What’s next for Big Oak? Using $15,000 in grant funding to expand!
Well, we did it!! The first growing season of Big Oak Flower Farm is officially in the books! I’m equal parts proud and exhausted. Excited for next year’s expansion but also overwhelmed with what I’ve gotten myself into.
I started out the year with a giant to-do list and plans scribbled on paper and cannot believe that I actually made it happen. I couldn’t have done it without the amazing folks who have cheered me along the way.
The make your own bouquet bar was a hit at local markets this summer.
Co-hosted a bouquet workshop with Annie of Red Bird Florals for 60 people!
I did it all this season - bouquet subscriptions, u-picks, local markets, dried flowers, corporate events, the farm store, farm tours, and open gardens…oh, and on top of that, I still have my full time corporate job. Some of these projects were big successes and some flopped, but that’s ok. It was all part of this crazy experiment to see if I can actually make a small farm business successful.
This winter I plan for some rest and reflection but also major planning, because I have some exciting news to share with you!!
Big News: The $15,000 Grant Glow-Up
Yeah, I can hardly believe it either. The folks at AgWest believed in my mission and business plan so much that I was awarded a $15,000 new producer grant this fall!!
That means Big Oak can make some Big Changes for the 2026 season. Here’s how I plan to use those funds:
Greenhouse: For years I’ve used a grow tent that I found a garage sale to grow seedlings in winter and spring. This new greenhouse will be a major upgrade, if I can get it built!! The 8x16 foot structure arrived last week in several big boxes. I think I’ll hire a contractor to assemble it for me, I really don’t want to screw it up.
Here’s a mockup of the 8×16 foot hard frame greenhouse
Row covers & season extension: in addition to the greenhouse, I’ve ordered frost cloth, supports and row covers to extend my growing season. Think cozy winter blankets, but for plants. For 2026 we plan to do a BIG spring flower sale with all the early beauties like ranunculus and tulips. Thanks to these row covers, I can grow flowers earlier and protect them from the elements.
1,000 feet of frost cloth to keep young plants protected in the field
Plant sale: with the new greenhouse, we can grow a ton more seedlings and we can’t wait to share these with you. You can grow your own unique cut flower varieties and delicious veggies in your own garden! We plan to offer this plant sale in May 2026!
We’ve been growing so many amazing plant babies!!
Making our dreams happen, one seedling at a time
Veggie CSA: Madeline has been by my side all of 2025 helping make my flower farm dreams a reality, but it’s time for her work on her true passion: veggies! We are now opening a waitlist for a 2026 weekly vegetable share for folks who want the freshest, tastiest local veggies grown by your favorite farm girls. Get on the waitlist now and we’ll send you updates when the CSA opens.
Will I have flowers this winter?
In the meantime, everyone’s been asking if I’ll have flowers this winter, and the answer is: Sort of!! They’ll just be a little…crunchier ;)
I have been drying flowers in my studio all summer to save for winter wreaths and arrangements. I LOVE the muted tones and textures of dried flowers. Plus, they last practically forever if kept out of the sun and moisture.
More news coming soon on dried floral projects, but if you’d like to chat with me about a custom order, please email me and let’s talk!
