October on the farm is a magical time. There’s a shift in the air as summer’s warmth fades, and with it, a new rhythm —one of slowing down to appreciate the last vibrant blooms before the frost claims the fields. It’s the time when the dahlias are in their full glory, filling the farm with a sea of color that feels all the more precious, knowing it won’t last.
This month, we dove deep into the dahlias. Every morning, looking out over the dahlia field feels like watching the grand finale, with blooms showing off in every possible color. It’s been a busy, wonderful time filled with connections, hard work, and a few firsts for our farm.
One of the most exciting moments was launching the first round of sweet pea seeds online for the season. There’s something special about sharing these seeds with our community, knowing they’ll bring beauty and joy to gardens across the country. The response has been heartwarming, and I’m already looking forward to seeing photos of everyone’s sweet peas in the spring!
October also meant preparing and shipping out bulbs and corms to our customers, making sure they arrive in time for fall planting. It’s always a bit of a whirlwind, but knowing these bulbs will bloom in gardens far and wide makes the hard work so worth it. Each package is a piece of our farm sent out into the world, a little bit of our fall season shared.
One of the month’s biggest highlights was attending my first Silobration in Waco, Texas. Being a part of Magnolia’s event was both thrilling and humbling. We packed up seeds and corms, spent days in the Texas sun meeting new friends, and connected with people who share our love for flowers. It was a beautiful experience, one I’ll remember for a long time.
Back at the farm, the work continues with the beginning of our dahlia dig. This is a big task—carefully lifting each tuber to store over winter so that next year’s blooms are even stronger. There’s something meditative about the dig; each tuber feels like a treasure, and it’s a reminder of the cycle of growth and rest that we follow in the garden.
September also brought a delightful surprise to the farm—four baby kittens! They showed up just as the leaves started to turn, and they’ve quickly become the unofficial mascots of the season. With their tiny paws and curious eyes, they’ve stolen the hearts of everyone who visits. In between the hustle of seed orders and dahlia digs, I can’t help but steal a few minutes to sit with them, watching their playful antics and soaking up their sweetness. They’re a reminder to pause, enjoy the moment, and appreciate the simple joys around us. It’s tempting to spend the whole afternoon just watching them discover their new world.
On top of all the excitement around the farm, there’s something else that’s been keeping me going—my book release is less than four months away! It’s been such a journey bringing it all together, and knowing it’s almost time to share it with everyone is thrilling and a bit surreal. As I prepare to share my love of sweet peas, stories, and insights with readers, I’m filled with gratitude for this community that has encouraged and supported me every step of the way. I’ve poured so much of myself into these pages, and I can’t wait to finally hold the book in my hands and see it out in the world. The countdown is officially on!
As October closes, I’m grateful for every moment spent in the dahlia field, for the sweet connections we’ve made, and for all that’s yet to come. Here’s to the quiet beauty of fall, to all of you who share this love of flowers, and to the rhythms of the farm as we prepare for the coming season.
November Flower Garden To-Dos
Frost Protection:
November often brings the first frosts, which can damage tender perennials and late-blooming flowers. Use row covers, old blankets, or frost cloth to protect vulnerable plants on frosty nights, especially if you have late blooms still going strong.
Mulching:
Apply a layer of mulch around the base of plants to insulate roots from cold temperatures. This is particularly important for tender perennials and newly planted areas. Mulch also helps retain moisture and keeps the soil temperature more consistent.
Seed Head Collection:
As many plants finish blooming, allow some to go to seed to create natural food sources for birds over winter. Collect seeds from any annuals or self-seeding perennials you want to save for replanting next year. Store them in a cool, dry place labeled by variety.
Digging Dahlia Tubers:
Once frost has blackened the foliage of your dahlias, it’s time to dig up the tubers for winter storage. Carefully lift them with a garden fork, shaking off excess soil. Allow tubers to dry for a day or two, then store them in a cool, dark, and dry place, such as a basement or garage, ideally packed in peat moss or Vermiculite to prevent moisture loss. Be sure to label each variety for easy replanting next season.
