It’s hard to believe that it’s been three whole months since I’ve posted in this space – possibly the longest break I’ve ever taken. Between pouring over the last rounds of book edits, teaching four workshops and working on some really special new projects, I’ve been a bit short on words lately.
After getting a string of concerned emails about the silence in this space, I thought it was time to finally get back on the horse. So, in no particular order, here’s what’s been happening around the farm.
This year we planted our dahlia tubers earlier than ever and have been experimenting with some season extension strategies like putting hoops over the young plants to push for an earlier harvest. These efforts, combined with a warmer than normal spring, led to our earliest recorded field harvest ever. With over 6,000 plants coming into bloom, I’m excited, and a little nervous about the sea of color that’s about to wash over us!
I sent off the last big round of books edits and will be getting the final galley copy later next week. Eight more months to go until we can all hold it in our hands! Writing this book has been one of the hardest, but most rewarding, things I’ve ever done. The process tested me in ways I never would have anticipated. I’m not going to lie: it was hard. Really hard. But nothing worth doing is every easy and my hope is that all of the time and love I poured into the pages will give you and other flower lovers the information and inspiration to grow the garden of your dreams.
Published by Chronicle, Floret Farm’s Cut Flower Garden: Grow, Harvest, and Arrange Stunning Seasonal Blooms, will be available in stores nationwide and online February 2017. The team and I have been working on an exciting pre-order bonus that we’ll roll out later this year.
If you aren’t already, make sure you’re signed up for our mailing list to be the first to hear.
In between book edits, we have been busy hosting Floret’s 2016 workshop series. The energy and excitement surrounding each session is always so much fun. My very favorite part of the workshops is setting attendees loose in the flower field and greenhouses to cut anything they want. Watching their faces and hearing their squeals of joy is beyond fulfilling. Seriously, it’s one of my all-time favorite things.
So far we have welcomed three different groups for our 3-day Flower Farming Intensive and we’ll soon host our second of three design-focused workshops. As a quick reminder (because I know I’ll be asked) all of our 2016 Floret workshops are sold out. We’ll announce 2017 workshop dates and details in early October.
Again, Floret newsletter subscribers will be the first to get the scoop. After some recent press–including being listed on Apartment Therapy’s list of Adult Camps for Creatives and Crafters—interest around our workshops continues to build. With a book tour on the horizon for 2017, we will likely offer a smaller number of classes next year. So, if a Floret workshop is on your bucket list for 2017, be sure to sign up for our newsletter.
We’ve also been working on next year’s seed offerings. The trial section of the field is overflowing with so many new treasures. I’m having an impossible time narrowing down the list. I can’t wait to share all the wonderful new seed additions, plus spring flowering bulbs, a slew of new dahlias, plus super special resources with you later this year. It’s going to be incredible!
Thank you all for your patience with this blog silence. Without fail, my attention moves from the keyboard to the field this time of year. I hope you are all taking time to enjoy your gardens and the long summer days. The team and I have some tremendous things in store for you later this year. It feels good to be back in the saddle again.
Jenny van den Hoven on
i know what i want for my birthday! your BOOK!!