There’s been a lot of excitement around the farm this week — our chicks have arrived.
In addition to flower farming, I’ve always enjoyed working toward a more sustainable lifestyle for my family. Growing food in the garden, raising animals humanely, and creating a slower, more connected way of living has become such a meaningful part of our days here on the farm. The chickens are being raised both as pets and as part of teaching our children where food comes from, while learning respect and care for animals along the way.
Right now, the chicks are still tiny and fluffy, and we’ve set up a brooder inside the house where they’ll stay warm and safe for the next few weeks. The kids check on them constantly throughout the day — refilling water, helping sprinkle feed, and carefully watching them nap under the heat lamp. Before long, they’ll graduate to the chicken coop outside and begin enjoying life on pasture.
Out in the flower fields, we’re entering a different phase of the season now that the big push of planting is mostly behind us. I always think of this time as the transition period — helping all of the seedlings adjust to the “big world” after weeks of careful tending indoors. It means lots of watering, hand weeding, and keeping a close eye on the weather while the roots establish themselves.
Right now, growth can feel slow and steady, but I know from experience that once the plants settle in, everything changes almost overnight. The growth becomes exponential, and suddenly the fields start filling out with colour and movement.
Of course, farming always comes with a few challenges too. The rabbits have discovered the strawflower seedlings and have been nibbling away at the tender leaves whenever they get the chance. I’ve covered the bed with mesh for now in hopes of protecting them until they’re a little larger and more resilient.
Between chicks peeping in the house, seedlings stretching their roots deeper into the soil, and my toddler running through the yard, the farm is feeling very alive lately — messy, busy, and full of growth in every direction.
