A Farmer-Florist

Challenge + Inspiration + Reward

For all southern Indiana has to offer, to me there is nothing that compares to our rich heritage found in life on a farm.  So when it came time to transition from the corporate world of accounting into something “new and different”, I began the search on many fronts with one being enrolling in Purdue’s Master Gardener class.  Amanda Mosiman and the entire Purdue team of guest instructors provided me a glimpse into the world of horticulture and I have never turned back. 

The Challenge

First Time Farmer at 50?  

Why? 

Because locally grown cut-flowers, culinary herbs and seasonal vegetables bring out the best emotions in all of us!  Who can look at a freshly harvested handful of flowers and not smile and sigh just a little.  Or that first red ripe tomato! So as someone who truly finds fulfillment in providing one of life’s most basic desires – happiness – the challenge of becoming a farmer became a real business proposition for me.

The Inspiration

I never knew how challenging and rewarding it would be to be an entrepreneur until I decided to be one!  And in the entrepreneurial world, inspiration serves as the cornerstone. 

Similar to many, I find inspiration from those I surround myself with as well as those I encounter through community involvement.  But I also have another source, and that is inspiration from two pieces of historical significance that have been part of my daily life for the last 20 years. 

The originally constructed 1890 Darnell School stood until the spring of 2020 just across from my farm.  Amazing is one of many words that come to mind and I have always wondered what life was like through the years it served our children.  Additionally, I am blessed to have a one room log cabin as my floral workshop.  Rock solid are its walls after being weathered for these many years.

So when I’m my most challenged and seeking inspiration, all I have to do is turn 360 degrees anywhere on the Farm to see not only historical treasures but also three families of farmers tending the land around me while looking for ways to balance the needs of the environment with the need to feed the world.

The Reward

I hope that you will allow me to share a piece of me and my one-acre farm with you this year, even just one bloom will bring with it not just my story but an experience that you can be a part of.  Join me, share in the love of flowers, herbs and vegetables!

A Flower Farm

Darnell School Farm

Situated at the corner of Darnell School and Ford Road my little one acre farm stands out in contrast to its many neighbors.  Whether it is in the height of summer when color bursts against the greenery of the adjacent farm fields; or in the fall when my soil has been tilled, cover crop sown and the green carpet pokes above the fallen leaves and harvested farm lands there is no doubt a small market farm is present.

The prior owner relocated a log cabin to this property, which he indicated was from the early 1800s.  Added was a concrete floor, brick foundation and shingle roof.  Left in its original state are the hand hewed log walls, rock solid for the most part.  It is an amazing building, staying cool in the summer and warm in the winter compared to my other block and metal buildings.  I am thankful to have this historical treasure to call my workshop where bouquets are crafted and prepared for delivery to you.