From First Blooms to Future Dreams: FlowerFunk's Year One
Winter Solstice Reflections: A Blooming First Season
As Mother Nature soothes the world into the quiet of the Winter Solstice, I wanted to take a moment to pause, breathe, and reflect on the first season of FlowerFunk Blooms. My first year as a fully-fledged flower farmer has been a season of laughter, lessons, and—most importantly—beautiful blooms!
Stepping into the unfamiliar yet enchanting world of floristry was both humbling and inspiring. I had the incredible privilege of being guided with love and wisdom by Diane Szukovathy and Vivian Larson. They taught me not only the art of growing and arranging flowers but also the importance of community in the floral industry—a lesson I will carry with me for years to come.
Dennis Westphall added his own brand of wisdom, teaching me through laughter to appreciate the intricate beauty of all floral, not just the flowers. He showed me the magic of foliage and the critical role of color in arrangements. Harvesting alongside him was a masterclass in precision: only the most optimal stems are chosen at a grueling pace—no “goobers” allowed. I’ll admit, harvesting at lightning speed while maintaining those high standards took some getting used to!
This year was not without its challenges. Weeds often threatened to become my main crop, entire beds blew past their harvest stage before I could catch up, and some days I found myself harvesting until the very last light of sunset.
Looking Ahead to Spring
But as the darkness of winter gives way to the promise of spring, I’m already looking forward to what lies ahead for FlowerFunk Blooms. I fell head over heels in love with spring flowers this past growing season, and it’s clear they will always hold a special place in my heart.
FlowerFunk has made significant strides to bloom boldly for the 2025 season. We’ve gone ranuncu-NUTS, with plans to plant around 2,000 ranunculus corms alongside dreamy anemones and vibrant lupine. Our spring lineup is sure to be a stunner, bursting with color and life.
I’m also thrilled to share that FlowerFunk will be operating a roadside stand in Burlington this season! Whether you’re headed home from work or out for a weekend drive, you’ll be able to stop by and pick up a bouquet of beauty to brighten your day. And, of course, you will find FlowerFunk Blooms back at the Skagit Valley Farmer’s Market, where we’ll be returning with even more blooms to share and more connections to make.
Gratitude for a Growing Community
As this first season officially closes, I feel an immense sense of gratitude for the community that has stood behind FlowerFunk Blooms. From friends and family cheering me on to the customers who stopped by for bouquets at the market, your encouragement and support mean the world to me.
This Winter Solstice feels like a turning point—a chance to embrace the slowness, reflect on the lessons of the past year, and dream about the beauty that is to come.
Thank you for being part of this adventure with me.
Live Funky. Bloom Boldly.
Meghan
