Tanglebloom

16/05/2024

Today the last of the Narcissus started blooming, and with that the season will shift 🌀

Peonies are looking spectacular & will be here soon! Predicting our earliest variety will bloom by the end of next week, thanks to a few warm sunny days in the forecast.

Stay tuned to my stories to see if I’m right - it’s a game I love to play every year 🙃

09/05/2024

Can you believe it?

In 2010 I couldn’t find a florist who’d source local flowers for my wedding, so I bought buckets of blooms from my favorite farm and made them myself (with a little help from my friends 🙏).

➡️ I learned 80% of the flowers we buy in the US are imported and traditional floristry wasn’t exactly sustainable. Cheap flowers were costing us. I wanted to do something.

In 2014 I began Tanglebloom as a production flower farm and floral design studio. We started the first flowers CSA (community supported agriculture) program in Vermont, designed dozens of weddings, distributed wholesale bouquets, and donated stems within our community.

After a decade of farming full-time, I transitioned Tanglebloom to favor peonies and perennials, with a focus on education and experiences. Each season we welcome people from all over to pick flowers, design a bouquet, and slow down at our dreamy farm stay 🌲🌙

I find joy in growing flowers and sharing them through our farm.

And I ✨live✨ for helping people who work with flowers - farmers, growers, florists, creatives, and land based businesses - do what they love in a way that’s sustainable (buh-byeee burnout).

Curious to learn more?

🌱 Become a subscriber of my free Grower Community email list by commenting GROWER

🌸 Check out The Peony Course: Small Scale Production for Farmers & Florists by commenting PEONY

💐 Order farm flowers, sign up for an event, or book a farm stay at tanglebloom.com

Thanks for being here flower friend!

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01/05/2024

Have you met my friend Geum? 🍹

This perennial with fun names like Totally Tangerine, Mai Tai, and Cosmopolitan sends up semi-double blooms in early summer. Stems are 15-18” making it a fun sparkly accent for floral arrangements. Hardy in zones 5-9 (sometimes 4) they need to be divided to remain vigorous 🫤

BUT 😮 it’s an easy, satisfying process - no jumping up and down on a spade shovel like a circus performer required (wait u saw me? no u didn’t).

I made a 2-minute video tutorial showing the start-to-finish process for subscribers of our Grower Community email list, and it goes out soon.

Comment GROWER to join and get regular tips, tutorials, guidance, and more sent straight to your inbox 👩🏻‍🌾💌✨

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20/04/2024

Who doesn’t love a 2-for-1 deal? 🙌

I’m sharing 3 must-have perennials - like this chocolate-y beauty - that not only make excellent fresh cut flowers 🌸 but also wonderful foliage 🌿 for floral design over on the blog.

These prolific performers are basically my farmer-florist love language…

✅ easy to grow
✅ low maintenance
✅ super productive

They’re a no-brainer for both beginners and busy flower farmers alike.

Stroll on over to the blog or comment BLOG to receive a direct link in your DMs to find out why you should add these 3 eternal spring beauties to your plot!

19/03/2024

More than ever folks are eager to support businesses that are small, local, and sustainable.

But they (we!) don’t always make it easy…

🔢 Many times I’ve said

“I didn’t know they offered ______ .”
“I didn’t know they were open on ________ .”
“I didn’t know you could ________ with their product/service.”

As small biz owners, it’s not enough to say it once in a social post or website update. People are busy, distracted, hangry, etc etc

🤲 We have to HELP them buy from us. And you can do it from a place of service (not sleaze).

👉 But first we must understand sales and marketing & how to apply it to our unique position as purveyors of a seasonal product (AKA ✨magic✨)

Join me inside The Peony Course and you’ll not only learn how to grow 🌱 beautiful dependable peonies, but how to SELL them (and your other flowers!) using proven, repeatable techniques.

❗️Enrollment closes Thursday 3/21! Comment or DM me PEONY and I’ll send you the info 🌱🌸✂️


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06/03/2024

The Peony Course is now OPEN! 🥳

We’ve created the first and only comprehensive online training focused exclusively on growing and selling peonies for flower farmers and florists.

✨✨Join today for instant access to:

🌸 Part I: Growing Peonies
🌸 Part II: Selling Peonies
🌸 Workbooks with time-saving checklists, instructions, worksheets & more
🌸 Members-only forum to ask questions, receive support from me & network
🌸 Live Q&A sessions (with replays)
🌸 All course updates at no additional cost

💳 Payment plans available

With over 4 hours of content, you can binge it Netflix-style in a day or work at your own pace over the course of the season.

I created this training using everything I learned the hard way over 10 years. But you don’t have to, and that’s exactly what I want for you! This single resource can save YEARS of trial and error growing and selling flowers.

➡️ Comment “PEONY” below to learn more!

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05/03/2024

❓What’s the #1 mistake I see new cold-climate flower farmers make?

👉 Not planting high-value perennials like peonies ASAP!

Look, I know seeds are cheap and annuals grow quickly. It’s fun to grab a few trays of fancy Geum named after tropical cocktails 🙋🏻‍♀️

Thing is, you’ve gotta start those seeds every winter. Those Mai Tais need to be divided every few years. And while a couple stems can elevate an arrangement 💫 they’ll never be the backbone of your bouquets or save your butt on a wedding 💪

There’s plenty of time to plant the sparkly bits.

Let’s save your butt first 🍑

The truth? Many new farmers - surrounded by hustle culture and steeped in social media - don’t plant perennials early on bc there’s no instant payback. We aren’t taught to take a long game approach.

➡️ You gotta think about the future. Wait a few years before cutting. Peonies are a bigger investment than a packet of those new fancy zinnias (no shade, I bought them too)

AND…

Prioritizing a valuable focal flower perennial like ✨peony✨ can help build a business that’s profitable, sustainable, and resilient. A business you can pivot. Create a legacy with. Even enjoy time away from.

In the early years we’re usually asking “What does my business need from me?” but I think a better question is “What do I need from my business?”

🌸 THE PEONY COURSE 🌸 Small Scale Production & Sales is a self-paced digital course & it opens for enrollment 3/6! Comment WAITLIST to be notified & receive a special bonus ✨✨


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21/02/2024

It’s (almost) here!! 🙌 We’re putting finishing touches on THE PEONY COURSE | Small Scale Production & Sales for farmers and florists and I would ❤️ for you to be the first to see it.

This course not only has everything I wish I knew when I got started growing peonies, but also an entire part dedicated to *selling* flowers. Why?

Because it’s the harder, oft neglected piece of the conversation, especially if you’re a beginner. I always had more questions than answers, and after all that figuring-it-out-the-hard-way I realized it didn’t need to be that hard!

So I spent the last 8 months compiling everything I’ve learned over the last 10+ years into a self-paced course organized into manageable modules on everything growing and selling peonies. Alongside an inspiring cohort of early access growers, I created the go-to resource that I wished existed.

🌸 Comment WAITLIST and I’ll DM you a link to join our special email list. (Psst: Subscribers are gonna get a special bonus too!)

31/08/2023

The seasons are shifting and that means dahlias are at their peak! These ‘peaches n cream’ are a real favorite of mine and customers alike. I’ll be tucking them into orders for the next few weeks.

There’s still time to get flowers by the bucket - we’re taking orders for pick up til 9/16. One bucket will provide plenty of blooms for bouquets all around your house, or to share with a friend. A few buckets is usually plenty for a party. Send me a DM if you’re not sure how much to order.

Let’s enjoy this late summer goodness before little luxuries like fresh flowers are just a memory! Visit the bio 🔗 to order yours ✨

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20/07/2023

The gardens are loving this sunshine & we have stunning locally grown cut flowers by-the-bucket available now!

They’re great for DIY designing your own decor that’s pretty, sustainable & budget friendly. Split one with a friend and spread vases around your home or office. Or pick up a few for your next BBQ, party, shower, or low key wedding.

You can:

💐 create 8-10 Mason jar sized arrangements from each bucket
💐 specify your own color palette or opt for a seasonal mix
💐 select your pick up time Mon-Sat

We recommend ordering 2+ weeks ahead but will gladly accommodate last-minute orders as available. Head to the bio link to reserve your blooms today!

04/07/2023

So many enchanting Clematis to grow, and not enough time (or vertical surfaces) to enjoy them all! This is Princess of Wales and it’s my favorite. When I first discovered this one it felt like Tanglebloom, embodied ☺️

30/06/2023

“Ours is not the task of fixing the entire world at once, but of stretching out to mend the part of the world that is within our reach.” - Clarissa Pinkola Estés

These words always serve me well when the overwhelm creeps in. I hope they might do the same as you stretch to mend your part of the world that’s within reach 🫱🫲

25/06/2023

Can you relate…? I wanted to channel this bumblebee friend and just CHILL today, but it’s hard to fully slow down when you work close to the earth and Mother Nature says it’s go-time. Maybe you’ve felt this in the thick of a big project. Or if the majority of your sales are compressed into a few months of the year.

Instead of beating myself up about how many hours I clocked this weekend, I’m reminding myself that it’s ok to work in cycles. Like nature.

In the past I didn’t know how to rest and existed full-time in productivity mode (0/10 do not recommend).
Now I’ve learned how to rest just as hard as I work, and have created a system that allows for that. So I know this all-in energy is temporary.

I bet you do too, it might just take some deep remembering and maybe a bit of reconfiguring.

Wishing you some real good chill time in a sunny spot soon…🌼🐝

12/06/2023

Did you know that peony plants can live for generations - up to 100 years? And that they’re also one of, if not the, most popular wedding flowers?

Peonies are an incredibly valuable perennial crop for cold climate flower farms since they can remain productive providing income for decades.

On Wednesday we’re opening registration for the early access version of our new peony course, Growing Peonies: Small Scale Production for Farmers and Florists.

If you’re thinking about adding a peony patch to your growing program, or want to learn how to care for or expand your current collection, this is a great opportunity to get started — at a significant discount.

The course format includes recorded videos in 8+ different modules to be released over the summer. We’re covering variety selection, site design and prep, planting, pests and disease, watering, season-by-season maintenance, harvest, handling and storage, vase life…and more. We’ll also deep-dive on our Top 20 varieties for cutting, explore up-and-coming varieties new to market, and strategies for integrating more rare and expensive choices into your business.

Early access members also receive our source list plus downloadable documents and templates to use in your business. Plus! Live Q&A sessions so you can get all your questions answered - no going it alone here.

Because you’re an early access member, you’ll also receive the fully updated course at no extra charge.

🌸 Our first early access cohort will be very limited so be sure to join our email list at the bio link to receive sign up info on Wednesday!

09/06/2023

A few weeks ago the last of the lilacs were preserved in ice cubes, intended to enjoy in a violet lemonade during our peony picking events. Luckily I tested them first and discovered they turn brown shortly after the cubes melt 🙃

We still enjoyed violet lemonade, but topped them instead with our own seed-grown fancy violas ✨

09/05/2023

Did you know that over 70% of the flowers we enjoy in the US are imported? I'm not saying don't ever opt for orchids, but have you considered checking out what's available locally?

From winter tulips, spring peonies, and fall dahlias, flower farmers around the country are working hard to bring you beautiful blooms.

Share this post with someone who loves flowers 😍 and let's do our part to support our local farmers whenever we can! 👩🏼‍🌾👩🏾‍🌾👩🏻‍🌾

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12/04/2023

Just because you can, doesn't mean you should.

10/04/2023

We all have days where we fall off the wagon. Maybe it's your daily journaling or movement practice, the food you eat, or speaking kindly.

Remember that perfection is not the goal. It's not even real. Your brain is plastic, not elastic! The muscle memory is there. You can pick up where you left off as soon as you're ready.

That doesn't mean it will be seamless. Sure you're gonna feel more breathy during that next workout. But after that? It gets easier, and then boom you're back on track.

So go easy on yourself the next time you put good habits on the back burner because you were sick, went on vacation, or needed to prioritize rest.

03/04/2023

Reminder: Nature is here for you and here with you. Whether you need to laugh, cry, smile, or scream. Think, rest, or reflect. Find a tree, a mountaintop, a waterfall, or a park bench and see how much space it can hold.

30/03/2023

Do you ever feel like you're too sluggish for the hour on the clock? Instead of reaching for another cup of coffee at 11 AM, try taking one or more of your daily activities outdoors:

🌱 take a phone call
🌱 hold a meeting
🌱 read an article
🌱 exercise
🌱 eat

❓Anything else you can think of? Let's crowdsource ideas below 👇

28/03/2023

Reminder: Distractions must be managed to reach your goals.

Hello, social media! Yes you can love it and find everything from inspo to community and education, but it can majorly distract us if we don't set boundaries around its use.

Tip: Before you start to scroll, set a timer for 10 or 15 minutes. This will keep you from wasting chunks of time. If you need a longer break, try going for a walk, stretching, or a short guided meditation instead.

Other distractions I deal with? Chores when WFH. Tech notifications. Multitasking. I've learned to manage these because achieving my goals is way more important than folding laundry ;)

❓What distraction might you need to manage? Share with us below 👇

26/03/2023

Time away. Space to let your mind wander. Friends!

These things are gosh-darn tricky to get, especially all at once, in this season. It took a mountain of planning, coordinating, and compromise. It doesn't happen as often as I'd like. AND! I made it. Sacred time away with some of the best friends in the world.

What's your most memorable gathering with friends?

22/03/2023

Why does no one talk about the science of why we should ALL be making vision boards?!

Part art part science, vision boards are powerful tools for reaching goals. Most of us have the "art" part down, but may be missing the "science."

Wait, there's a scientific way to make a vision board? 🤓 Neuroscience reveals how we can harness the power of our brain to reach goals - even those that feel impossible now.

Honestly, it's fascinating -- and I was doing it all wrong! 🤷🏻‍♀️

❓How would you prefer to learn about this practical, accessible tool: In a short online workshop OR a downloadable guide? Let me know below ✨👇✨

20/03/2023

Excited for spring and not quite ready to let cozy szn go! How do you feel? 🧣🌱

16/03/2023

Challenge: Take a moment to celebrate a recent win! It could be big or small, personal or professional. Maybe it's a goal you reached, or something accomplished by a larger team or community.

Shout it out below! 👇🌟

14/03/2023

Currently on a matcha kick during the week and coffee on the weekend. For busy mornings I love the Matcha Super Latte from (not sponsored, just something I love and wanted to share!) 🍵✨

What's your morning bevvie of choice?

10/03/2023

Reminder: Wherever you are is perfect. Start from where you are. Explanations, comparison, and judgment can be quieted with practice ✌️

02/03/2023

When I was a new mom, everything was hard - especially running a business. When I tried to work, I felt like I should be spending time with baby. When I was with baby all day, I longed for uninterrupted time to work.

One thing that helped better than anything else?

A work retreat.

I'd book an economical yet inspiring not too far away. My first was an off-grid cabin with a huge window looking out into the forest. It had minimal electricity, no internet, and a woodstove (did I mention economical?)

As an autumn storm totally raged outside - and I worried about everything from the farm to my baby - I drank tea and plucked away on my laptop, mapping out the entire next season of my business. I accomplished more in 3 days than I normally do in 3 months (or that's how it felt 😂).

When the storm quieted, I took walks in the woods and ate simple meals. That night the sky cleared, and I remember getting up to go (outside to) the bathroom and Orion was perfectly framed in a floor-to-ceiling window.

At that moment my perspective shifted, the worries fell away, and I swore I'd always do this.
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Your version will look different. What could you do?

28/02/2023