Year 1
We are calling 2024 our first ‘official’ year of flower farming; as it was our biggest year to date; with the most flowers, and most varieties, we have ever grown! So to say in light, we didn’t consider our past years as our profit years; they were nearly our guide for the future of our business.
With our knowledge of years past, the insightful knowledge, and in-place systems from Mr. WT Nottingham; we knew we could confidently upscale our plot size. Thus began our work of turning our practiced 1/2 acre, and upscaling it to 1 full acre. It was the longest season of flowers we have ever aimed for - beginning in February & ending in November. And for sure, was not for the faint of heart; we put in many long nights and early mornings; rainy days, windy days and cold days. We lost seedlings, we over planted others, we didn’t cut some enough, and some we defiantly over cut. We cut everything from snapdragons, to zinnias, to dahlias, and so much more.
We hung and dried flowers so we could make wreaths during our off season. The crafty person in me loved making creating each one different - listening to the flowers and weaving each one with their flower buddies.
Our first official Farmers Market took place this year (shout out to CAPE CHARLES MUSEUM + AMANDA DUNTON); where we met some very amazing people and some very special four legged friends (shout out to MISS BUTTERCUP the whippet).
Our farm community grew (shout out to JENNA + CASEY from SEAFIELD FARMS - plus their newest addition - LITTLE MISS ROSEMARY). Nothing is better than meeting your soul-sister-farmer and wearing the same unplanned outfits every Saturday morning, and bonfires on off days.
We celebrated with friends and family at Erika’s bridal shower in June; where she created all of the bud vases for the table scape. And it didn’t stop here! We also created all of the floral decor for our wedding day! If it weren’t for our amazing bridal party and family we would not have made it to the venue. Yes, every stem was grown by Aran Farms and touched by those we love. Erika was even crazy enough to create not only her bridal bouquet but also her sister’s maid of honor bouquet AND both of her mothers, and mother in law’s corsages.
We can say that while our business grew, so did our hearts this season. As this years hard worked proved fruitful - hauling in armful, after armful of flowers - we are beyond excited to see what the 2025 season will bring to our small family flower farm. Be sure to follow along and watch not only our flowers grow - but us as a family run business.
