Chicken coop and hens arrived, Bald Eagle, etc...

Chicken Coop and hens arrived yesterday. One lovely rooster named Austin as we were setting up a bald eagle must have been curious as he flew right above out heads.

It surprised us due to all the noise and commotion we were making lowering the hen house onto its slabs of cement. Thrilled! All of us were so excited to see this majestic bird so close. His white feathers glistening in the sun.

Busy productive weekend.

My sister came over and helped to tame the weeds as my back has been out and my productivity was called to a halt. back on track now.

I've been drying flowers for wreath making, filling fresh flower orders and continuing the move of creative supplies, slowly setting it all into one space. Making life simpler is down right hard work!

Meeting with a bride for her September wedding, finishing details this week :)

I am reserving 2014 wedding dates contact me now for a wedding packet.

This Friday a last minute Flower Fun Evening! Pop by for some herbal refreshments and a free flower Make & Take to wet your appetite for farm fresh flowers.... I'll be hosting more of these so put the first Friday on your calender.

Wishing you a lovely September, Teemie

Vote for Local Color Flowers in the Martha Stewart American Made Contest

Martha Stewart's American Made Contest! Vote for Local Color Flowers, Baltimore, Maryland!

Flowers from my farm gardens, here at Country Blooms. Go check out the links below to see all the amazing possibilities with local in season flowers. Much more to come...

I'd like to invite you to come explore the world of local flowers......


VOTE!! over at Martha Stewart for Local Color Flowers and while your there enjoy her classic creativity to inspire your everyday beauty.

Ellen Frost is a forerunner in the local flower movement and I am a huge fan! Located on the east coast  in Baltimore, Maryland, inspiring flower farmers and designers everywhere to go local!

Check out her site at Local Color Flowers! and pop over there and by here often to see local flower farmers and designers as we press forward to rebuild the flower industry on a local level.

I'll be linking to other amazing talents and inspirations to share how things are developing.

I'm so excited and proud to be a part of this movement, since 2005. Buying local flowers provides you with the freshest seasonal blooms, unusual varieties and very unique flower arrangements; long lasting, fragrance, color textures... need I say more? Come experience the farm fresh romance yourself...

Stop by the road stand here  at my flower farm, help yourself; grab a fresh cut bouquet of farm garden flowers, a map for the Color Tour along with one of my new business cards, and experience what its all about....

Wishing you Blessings and fresh blooms, Teemie

Happy Labor Day weekend

Wish you all a safe Labor Day weekend. Mine will be filled with family and friends and the greenhouse tweaking to get it ready for the plastic. Its a low tunnel for growing direct in the ground for flowers early next spring....

I am revving up the road side stand to offer flowers by the bunch and vased for you to grab and go. Sunflowers, zinnias, lizzes and more at very affordable prices. My business cards and the latest Color Tour map will also be there.

This is a wonderful new format of the map with all the areas events throughout the season, just pull in and help yourself.

No need to come to the house or the farm garden studio.

Inspirations of other flower farmers/designers

had to share.....Enjoy the link!
photo by Joann Arruda

Hours by appointment for fall, etc...

Fall is an extreme season for me... Please call for an appointment before driving out this far. Most of my orders are taken over the phone so feel free to call.

Reserving dates now for 2014 Green Weddings and Events!  I am blessed that they are filling fast, call for a Wedding Packet to be mailed direct to you or facebook me.

As  much as I would like to have a brick & mortar store in town to accommodate the walk-ins, it won't allow me time to grow these lovely farm fresh flowers and herbs. So actually we're working around the flower's schedule not mine lol.

The Farm Garden Studio floor is strewn with cast offs from creating on going floral projects. Herbs are being potted up in hopes of wintering over in the greenhouse that is sloooooowly going up. Getting ready for a couple fall events for you, and moving my studio goods from house to the farm studio has been quite a chore plus trying to get some canning done for winter. whew....

All in all I love what I do and am very grateful for this opportunity to serve you as a creative resource for your life celebrations.

Wishing you blooms and blessings throughout your day, Teemie

Local Flowers....When is a flower farmer a farmer?

I met with a gentleman yesterday as we chatted about my flower business I felt challenged to a point to prove I am a farmer. The fact that I also design seemed to throw him out of his comfort zone of soybeans. corn, sugar beets etc... type of farming.

In the herb bouquet above I have grown each plant, bloom, leaf from seed or propagation. I gathered them by cutting, placed them in water to condition them and then arranged them, then sold them to a customer who loved the scent and the fact they were grown without chemicals, using all natural sustainable methods.

I weed, hoe, till, mulch, I sweat. I plan. I plant. I harvest, on 2.5 acres in size and location its considered an Urban Farm. Although I am surrounded by conventional farm land with fields of corn and soybeans.

I do not own a tractor, yet many of blooms are provided despite that fact, for designing weddings and all occasion farm fresh flower arrangements.

Flower Farmers don't sell their products by the bushel or peck. They sell by the stem, bunch or arrangement. usually with a passion for beauty, fragrance and nature's creatures such as honey bees and butterflies that seem to go deeper than the conventional farmer or so it appears these days.

There's a local flower movement happening here in the USA. More and more folks who love the sustainable ag lifestyle are planting flowers to be sold at local farmers markets, farm stands and local florists.  Many grow utilizing organic or natural methods.

Local  flowers do not have to travel but a few miles vs thousands of miles out of country, last longer up to two weeks for some blooms. Often the varieties are quite different from your typical florist fare of carnations and pomps.

So am I a farmer? Yes I am and I love having my hands in the soil. Watching the miracle of plants go from seed to bouquet is no less than amazing with each creation. For me, its a passion that has grown over the years, working with Brides or designing a Sympathy arrangement from the farm gardens...  my business is a place of beauty and soul depth fulfillment , it is what drives my passion for growing specialty cut flowers and designing with them.

Out west a florist is expected to have local flowers on hand due to their location and weather. Out east a shop called Local Color Flowers is making headway for the local flower movement because of the owner, Ellen Frost's devotion to using in seasonal local product from local growers.

I am so grateful for my loyal customers who appreciate my hard work  farming and designing. Each floral occasion is a celebration of life for all of us; from a single stem, a simple bouquet, to a wedding party, to a garden style arrangement.

Here's to the local flower movement. HERE! HERE!!!! Maybe someday the rose growers will return to the Thumb of Michigan.

I hope you'll stay tuned in. I'll be sharing here each Tuesdays for more on the local flower movement.

Wishing you all a day filled blooms and blessings. Teemie

From The Farm Garden Studio

 Its all in the details....

Vintage lace wrap secured with a vintage broach.

 Peonies of dusty rose, pink and white from local farmer Charlie Zheim, wild gathered lavender phloxs, Lizzianthus buds

Bridal bouquet waiting for delivery.

Now is the time to reserve your peony wedding bouquets. These beauties come once a year. Just a few short weeks of availability for weddings and events.

Till next year... sweethearts of mine....

till next year sweethearts of mine, these lovely peonies... sigh

still catching my breath

The wedding was a whirl wind of flower picking a bit of wild gathering, living in the studio for almost  24 hours straight... conditioning, cutting arranging.... sweeping the piles for the compost were quite colorful, more than I like to see as this means there was too many blooms pitched due to breakage.

You can see the pics on my facebook for now. It was lovely wedding!

wedding work today and tomorrow

pics to follow

Ladies! Its time for some Flower Child Fun!

Flower Child Fun Day! 

Coming soon DTBA

God's beauty... so healing.. breath in... breath out

Dahlias are just beginning..

Surrounding myself with beauty .....so healing, peace flows, concerns fade up in prayer, grace comes in

Zinnias and the battle of the Japanese Beetles

So far the Zinnias are winning the battle of the beetles. 

I go out each day  to the garden and knock the Japanese Beetles into a bowl of water with dish soap in it. They usually fall as their protection, so it works fairly well just holding a bowl under the leaves and help guide the  little creatures into their water and soap bath. I then leave the bowl out in the garden to ward off other beetles. It seems to work quite well. Crunching the little guys in between my finger tips has become a regular practice too. Although this tends to make most a bit squeamish, my hard heart towards these little imps wins out. Grandpa T. (he was about 80 years old then)  taught me this on potato plants and potato bugs  when I was a teenager. Applying the same techniques with the beetles seems to work very well. 

One year, I got on the band wagon of the traps. They worked exceptionally well for calling in ALL the Japanese Beetles from miles around.  

I do not use them now!

These pests can be very destructive. Don't ignore them. Counter attack! Pay the 8 year old down the street to go out and get 'em. Give the brave kid a nickel for each one squished or in the water bath. Your garden will thank you. 

Happy August!

Summer is already waning. So much to do... fall planting is on the 'to do list' already.

A load of hay was delivered last week for a raised bale hay garden test plot. Late in the season but I have been known to push the edge of the envelope a bit. More to be delivered for the "low tunnel'for flower growing experiments for fall greenhouse planting.

The site for the sun pit is chosen now to test for drainage there. A few more weddings to create for, studio is still under a bit of construction, simplified floral systems, with fresh displays and inventory redo's.  Should be all  set on the indoor things by end of August.

 Call me with any questions or flower orders. Teemie

Weeding out & Choosing things I love

one of my fav's! Time worn terracotta clay pots and a vintage picket fence brought home here from the old farm/studio.

 The settling in continues here on our little urban farm and garden shop/ floral studio. Brides seeking simple yet elegant garden style weddings are finding me. The butterfly count has increased tremendously. My brothers honey bees are finding the flowers with abundant numbers. Although there are many things yet to be done, peace reins here. The flowers are blooming despite the up and down temperatures.

As I seek simplicity in weeding the garden, weeding out the old stuff from the shop, weeding out the old ways of doing things, seeking simplified ways to be, I find it can be quite difficult at times! lol and the task can be daunting but hey pressing on to find the more productive- peace filled path in all directions will bring happier brighter blooms, flower farmer and  more creative designs

Time well spent.

As I'm decorating the new home and studio, choosing things only that truly speak of beauty and loveliness, SO NOT an easy job lots of piles of boxes find their way to the end of the hall, stacked for days waiting for their trip off to the Good Will and trash. I have to wonder when will it all settle in???... but persistence is part of who I am and it will all settle in to a fine humming- along mode. Its only been over a year since moving here and so much has already settled in.

As much as I'd love to make this blog only about weddings,  real life  creeps in and presents itself though the keyboard.  I hope you don't mind me being real. This blog too will settle in with its rightful pages and such... Thanks for visiting.

May His Peace and Grace rain down on you, as it has on me. Love, Teemie

Flowers touch souls

Something magical has happened, a slow deep meaningful process has been unfolding for years but more so this past year working with my bride, Katie.

Flowers touch souls. They have touched mine deeply through the years. This wedding showed me how they truly touch others with the same depth.

I thought it was just a hopeful thought dancing through my spirit.
To see how deeply flowers bless others and embrace their special life celebrations... leave me speechless....

Wedding flowers

pick pick pick vase vase vase water water water design design design enjoying every second of it!

living on the edge...

Early June Lizzies with a weed or two.I threw out perfection a long time ago. 

Found it TAIN"T worth the energy spent!

Playing it safe is the riskiest choice we can ever make...Sarah Ban Breathnach of Simple Abundance

Flower farming is a risky business but the rewards are amazing! Funny thing.... I just had a vision of Tom Cruise in his BVD's doing air guitar..... wow ok then on to my wild ride of a life :) Blessings to you!!

A colorful day in the life of a flower farmer/designer...

A Zinnia corsage soon to be created

A work in progress ... sunflower is not happy from a rain storm soon to perk up. Purple Lizzies are very resilient and the Snaps as happy as can be.

A bit of wild gathering and a trade, Hydrangeas and wild Queen's Anne Lace

 Multi Colored Yarrow

Black Eyed Susans

This week ahead....

Enjoying the process...

Last year it was a very quiet year around here in the gardens with the most excitement coming from the teeny tiny bit of wet land offering unusual moths and birds right up close. But nothing compares to the butterflies. Oh how I missed them. I have been pleasantly surprised at the variety and the numbers of them among the flowers and weeds.

Deep in wedding work this week.

Farm Garden Studio is still going through a bit of transformation, making space for the increase in wedding work with focus on  flowers, flowers, oh yes and more flowers.

Think of Country Blooms when you're looking for 'farm fresh' flowers and herbs, a gift of flowers,  vintage goods created into a flower or herb  pin, a class for creating with flowers and herbs, a sachet of dried florals, a gift basket of farm fresh shortbread (order ahead). Garden style arrangements for your blessings of others.

Must run weeds to address, phone calls to make, flowers to cut, pictures to take...  wishing you a peacefilled week ahead. Teemie

ah the romance of

 ah the romance of  beauty in bloom.

Visions of blooms dancing in the air.. colors of pink Snaps, burgundy Dahlias, white Cosmos,  the scent of Sweet Annie wafting in the air.. What I have found to be true is gardening on this scale is seriously hard work. To bring these wedding visions to life can be very joyful yet I ponder  the weeding, mulching watering continuous tilling, planting, picking, dead heading, planning next years gardens on a grander scale.  The greenhouse going up...

A quick pick for a floral head wreath project....

Where did all this start?  As a kid I remember going into the local florist with my Mom to buy flowers. It was a quaint shop with flowers everywhere.Owens Florist in Almont, MI. Flowers in pots and buckets, on the counter, handfuls were being clipped and arranged right before my eyes. I fell in love!  The fragrance! The colors! Each petal designed by God's hand. 

Mrs Owens told Mom she would call her daughter to see if there was a certain spring bulb blooming in the greenhouse. I remember thinking... "A greenhouse? They have their own greenhouse? They can just go pick and bring it to the shop? " I was about 8 years old and I was awe struck. 

Mom drove me by their little flower farm that day. A little house with greenhouses near the road, I could see the daffodils through the glass panes. Rows of them. 

The passion for creating with flowers goes back a long ways. 

Working with beauty is hard work, but hey, someone has to do it. I'm so glad its me. 

Tidy. tidy. tidy, plan. plant  plant. No the  case of beer at the end of my drive is not from an all nighter here, Cleaning the ditch reveals all kinds of stuff. I've been mowing the ditch on occasion but for now will leave it to the Milk Weed,Queen's Ann Lace and Chicory.

So the blog is coming together slow but sure. Learning tons. I am surrounded by amazing people who are clever, very knowledgeable, creative and very encouraging giving me a helping hand to get it all pulled together in a neat package to present to you. NOT an easy task for creative brains like mine. I'm blessed as these folks love me despite my weaknesses and help me to shine far better than were I on my own.

I could keep hiding as this farm garden shop/ gardens and blog all comes together but why? I have a couple (well maybe a few) passions in  my life one my family, two flowers, growing flowers, designing flowers.... three sharing about my creative business in hopes that others will too seek their creative passion, what ever it may be.

So come, be a part of the travels this creative business. pop in here or pop by this lil farm for some

refreshing real life beauty.  Breath it in and breath it out.

Bridal Baby's Breath Head Wreath

This lovely floral crown was custom made for a flower girl head wreath in PA. Of Baby's Breath with accents of handmade satin ribbon roses.
Each is handmade for your custom order. Perfect for the Bridal head piece, flower girls or the bridesmaids. Bringing your farm fresh wedding floral vision to life.

Offered on my Etsy shop. https://www.etsy.com/listing

 A little eye candy as you kick off your shoes, pour a glass of wine and check out your favorite blogs. Hope mine will soon be one of them.

One of my favs! The terracotta pots made the trip to their new home. Not much different than the last, with the vintage picket fencing.

Thank you Lidy for your sweet encouragement to blog. I have a long ways  to go and much, much to catch up on. : ) in the blogging sphere. Its been far too long but so many things have been accomplished as I have been quiet in my own little world. The transition here to the new farm has been fairy seamless, filled with God's Grace and Provision. I am surrounded by friends and family who have and are continuously being supportive and very helpful.

Its only been just past a year here,  my 2nd cutting garden   : ) which expanded a great deal this spring with help of another local woman farmer, Wez, tilling up new soil. The high tunnel is going up and will be in production by September. Working on the tedious tasks of it now, literally the nuts and bolts of it.

Its exciting to be a part of the slow flower movement but...Talk About SLOW flowers! This years weather has been one challenge after another. Blooms seem to be about a month behind.

I've posted pictures on my face book page and many more to come... I'll share a couple here. Hope everyone is staying cool! Shop hours are Friday, Saturday (10-4) and Sunday (2-4)U Pick available with the colorful Yarrow. Zinnias are very short due to weather conditions but are blooming.... More flowers to come!

Flower orders are welcome just give me a call and plenty of lead way for gathering and arranging. There are still a couple wedding dates available through October. Teemie direct -810-310-0711
-------------------------
ok well there's a glitch in my system. I'll be back with pictures tomorrow... Later Teemie

The latest project for early spring flowers 2014

I'm here :)

Here I am this little flower farmer.... learning tons, weeding, designing and now blogging. Oh the learning curve of it all.

New Latin botanical names that tie my tongue in a knot. How to post pics by phone (hmmmm still seeking help with that) finding the right mulch, weeding methods in this wet season. Although I am not complaining as the water tables are said to being restored after the drought. Record keeping! yep not a strong suit for me but I am determined to make easy to use methods that will help grow this flower farm into a place of supplying beauty for all our romantic needs.

I'm walk in constant amazement of how  much encouragement comes to me by way of kinds words, physical help from friends old and new, the lending of tools, offerings of plants to build this 2.5 acres into a flourishing farm. I stand in awe of the plan that is far more than just little ole me. As help is arranged from above at a moments notice. I am humbled by the process I see before me. Some scratch there heads and say what are you doing? Some shake their heads in disbelief of how it comes together. And many ask questions as to how? Why?

Right now all I know for sure is that this is a plan that has been placed on my heart long ago. to grow beauty, to design for others. to share all that it is, with you.


Open today 1- 5, tomorrow 9-5, Sunday 1:30-4

pop over and see me on facebook! Right now I'm busy with weddings and flower farming, Will be making changes here over the next several weeks. Studio is open on weekends by chance or appointment. U pick flowers coming soon :)

Funky pic, this was a one on one wreath class December 2012. I've been hosting holiday wreath classes since the late '90s. this year I'm expanding the floral classes to one each season.

May will bring a scare crow workshop with live plants oh what fun we'll have! (xox)

Hoe in Hand....

This is yet another year of transformation on my new flower and herb farm. I am embracing this leg of the journey with seed & hoe in hand, dirt under my nails, sewing needle and fabric, learning new systems and am prepared to take on any force (not in my own strength)  that may choose to come against me and my appointed work....boldly and with confidence that this is my life purpose  to bring beauty and rest to many spirits seeking peace in this mad, mad world. Just saying.... <3 p="">

It Starts With The Dress

I find myself wrapped up with deep gratitude for my little flower and herb farm, as I’m planning this years flower field and gardens, ordering seeds for farm fresh weddings this year, it hit me, …It starts with the dress!

The bridal gown often leads the way in styling this special day. Of course it will be romantic but is it Victorian, Gothic, Renaissance, Vintage Wedding, Simple Elegance, Farm Chic, Romantic Country, Traditional or Hippie. When deciding the style of your gown, you’re actually creating a theme for your wedding day. Keeping this in mind will help all other decision making simple. Stay within the style!

As you shop for your gown go to as many Bridal Shops as possible. Enjoy this process as a way of getting to know your own tastes. Don’t allow yourself to be pressured into purchasing a gown that doesn’t suit who you are.  Be realistic in the silhouette of the dress. Choose a gown that flatters you, not over power you, the beauty that will be wearing it. Prices range  greatly depending on where you shop. Thrift shop to high end bridal boutiques, to custom bridal couture.  Consider your hair style and veil, staying true to your wedding. Work with professionals you’re comfortable with. Ask your vendors who they recommend for photography and music.

Creating your flower and decorating budget is one of the most important decision you’ll make throughout your wedding planning after the choosing of the bridal gown. Through the years of working on weddings first as a seamstress and now as a  farm fresh floral designer, I have come to know there are three things your guests will remember years from now. How the beautiful the bride was! How  yummy the food tasted, including the cake and how engaging the centerpieces were.
For this important day, reflect with your guests in mind. Think about  how to touch all their senses.  Through your centerpieces you’ll provide interest for three of these; sight through texture, color and lighting, guests will be drawn into the details they won’t be able to resist touching the blooms and fragrance of fresh flowers will touch everyone’s heart and nose.

Now ask yourself, “What sets you and the bridegroom apart? What is your style? What touches your senses?”  Are your styles similar or completely different? How might you blend them together as you create the atmosphere for your wedding day? What are the current trends? Some sources for visuals are pinterest.com, etsy.com  and  mywedding.com. 

Now for your flower budget. Once the gown is underway it will be easier to make decisions on the wedding flowers.  Its may surprise you there are many options to think about.

Next break your flower costs into two sections. First the Bridal Party and Second the reception centerpieces.

Keep in mind as you choose your Bridal bouquet , like the Bridal gown you’ll be setting the tone for the Bridal Party Flowers.  For the bridal party you'll need to consider your Maid of Honor, Bridesmaid(s), Jr. Bridesmaid, Flower-girl(s) and a possible toss bouquet. Corsages for the Mother of the Bride, Mother of the Groom, Grandmothers, Godmother(s). The Groom, Best-man, Groomsmen, Ushers, Father of the Bride, Father of the Groom, Grandfather(s), Godfather(s), Ring-bearer.  

As you make the Bridal Party flower decisions the second  step will begin to fall into place. Be realistic in the cost per table.    As you envision your tablescapes think ‘Wow Factor‘. What says ‘Wow’ to you? Is it a sea of flowers? A stately single rose?  Bright colors of hot pink, deep reds? Or perhaps  Pastels or even a combo of soft hues with brights? Vases of shimmery glass or urns over flowing with multicolored blooms?
As a specialty cut flower grower, I think in seasonal availability. You want to think along these lines too to get the most for your budget.  What season is your special day planned for?  Early spring, late spring or midsummer, summer late? Fall, Christmas or winter? All of these micro-seasons offer different possibilities for local blooms. Cost for each table may include a purchase or rental a vase,  the flowers  adding with it the design work. Perhaps stones or crystals for extra bling and drama. Table runner or color square, center charger, mirrors, favors, candles, accent fabric such as burlap and lace have been very chic. As brides strive to be unique  with their table runners the fabrics are taking on a bit more of a refined look; such as finer weaves of fabrics, woven patterns. A local source for colored textured fabrics is Gotcha Covered located in Frontier
Town, Romeo, MI.

Once you have these decisions lined up, its time to choose a creative florist, a floral artist or maybe you’ve discovered you are true DIY bride taking it all the way to the flower arranging. Take time to think about this and shop around for the best personal fit.   (edited and published in Tri City Times April, 3 2013)

After a long winter of settling into new routine and systems its time to revive the blog. this is an anniversary arrangement for a dear friend and long standing customer, 49 years of marriage! That's something to celebrate! Congratulations Dave and Diane Bishop. Two of my favorite people! Who have raised even more of my favorite people :)