November on the farm is a time of transformation and reflection. The hustle of the growing season begins to wind down, but the work continues with purpose as we prepare for what’s ahead. This month, the rhythm has been about harvesting the rewards of hard work and planting the seeds—both literally and figuratively—for future blooms.
Digging all the dahlias has been a monumental task, but oh, what a reward it is to unearth those big, healthy tubers! Each tuber feels like a promise of next year’s beauty, and we’ve been filling our expanded flower cooler to the brim. It’s an exciting sight—rows and rows of dahlia tubers ready to rest through winter, ensuring next season will be just as vibrant. With the cooler expansion, we have more space than ever, but it’s already buzzing with potential as it overflows with the fruits of this season’s labor.
Sorting seeds has been another big focus this month. Our upcoming seed sale is shaping up to be our most exciting yet. We’ve been organizing and packing a dazzling array of varieties, from cut flowers to fillers, and of course, sweet peas. This year’s sale will feature an incredible 70 varieties of sweet peas! Among them are brand-new mixes and some truly special heirloom varieties. The thought of these seeds blooming in gardens across the country fills me with joy. Each packet represents not just a flower but a connection to fellow gardeners and a shared love for growing.
November also brings the annual tradition of planting spring bulbs. There’s something deeply satisfying about tucking tulips, daffodils, and ranunculus into the soil, knowing they’ll burst forth with color when the world feels new again. The act of planting is always a hopeful one—a way to invest in the future, even as the days grow shorter and the garden quiets.
Amidst the hard work of digging, sorting, and planting, a moment of pure joy arrived: the very first copy of my book, Sweet Pea School, landed in my hands! Holding it for the first time was surreal, emotional, and a little overwhelming. This book represents years of learning, growing, and loving these delicate, special flowers. I poured my heart into its pages, and to finally see it as a finished piece is a dream come true. I can’t wait to share it with all of you—to help sweet peas find their way into more gardens and more lives. It’s a celebration of beauty, resilience, and the magic of flowers, and I’m so excited to see how it inspires others.
As November closes, I’m filled with gratitude for the rewards of this season’s work and the anticipation of what’s to come. The farm is settling into its winter rhythm, but the promise of spring is already alive in the seeds, bulbs, and tubers we’ve carefully prepared.
December Flower Garden To-Dos:
Spring Bulb Planting in Crates: If you didn’t get all your bulbs into the ground, consider planting them in crates. Use well-draining soil and store the crates in a cool, dark place until the first shoots emerge in early spring. This method is perfect for extending your planting window and ensuring a beautiful spring display.
Winter Mulching: Apply a thick layer of mulch around perennials, shrubs, and any late-planted bulbs. Mulch helps insulate the soil and protects plants from harsh winter temperatures.
Dahlia Tubers: If you’re still digging up dahlias, make sure to label them carefully before storing. Check any already stored tubers for signs of moisture or rot to ensure they stay healthy through the winter.
Seed Inventory: Take stock of your leftover seeds and start planning next year’s garden. December is the perfect time to dream and scheme about what to grow, especially as seed catalogs start arriving.
Tool Maintenance: Clean, sharpen, and oil your garden tools. Well-maintained tools make all the difference when spring rolls around.
Winter Decorations: Bring some greenery indoors! Use trimmings from evergreens, holly, and pinecones to create simple, natural decorations that bring the beauty of the season inside.
Here’s to the season of rest and preparation and to the joy that gardening brings no matter the time of year. Thank you for sharing this journey with us—here’s to many more blooms to come!
