If you’ve been following along, you know I started June with a grand plan to "slow down." Well, the universe—and my own excitement for connecting with you all—clearly had other ideas! What was meant to be a quiet month turned into a whirlwind of pop-up markets and bouquet making.
But as the calendar finally offers a brief, beautiful window of space, I’m taking a deep breath. This "short break" isn’t just for resting (though, let’s be honest, I’ll take that too!); it’s for getting back to the heart of the farm.
The Mid-Season Reset
I am leaning into the quiet tasks this week. The subscription kick-off is finally here, which is such a milestone for me. I’m also diving into the "farm desk" work—catching up on inventory and, yes, getting ahead on fall orders. You heard me right: the tulip bulbs for next year are already on their way! There is something incredibly grounding about planning for the next season while the current one is in full swing.
Between the paperwork and the inevitable, serious weeding in the flower beds, I’m finding my rhythm.
What’s Blooming
The garden is really showing off lately, and I’m so proud of the progress:
From Seed to Success: My eucalyptus is finally looking spectacular, and the lavender bushes are filling out beautifully.
Dahlia Progress: Almost all the tubers have sprouted and taken off. They’ve been pinched, they’re branching, and they are ready to put on a show.
The Seasonal Stars: The zinnias, sunflowers, and all those "fun fillers" we love are officially here and thriving.
Reflections on Growth (and Boundaries)
Running a boutique business like Clumsy Goose Farm is a constant education. This year has been a masterclass in learning what works and what doesn't.
I’ve had to make some tough calls—for instance, I’ve decided against keeping low tunnels through the winter next year. When you calculate the labor versus the return on investment, it just didn't make the cut. Making that decision was surprisingly empowering. It’s a reminder that every "no" I say to a task that doesn't serve the farm is a "yes" to higher quality and better focus.
The Balancing Act
Balancing this farm with my 9-5 science career has been a dance, but I’m finding my footing. A few strategies have made all the difference:
The Daily Harvest: Harvesting consistently throughout the week makes the final push toward weekend bouquets so much more manageable.
Working Smarter: Investing in easy-to-manage irrigation and a dedicated flower fridge has been a total game-changer for my sanity (and the longevity of the blooms!).
While there are a dozen new ideas swirling in my head for the future, I’m consciously choosing to stay in the moment. My goal is simple: putting the highest quality flowers possible into your hands and homes.
Thank you for being part of this journey, for supporting the farm, and for helping me make this dream grow.