Sun Dragon Flower Farm & Floral Design

12/20/2024

A year in flowers 🥲

How lucky AM I that I can be loved by my clients and that I can love them right back 😩🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼

Every couple I flower for, I cherish so deeply and consider them to be my friends forever! ♥️🥀

Always rooting for you, always here for you as a pillar of support, and always remembering these beautiful days that I so gratefully had the privilege to create for you. New journeys and chapters of your lives - so insanely beautiful and warm and fuzzy on my insides☺️; pulling at my heart strings. 2024 couples, I am so grateful for you!!

You all helped push me towards better-ness: my design creativity, my ability to communicate my intentions and actualize both your and my vision for your celebration. This year has been pivotal for SDFF. You helped this business prosper, and break our goal of six figure revenue!!!! This year has been nothing short of INCREDIBLE.

You helped support this farm in ways I cannot imagine - Anika, my farm assistant, is now a year-round employee and not just seasonal. You helped me in the efforts to support hurting communities during the devastation we faced in September, in the wake of Hurricane Helene. You supported, lifted us up, provided thoughts, prayers, love, encouragement. My heart is so full!!

Future couples - please consider joining our growing Sun Dragon Flower Farm wedding family!! I would love to call you part of my family 🥲💗🫶🏼 we’re booking 2025 weddings and events!

So grateful !!! I cry thinking about you all loving me, this farm, this business, the memories, the flowers!!!! 🩵🌸

♥️🌸🫶🏼🥀 love, Rachel

10/29/2024

https://www.qcnews.com/news/u-s/north-carolina/bride-opens-up-her-wedding-to-complete-strangers-western-n-c-healthcare-workers/

So proud to be a vendor, now friend, of this gal!! Meagan and Eric are such gems, and we are so happy to have been part of their celebration!

NORTH CAROLINA (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A bride set to have her wedding in the Asheville area about two weeks after Helene hit had two options – postpone her big day or change her expectations. After go…

10/12/2024

Has anyone with a facebook business I’ve received a message like this? Wondering if this is true or spam?

Honestly wouldn’t be that upset if Sun Dragon Flower Farm & Floral Design page gets deleted; based on the insights and data from my page there isn’t a ton of traffic or interactions from posting information and social media content there.

Any advice? I know this is a weird time to worry about Facebook and spam, etc. but just curious.

10/03/2024

This is the first day in over a week that I’ve gone to the farm to do some semblance of work. I’m doing recon and making a list of priorities for what needs to get done to feasibly continue running the business while also doing what I can to support Preston in his work, and the community as we work on recovery. Anika is safe up north, so it’s just me again for the foreseeable future - Which is perfectly okay with me. She also needs support. In addition to the farm, Anika works for New Belgium, which to my understanding, is currently closed for the foreseeable future. If you feel called to support the farms efforts, we are so immensely grateful. You can Venmo if you wish to contribute to our payroll efforts.

It feels weird and kindof selfish to be working this morning. I have only a few hours before I mobilize and take potable water out to Swannanoa. There are so many small towns and communities that are so badly hurting. The influx of volunteers is so necessary. The efforts in the area have generally switched from rescue to recovery. It’s heartbreaking. So many emotions over the past week. So much joy in knowing friends are safe; so much hurt knowing how much people have lost.

The business still needs to operate though, as we have tasks to complete to keep us on track for the following months and seasons. We still have weddings on the calendar for the next few months. So it feels uncomfortable to be working a little bit this morning. Uncomfortable, but necessary. Alas, we must keep pushing forward.

Keep sharing information on relief efforts, keep checking on your people. We all need so much love and support. ❤️‍🩹

10/01/2024

Hey folks! The farm is safe. We are safe. We are so lucky. My husband and I, like every other person in the WNC area are at a total loss; heartbroken for those who have lost so much. Loved ones, their homes, their livelihoods. Preston, my husband, has been working tirelessly to remove trees from houses, roads where folks are blocked in, and working on temporary roof repair while people get in touch with insurance companies and disaster relief mutual aid.

Operations at the farm have temporarily halted as I work from random parking lots (with limited cell service/data to do work on the computer), to compile and share resources of NPOs collecting supplies and funding, getting in touch with friends and making sure everyone we know and love is accounted for. My heart feels so heavy today. 😔

I’ve been sharing links to resources for both local and non-local folks - has shared a list of organizations collecting money and supplies. There is an open source google document for the Asheville area of where to find supplies, internet, cell service, Wi-Fi, etc., for local folks. If you need the document pls let me know and I’ll share it. I’ve shared tons of things in a highlight on my personal public profile ❤️‍🩹

The hard part is that the smaller towns that were hit extremely hard are totally isolated - there are limited ways of getting in touch with people that can help. I will try at some point to print documents with resources (supplies distribution centers, water, medical help, etc. and physically passing them around to folks in heavily effected areas: swannanoa, black mountain, Burnsville, sulva, etc.) I don’t know if they have fuel to get to those resource distribution centers.

As a business owner, generating revenue is typically our first priority. My employee Anika, is safe and accounted for. We are so fortunate that we’re physically in a good position where we don’t desperately need financial aid and can help others. But of course, our revenue has halted temporarily. If you do feel called to donate anything, my personal Venmo is -baran-2 and business venmo is

Continued in comments..

08/18/2024

Hey friends!! Here to remind you that Sunday scaries aren’t so bad when you’ve got fun weekday activity to break up your work week!

Sun Dragon Flower Farm is hosting a flower designing workshop at Terra Nova Beer co. On Wednesday August 21st!! It’s one of the only scheduled workshops on the 2024 calendar, and it’s going to be super fun!

You can buy your workshop ticket starting at 7pm for $25, but if you’re there just for food and bevs, there will be premade bouquets also for sale!

Workshop starts at 7:30!! 🌸

We’ll be hanging out in the event space that evening - so we’re grateful to for helping facilitate this exciting event!!

Tickets are $25 and include your allotment of flowers to arrange and take home with you! There will be pizza and beer of course, so your bellies, hearts, and hands will leave feeling full!! 💐

There are limited spots - there’s a limited number of tables in the event space, and tickets are first come-first served, so be sure to schedule this in your calendar and come flower with us!!

Hope to see you on Wednesday the 21st at 7!

🫶🏼

07/15/2024

I feel like content creating comes to my brain in waves - I get a lot of ideas about what to post and then get hung up on writing the captions.. it’s been a little bit since I’ve last shared what’s been happening around here, so here’s a little update:

June was packed with weddings! I’ll share more about those; they’re some of my favorite works and biggest events, so they each deserve their own posts.

The website also got a facelift - It doesn’t include all of the features I’d like just yet, but it’s a good starting point! Check it out! We have a new point of sale system! ➡️ sundragonflorals.com

July has been going smoothly - I’ve got one incredible employee, Anika, who has been eager to learn about the plants and processes around the farm. So much more time and attention has been giving to the flower fields now that I’m not attending farmers markets, in addition to having extra hands on the farm. It’s been really productive!

I experimented with growing new crops this year - Lisianthus and Didiscus are just a few of them, and I think they’ve earned their keep! They’re the blue lacey flower and the blush ruffled flowers featured in this bouquet!

I think the biggest takeaway from the past few weeks has been to be steadfast with my goals and my participation in this industry. I used to frequently question if I made the best choice in working full time with not only designing for farmers markets, weddings, and daily deliveries, but also growing a lot of the crops used in my recipes. I still second guess some of the things I’m doing, but it’s been a breath of fresh air to adjust my operations; I’m not spreading myself so thin with two to three markets per week, on top of field production, admin, and events. I’m able to take stock of what’s going on in the field, reflect and refine how I’m doing things.

So long story short: we’re doin it, and doin it well!! AND the farm is cranking out beautiful blooms that you shouldn’t miss out on!

05/20/2024

TLDR: cool hardy annuals are in full swing AND I’m reaching out to folks this week about the harvest assistant position!

The fan favorites coming from the farm right now are: poppies, foxglove, anemones, and ranunculus!

But there’s more!!! Snapdragons, bachelor buttons, feverfew, larkspur, Saponaria, campanula and a few others - all joining the spring flower roster this week!

I appreciate everyone who’s reached out about the harvest assistant position - I am so grateful that there are so many folks that want to be involved!!

With that said, May and June are the busiest wedding months for the farm this year, so I appreciate your patience with my response time!! 🫶🏼🫶🏼

I’m slowly getting to a place to facilitate other employees - that was a big struggle for me last year. I didn’t generate enough revenue to support both myself and other folks. And while I can’t provide a full time position just yet, or even a heavy part time schedule, it’s a great step in the right direction!

As always, I love and appreciate everyone supporting this page and his farm! I hope you always have a cold pillow to sleep on and never have to wait in long lines 😏😘

05/11/2024

Ok Gang! I got Preston all set up and squared away at the Whole Bloomin Thing in Historic Frog Level! Start at 9 and goes until 4! Were located near the corner of commerce and depot street, with loads of bouquets for you!

It’s such a nice day, it’d be a shame if you missed coming out on the town!

See you soon!

05/04/2024

It’s time to order flowers for Mother’s Day!!!

We’ve got arrangements and bouquets on deck!
👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼

Sundragonflorals.com/flower-shop/

I definitely advise to put in your order as soon as possible; Mother’s Day weekend is historically our biggest weekend of the year, with loads of our farm fresh flowers going out into the world!

Our flowers are being spread far and wide throughout the community, and there are plenty of opportunities for you to get in on the action:

🌷Sundragonflorals.com for daily flowers, and Mother’s Day flowers (located in our online flower shop tab)
~Mother’s Day deliveries are going out on Friday through Sunday!~

🌷 Whole Bloomin Thing festival on Saturday May 11th, on Depot street in frog level 9a-4p (u guys r so lucky because my hottie of a husband will be there slingin flowers for me while I flower for my amazing wedding couples!)

Its gonna be huge! This is the only market I’m signed up for this year, so don’t miss this golden opportunity to hang out with me and support many other local businesses!! Don’t miss it because you’ll probably be sad and I warned you! 😜🫶🏼

The flower catalog in our flower shop ranges for all types of flower budgets - I really try to create options for accessibility! Seriously, check out the online shop and tell ur mom you’re happy she created you! 🥲 I sure am happy you’re here!!

You’re all gems and all deserve to be loved and appreciated! …Except for May 12th cause that day is for your momma! 😈 😉

Please place your orders and you better have a great Saturday! 🫶🏼❣️

04/25/2024

You know the drill! Tomorrow is the last friday of the month, and we’re hosting our volunteer work day again!

Tomorrow, Friday, April 26TH! I’ll be at the 209 cafe in my black subaru at 9:45am to caravan to the farm that’s just 5 minutes down the road! Grab a 209 coffee and meet me!

Weeding, planting, mulching, harvesting, chatting - all good things on the agenda! And it’s supposed to be beautiful weather! See you tomorrow?

04/17/2024

On Wednesdays we wear pink!

Ranunculus are crankinggg in the field, there are so many blooms!

I’m so impressed with their vase life - there are stems in my living room that are 13 days old and they’re just as fabulous.

Local delivery is where it’s at! Bouquets are available at https://www.sundragonflorals.com/product-category/bouquets/

ALSO!!!! LOCAL FLORISTS !!! Would you like local wholesale Ranunculus? Send me a DM and I will send you the product catalog!

04/02/2024

Updated products on the website!!

Apricot Parrot tulips are live on the site and available in two tulip bouquet sizes!

Ranunculus are also available from our site now for local delivery to the Waynesville and greater Asheville area!

I’ve linked the products so you can shop directly from Instagram and Facebook! You can also find these products in our flower shop:

www.sundragonflorals.com/product-category/bouquets/

I’m growing three new Ranunculus varieties this year, and I’m really excited about them:

1. Clementine
2. La Dolce Vita
3. Giallo

Which is your favorite?! Tell me - I want to know! And you should love ur self (or someone else if u want to) and get some!!

K have a great Tuesday!! ❣️

03/25/2024

This week is the week! Volunteer work days are starting on this Friday, March 29th from 10:00an-2:00pm!

I started volunteer work days this year, as a way to open up the farm to the public, connect with the community, and bring more hands to the farm to get tasks done!

Volunteer work days will happen on the last Friday of every month, so if you miss this Friday, it’s ok! You can try again on April 26th!

Here are some details:

When/Where: meet at 9:45am in the highway 209 cafe parking lot on Crabtree road. We will caravan at 9:55 to the farm (it doesn’t have an address). We’re leaving at 9:55 sharp, so please be on time so you know how to get there!

What: depending on volunteer numbers, we can divide an concquer a few things - weeding, planting, and mulching! I will show you what to do and how to do it!

✨Work gloves and hand tools will be provided, but you’re welcome to bring your own if you prefer!
✨Close toed shoes and long pants are highly recommended, along with sun hats, sunscreen, and bring water or snacks!
✨the farm doesn’t have a bathroom on site (sorryyyy), so plan accordingly 😊
✨This is a productive working farm with large equipment and vehicles coming in and out, so please leave your pets and small kids at home! There will be plenty of opportunities to bring kids to the farm in the future 😉 I appreciate your understanding and cooperation!!! 🙏🏼

I’ve been looking forward to this and I’m so excited to create this opportunity for community connection, education, and productivity! I hope you are too!

02/28/2024

The tulips are right on track! I their location to a more protected space, in hopes of avoiding deer, predation pressure! It seems to be working very well! 🤞🏼🤞🏼

Last year the entire crop was a bust. 3,000 bulbs later and full bellies of happy deer. I just love that for them 🙄 lol

This year I planted a little shy of 5,000 bulbs, and most have been claimed by our CSA shareholders and early spring brides. HOWEVER, there are 3 more CSA shares available for you to purchase!

CSA shares are one of the best ways to support our farm, while also enjoying the most premium flowers that come from the farm. Our tentative first CSA delivery/shipping date is March 25th. And YES, we do ship our tulip CSAs nationwide (except for CA, HI, OR, and WA.. sorry guys 🫣)

Sundragonflorals.com/product/tulip-csa/ is where you’ll find them! Be one of three lucky last CSA shareholders for the 2024 tulip season!

And as always, thanks for your continued support!