peonies, and irises, oh my!).

Which, by the way, means I’ll start sowing seeds again in December.

Surprise!

Farming doesn’t stop just because it’s winter. It just moves indoors, a little less sweating, a little more seed trays and grow lights.

🌸 Farm Happenings

There’s still an abundance of flowers out in the field, and the flower stand is fully stocked daily, dahlias, heirloom mums, and eucalyptus galore.

If you need a special bouquet, you can also order online (just give me 24 hours’ notice) and I’ll have something ready for pickup at the farm.

Perfect for hostess gifts, birthdays, or when you just need something beautiful on your kitchen table.

And because the holidays are sneaking up faster than we realize… our Winter Wreath Workshops are back in November and December.

These are some of my favorite events of the year — cozy, creative mornings surrounded by fresh evergreens, pinecones, and laughter. You’ll leave with a festive wreath that smells like Christmas itself.

Can’t make it to the workshop? Don’t worry, preorders for our winter wreaths and door swags will open soon, available for both pickup and shipping. Stay tuned for details.

And Since You Didn’t Ask…

There’s such a dearth of fun things to watch on TV lately. You know my list, the truly braindead, drama-filled reality shows that require zero thought and maximum snacks. What are your recommendations? I’m running low on new nonsense.

P.S. If you’ve got an unfinished project staring at you, the one that’s been sitting there for months (or years), maybe this is your sign to finally tackle it. You’ll feel so good afterward.

P.S.S. Share this with a friend who could use a little flower therapy .. or have them sign up for the newsletter at … seashoreflowerfarm.com