There is nothing more inspiring then Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers conference in November. I am exhausted from a long growing season, the days are so short and there almost nothing growing.. very little to inspire me on a day to day basis.
All of us in Polly Hutchisons’ design studio
For 1.5 days we com together share ideas, Inspirations, growing and sales tips. We tour farms and talk about our season what worked and what didn’t. You see people you mostly only talk to on line, and people I have developed great respect and affection for even though we only see each other 1x per year.
Lisianthus production at Robin Hollow Farm
This conference we farm toured Robin Hollow Farm which was very inspirational. This husband and wife team have a beautiful property. Several greenhouses, a HayGrove ( 3 season green house) and grow amazing flowers. I was inspired by them growing snapdragons, stock , dianthus, mums and lilies in crates. Which makes a crop movable to maximize space.
Stock and snapdragons growing in in crates
So you can start a crop outside them bring it inside the greenhouse during the cold monthes to finish off.
So I realized I can do much more then I am currently producing. I talked to a representative about using LED light technology from seed starting to plant bloom so it might be possible to grow even longer for pennies a day. This is exciting so that I could do much more wholesale.
Basically my brain was crammed with so much inspiration, I now have to lay out all my notes and sort out the ideas of what I want to actively pursue this 2014 season.
Becky Devlin and Missy Bahret both gave great talks about being pro-active in business. Decision making, prioritizing so your business dose not take over your life. So.. that I could have a life beyond the farm!?!
I need to take more quality time for myself, my friends and my personal dreams. After a challenging personal 2013 season. I need to run my personal life a bit more like my business so that both can bloom for me, customers and friends.
I can not say thank you enough to The ASCFG group for making this conference happen and for being there.
It was so great to see: Dave Dowling, Joe Schmitt, John La Salle , Carolyn Snell, Polly and Mike Hutchison, Becky Devlin, Erin Windham .. I wish I could see you guys more! And special thanks to Judy Laushman for making our group what it is and keeping it going for 25 years!!!
Great pics! It was great to see you!