2023 is shaping up to be a pretty big year for Daisy Acres. Last year we only grew in the field at my parents' farm in New Hampshire, but this summer we are planning a smaller offering from our home field in Greenwich/Middle Falls as well.
Two Fields? Is that Nuts?
Growing in two places definitely sounds like a lot, and it might prove to be too much, but I optimistically (foolishly?) think we can do it!
Last year our Hill Place field required almost no weeding. As you can see in the picture, we did have some weeds, but they didn't really impact our rows, except in places where our seedlings didn't make it. We still had more than enough blossoms to harvest, so the hope is that we can get away with this ultra low effort model again.
Our home plot is going to stay small, and without travel time it should be pretty doable to keep up with it.
What we're growing
This year we are starting over 40 different varieties, in addition to our bulbs and tubers. Only time will tell how many of those varieties we will be able to harvest from. Most of what we're planting this year are plants that we've already had success with, but there are a few exciting new colors and species that we are trying this season.
White Zinnias
Technically I have grown white zinnia before, but I haven't grown them for 2 years, and I am excited to be bringing them back. One thing that I learned in putting together my arrangements last year, is how valuable a neutral background flower can be.
Most of the other zinnia that we grow are bright and bold, but having these whites to mix in should really help us put together classy bouquets.
Cosmos
This season we'll be trying two new (to me) cosmos. Apricotta, which is a newer variety that has been all over social media. I'm hoping that it lives up to the hype and that it's blush/apricot color is as easy to mix into arrangements as I imagine it. On the other end of the red color spectrum I am also trying Velouette, which looks just stunning in photos. I have a soft spot for that deep burgandy color, and the striped petals should add a pop.
Lavender
Lavender is one of our big experiment crops of the season. If it is a success, it can be doing triple duty. We plan to use it as a scented filler in bouquets, to dry, and to improve our home landscaping.
Roses
I have heard that roses aren't very practical as a cut flower option, but I can't resist the urge to try anyway. This year we're starting very small to see how well they grow in Greenwich. I don't plan on having any to use this year, but hope to learn how to grow them.
Snapdragons
While we did start snapdragon seeds last year, I managed to kill all but one seedling. The one that survived was a beautiful Potomac Appleblossom, and I loved the look it gave to the bouquet I used it in. This year I'm doubling down, and we'll be planting seven varieties of snapdragons from the Madame Butterfly, Potomac, Costa, and Rocket series.
There are a few other new and exciting pieces for our flower fields this year, but I will keep a few surprises for myself. Winter is winding down here, though it hardly feels it on this snowy day, and while things are about to get busy, there's so much to look forward to this season.
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