Where the Dahlias Grow

Vermont Summer of 23...left my job of over 30 years to grow dahlias and start a flower farm...rain...more rain than we have ever had.

It's so crazy how everything works itself out. Maybe you know me, maybe you don't. Just to recap and get you all caught up. I've worked in the restaurant business for over 30 years. Started as a bus girl, then ran food, waited tables and became a manager all within the first 2 years. The restaurant biz is hard, some people suck, some are nice. It balances out. Then covid hit and we lost two years of our lives. I say lost because, honestly I don't remember it that well. I think my brain has blocked it out as some sorta ptsd thing. But boy do I remember what came next....

So I retired. I couldn't figure a way to "empty my compartments". They were full and I was struggling. Everything pushed me over the top. Either I had to go or someone was going to get hurt.

My friend (we will call her Jane) started a flower business. After many discussions and after watching Jane turn into a happier version of herself, I really started to plan.

The Plan...save enough money so I could pay my bills for 6 months. Then jump!

Thankfully I married an amazing man and he has had my back thru all of this.

The Farm...yeah right...we don't even have an acre. But what we do have is sunny and mostly flat. Bonus for us.

So I started increasing my dahlia plants and adding to my perennial beds. I ordered tubers. Then I ordered more tubers. I couldn't stop myself...I ordered more and more. Then a friend of my husband gifted me two giant crates of tubers. So many tubers.

Spring started to arrive. So did the boxes. It was like covid all over again. So many boxes. Everyday was like Christmas. I started pre-spouting my tubers. I started dahlias from seed. It was amazing and I was so happy and content. It was a feeling that I haven't had in quite a while. Joy.

And I'm going to leave you with this beautiful picture...or is it a painting....but I shall be back (that is my floral shirt in the background)