I hit the Jackpot!
“Farming is like dirty gambling and
Mother Nature is the dealer.”
Everything that I know about farming and growing so far has been self-taught. My degree is in Psychology…nothing even close to farming. I’m a self-proclaimed Internet scholar and spend most of my spare time reading, listening to podcasts, YouTubing, Instagraming, and taking courses. Gardening is incredible in that way. I could spend every waking hour on this hobby (turned career) and still have more to learn. The thing about farming is that you can read all the things, get all the tools, and wear the coolest gear, but none of that will guarantee you success. Farming and gardening are like dirty gambling. Mother Nature is the dealer and a fickle one at that. Every season is a roll of the dice. Will the weather be kind, providing the perfect balance of sun and rain? Or will it throw unexpected challenges our way, like late frosts or relentless pests?
That unpredictability is what keeps me coming back for more. It's the thrill of watching a tiny seedling sprout and grow into a magnificent flower. It's the satisfaction of harvesting a bountiful crop after months (or years in the case of peonies) of hard work. It's the resilience to face setbacks and adapt to the ever-changing conditions of the natural world.
So, as I continue to build my flower-farming business, I carry with me the knowledge that success is not guaranteed, but the journey is worth every moment. I'll keep throwing my time, energy, and resources into this beautiful gamble because, in the end, the rewards are more than just financial. They are the vibrant petals, the fragrant blooms, and the sense of fulfillment that comes from nurturing nature and watching it flourish against all odds. Winning the game is the smile on people’s faces, the cup that flowers fill during someone’s stressful day, and the serotonin and dopamine releases that happen when you are successful in growing too.
Want a green thumb?!
Keep growing. The best gardeners kill the most plants. Sharing failures is something people don’t usually shout from the rooftops, but it doesn’t mean it’s not there. I killed hundreds of plants this past Spring!
This post is meant to encourage those feeling like they have more of a black thumb than a green thumb to not lose hope and give up on their gardening dreams. Gardening is a learning process, and everyone starts somewhere. Don't be discouraged by a few failed attempts or wilted plants; instead, use them as opportunities to learn and grow. Remember, even the most experienced gardeners have had their fair share of gardening mishaps. The best gardeners kill the most plants. Most social influencers don’t post their failures. I personally killed hundreds of plants this past Spring! And the summer before last, I had a ginormous ugly cry because I had already killed one or two tomatillo plants. Aubree was helping me water and she watered with vigor. With so much excitement she managed to get the hose on the jet blast setting which resulted in snapping the plant in half! I was so upset and overreacted in not such a kind way to her. I ended up saving it, by burying it super deep into the soil so the stems could regenerate roots. It worked! I had a gorgeous plant with beautiful yellow flowers that turned into the iconic tomatillo casings. Tomatillo casings with NO tomatillos inside. It turns out after getting so upset, I wasn’t going to get tomatillos anyway. Tomatillos require two plants to pollinate with each other in order to get fruit. Oooops! It’s funny now, but boy my emotions got the best of me. And that’s okay….I know now. I learned from it. This year I had hundreds and hundreds of tomatillos. I made one batch of salsa for Michael’s birthday, gave some tomatillos to friends, and then let the rest rot. Ooops again! The best-laid plans to make a year’s worth of salsa could have happened but didn’t and that’s okay.
No one has a black thumb.
With time, patience, and a little bit of knowledge, you too can cultivate a thriving garden that brings you joy and beauty. Keep experimenting, asking questions, and seeking guidance from experienced gardeners, and soon you'll see your black thumb transform into a vibrant green one. It’s really just a mindset thing. If you like growing things, you have a green thumb. Your failures are just a part of the process. So go ahead, get your hands dirty, and embrace the journey of becoming a green thumb. You'll be amazed at the progress you can make.
Next week, my 145 peony roots arrive! Flower Friday will be an exciting farm update!
Keep Blooming,
Nicole Dillon, Breemar Flower Farm
P.S. Fall is the best time to plant. It allows plants to put down roots before winter and then they get a jumpstart in the Spring.
