June: Field Notes from Pepperwood Petal

June is when the flower field truly came to life.

The zinnias began putting on an incredible show, filling the garden with color and reminding me why they’re one of my favorite cut flowers. The dahlias also started blooming. While many are still taking their time, the varieties that have opened so far have been absolutely breathtaking. Every bloom feels like a little surprise.

It hasn’t been without challenges. I’ve continued battling a bit of powdery mildew, and after several days of heavy rain, I lost a few plants to rot. That’s part of flower farming—every season teaches patience, resilience, and gratitude.

Even with those setbacks, I find myself in awe every morning. Walking the gardens before work has become one of my favorite parts of the day. I never know what new bloom will greet me, and those quiet moments among the flowers ground me before the day begins. I often take another walk in the evening, soaking in the beauty before the sun sets. It’s a simple rhythm that fills my heart.

June also brought one of the biggest milestones of my first season: partnering with Bagwell Farms. They welcomed Pepperwood Petal into their flower-growing space, allowing me to combine some of my flowers with theirs to create fresh arrangements for our local community. It has been an incredible opportunity to learn from another flower farmer while sharing beautiful, locally grown blooms with others.

Saturday mornings spent harvesting, wrapping bouquets, and talking with customers have quickly become some of my favorite moments of the week. I know this season at Bagwell Farms will be short, ending in early August, which makes me appreciate every single Saturday even more.

Looking back, June was full of growth—not just in the garden, but in my confidence as a flower farmer. Every bloom, every challenge, and every kind customer has reminded me why I started Pepperwood Petal. I can’t wait to see what the rest of the season has in