The Magic of Flowers & Community
When we received the call about my husband’s mother being hospitalized, our hearts sank with concern.
At 95 years old, both of his parents have been married for an incredible 75 years, and his mother has devoted her life to caring for his father, especially as he battles dementia. This is a monumental challenge for anyone, let alone someone of her age. With them being 1,000 miles away, we quickly made plans to be by their side during this difficult time.
As I processed the news, my worries extended beyond their well-being to the farm, which was in the midst of the busy flower and wedding season. July is a critical month for blooming flowers, weeding, and starting seedlings for the fall. Many people underestimate the complexities of seasonal flower farming, thinking it’s as simple as planting seeds and waiting. However, a skilled flower farmer knows the intricacies of flower diseases, succession timing, color palettes, and the cycles of weeds and pests, all of which are essential for producing beautiful bouquets. Recognizing the need for a change, I began to strategize.
While I have a few part-time helpers, our additional growing area in 2025 meant I needed a reliable team to ensure the farm's success. I’ve been intentional about building a group that not only loves flowers and gardening chores, but is also committed to our shared goals. With my tiny supportive team in place, I felt confident that I could step away to care for my mother-in-law, knowing that the farm would be in good hands.
I realized I could manage the farm remotely, prompting me to initiate some changes. I carefully selected a team that not only shares a passion for flowers but also genuinely cares about our collective success. It was essential for me to trust that they could handle operations while I took time away to support my mother-in-law’s recovery. During my absence, my team excelled, successfully managing the markets and even selling out at the Belle Meade Farmers Market (at St. George’s church) aside from one pre-ordered bouquet that was forgotten. They kept our self-serve stand well-stocked with beautiful Lisianthus, while the Dickson market saw decent traffic. Though we hope to attract more visitors in the future!!! Despite their limited hours, my small team has become invaluable, fostering a sense of community and mutual care among us. While they kept the farm running smoothly, I focused on caring for Steve’s parents.
Our beautiful stand at the Belle Meade Farmer’s Market
One day, we took Dad for a walk while Mom napped, allowing him to enjoy some fresh air. Although he struggles with dementia, he reminisced about the past, identifying houses and their occupants. When he spotted a charming home adorned with flowers, he repeatedly expressed the desire to bring some to Mom. Highlighting how flowers symbolize love and gratitude and making me remember why I have this flower farm. Even in his condition, the enduring power of flowers shone through, reminding us of their ability to uplift spirits during challenging times.
When we have an abundance of flowers, we take them to the nursing home in Dickson. Although it's not an ideal situation since residents aren't allowed to keep flowers in their rooms—something that disappointed me greatly—I've offered to provide plastic vases. However, they also mentioned that water can't be kept in the rooms due to slipping hazards. Despite these limitations, we still bring extra flowers, allowing the residents to arrange them and display them in the common areas. It's heartwarming to witness these elderly women reminiscing about the flowers they once cherished, highlighting the joy and memories that blooms can evoke.
While cut flowers may be temporary, they remind us of the beauty and magic they bring into our lives! That’s why Acres Abloom is proud to grow and provide specialty cut local Tennessee grown seasonal flowers to Dickson county & greater Nashville. We want community that shares the power of flowers!
