Storing Dahlias Through Winter
With Spring just around the bend I wanted to share with you how I harvest and store my Dahlias here at Sunnydell Flower Farm.
But first just a little side note on this incredible and magical plant.
Truly Dahlia’s humble beginnings never cease to amaze me.
But for today it is still Winter and my Dahlia Tubers are all tucked away in our basement.
I am always amazed every single time on how their gnarly, brownish tuber-so ugly and seemingly hopeless finds a way to produce a blossom so incredibly wonderful!
What is a Dahlia Tuber?
They are the fiberous and fundamental root system/body that provides starch, food, water and nutrition for the Dahlia plant until it grows roots of it’s own.
If there was a lesson to learned from the tale of the Dahlia, it would be “don’t judge a book by its cover.”
In the late Fall I dug up my Dahlia Tubers, washed them, dried them for 24-48 hours then stored them all in quart size plastic bags.
Each bag has a moderate amount of coarse vermiculite in them which allows for an exchange of moisture from the tubers and vermiculite.
These bags are stored in our basement ( it’s best to keep the basement at about 50 degrees if possible.)
I have checked the Dahlia tubers periodically and discovered that a few of the tubers were getting mushy, so I tossed them away.
However 95% of the the tubers have stored very well.
After placing the vermiculite and tubers in the bag I sealed them shut, writing the date and name of the Tuber on each bag.
This is actually quite neccessary as it is very easy to forget the names of each and every Dahlia.
While there are many flowers that steal my heart there is none quite as much as the Dahlia.
For me there is magic in every one of their unique blooms and unique they all are.
Sharing the joy of their whimsical beauty with you all delights me.
I invite you to visit the Farm in the warm months of Summer and take a few photos, enjoy the bees and go home with a hand picked bouquet of joy.
Christmas On Sunnydell Flower Farm
Merry Christmas from Sunnydell Flower Farm!
It has been such a rewarding and inspiring year for us-new people, new crops, farmers markets, fundraisers.
Of course there were many challenges along the way, combined with so much joy.
Naturally I am so looking forward to what 2024 has in store for us-rest assured all seeds have been ordered and the flower cottage is on standby!
Thank you for subscribing to my newsletter and supporting the Farm.
Christmas time here on Sunnydell Flower Farm is a celebration of the birth of Jesus.
Sunnydell is totally guided by the light of our Lord, I cannot imagine farming without my faith.
I am a grateful steward for the ability to grow beautiful blooms under the golden sun that shines so warmly upon my flower crops.
Sunnydell is resting now.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven;
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted…”
So as the flower farm rests, I give thanks for the prior season and prepare for the upcoming one.
I love how our Kitchen window overlooks the Flower Cottage.
Decorating our home with priceless treasures from the past delights me!
These treasures include my childhood ornaments, but also those treasures of my own four children.
Our dog Sadie continues to be a faithful gardener too-always chasing rabbits and barking at meandering deer.
Our three Colorado grandchildren are so inerested in gardening!
At one time or another during our 2023 growing season Kennedy, Easton and Molly either weeded, watered or planted.
Especially our little guy-he planted his own corn and sunflower garden on the East side of raised beds.
My dear Colorado daughter designed the Logo for Sunnydell Farm, as well as this website.
Our son-in-law Brandon helped to put up our Classic Caterpillar Tunnel From Farmers Friend.
By the way we love our Tunnel - it has withstood rain, hail, high winds and snow, not to mention their customer service is amazing.
Wishing you a beautiful Christmas filled with the light and love of our Savior.
Love,
Jemma
Flowers For Rita
In my previous update on Sunnydell, I shared a bit about Save The Cowboy and how Sunnydell was delighted to share our farm blooms with their fundraiser.
I enjoyed working with this non-profit organization, their mission and viewpoints were a collective inspiration to me, aligning with my farming roots.
“Save the Cowboy is a non-profit faith based working cattle ranch, dedicated to teaching the authentic, everyday Christianity through the legacy, artistry, & tradition, of the working ranch.”
There was one more component to this event; a live and silent auction- monies went to further the good of this outreach program in our local communities- where no one goes hungry.
I donated 5 flower subscriptions to be auctioned off and Rita had the winning bid.
Rita is very thrilled to have won the flower subscriptions and she was eager to begin receiving them!
I was equally delighted!
So we began with this seaonal bouquet for Thanksgiving.
Sunnydell Farm is in it’s rest period - so fresh blooms are not in abundance.
In preparation for the lull of the Farm, while still providing quality bouquets, I dried many, many flowers and began foraging the beginning of this month.
This bouquet is a mix of dried flowers from Sunnydell, berries, pinecones, foraged grasses, and cut flowers from various suppliers.
Many walks throughout Black Forest Park and Fox Run is where Easton and I discovered several goodies for our FAll Bouquets
My four year old grandson ( Easton) is a delightful forager.
He finds so many treasures, that I might have overlooked and he is always delighted with the wonderment of nature.
May your days be filled with abundant appreciation for the world around you.
I sign off today with the following quote.
"I make a point to appreciate all the little things in my life. I go out and smell the air after a good, hard rain. These small actions help remind me that there are so many great, glorious pieces of good in the world." — Dolly Parton, "Dream More: Celebrate the Dreamer in You"
With Peace and Gratitude,
Jemma
Flowers For Save The Cowboy
This is the story of how Sunnydell Flower Farm was blessed with blooms and how those blooms made their way to Save The Cowboy.
Blooms on Sunnydell really took off beginning the end of July through our first hard frost in October.
Up until then we were challenged with what my son referred to as not enough thermal ( meaning not enough sunshine and warmth- mostly not enough warmth.)
It wasn’t that we didn’t have good germination, we did, we equipped the flower cottage with grow lights and heat.
The true challenges came once the sprouts were moved to live in the big wide world.
We also had strong sprouts, stems and plenty of buds-it just seemed to take a good while for the buds to turn into blooms.
As the weather settled down and Summer kicked in, so did the blooms.
All of our long Western Summer days brimming with sunshine and blue skies made me happy as well as the flowers on Sunnydell Flower Farm.
We got blooms! Big gorgeous, glorious blooms!
So, once I was satisfied that the blooms were true quality, bug free, strong stems, healthy and vibrant in color I started doing a little marketing.
I created bouquets, selected a few premium Wedding Venues then set up appointments delivering a few curated bouquets to the owners, while introducing myself and my business.
It was nerve-racking .
Yet , I was so enthused with the colorful dahlias, zinnias, amaranth, snapdragons, strawflowers, chocolate lace flower, scabosia, Texas Vintage Celosia …
I also felt in my soul that these blooms were exclusive, premium and top-notch.
Each blossom had been given the best care-pesticide free, organic fertilizer and relentlessly hovered-over.
So it seems that the pit in my stomach and nervousness seemed to subside.
I truly enjoyed meeting the owners of the wedding venues.
We actually were all small business owners, working to support one another, and everyone was so very kind.
This is where my story begins on being part of the fund raiser for Save The Cowboy.
I took two bouqets to Gina, owner and operator of Younger Ranch, a local wedding venue just about 5 miles from Sunnydell.
Younger Ranch is a real working cattle ranch with a gorgous Wedding Venue and equally gorgeous views.
On that paticular day Gina was also planning the annual Save the Cowboy fundraiser with Kathy Weber.
Kathy tirelessly organizes the fundraiser while also keeping up with all of the details; contributors, auction, food, decorations, music and of course the flowers.
Seems to me that since Sunnydell is guided by faith, God blessed me that day.
He blessed me in meeting really good folks-
Those good folks loved my flowers and we connected through God.
After some phone chats with Kathy, then a couple of vistits to Sunnydell Flower Farm she invited me to be the flower grower and florist for this event.
Oh yes, I squealed-but not into the phone.
My special flowers were going to be included in a very special event.
Talk about a precious moment for me.
Kathy had special vessels for the blooms, some were etched with Save The Cowboy Logo, others were heriloom pieces.
She had wrapped each one in twine and delivered them a few days before the event.
I think there were about 25 or 30- she requested that the arrangements had a 360 degree view as there would be folks sitting on each side of the tables.
The above photo is where the event was held at Younger Ranch.
Just look at how beautiful this venue is.
This is the original barn that has been turned into one of the event buildings on the ranch.
Kathy and I with Sunnydell Bouquets.
Kathy is positively delightful and she is not only the coordinator for this huge project-she is my friend!
Thank you Kathy, Gina, Younger Ranch and Save The Cowboy for this blessed opportunity and for your friendship.
It was a beautiful event and a joy to be included!
With Gratitude,
Jemma
Visiting Black Forest Meadows
Welcome Friends,
I would like to introduce you to an amazing wedding venue in my community of Black Forest Colorado.
Recently Easton (my grandson) and I had the lovely opportunity to visit with Deborah and her husband Ed on their beautiful mountain property aptly named Black Forest Meadows.
Their wedding venue is a dream come true for Deborah and Ed, as well as any couple who chooses this pristine and charming wedding venue.
As their guests Easton and I were treated to meeting the Alpacas, climbing up to the Tree House and touring their amazing property.
Black Forest Meadows Wedding Venue
With just the perfect amount of sunshine, green grass and pine trees this destination wedding venue is captivating and relaxing.
Easton and I brought Deborah and Ed a homegrown bouquet of flowers from Sunnydell.
Growing and sharing my blooms is one of my joys.
Black Forest Meadows welcomed Easton, I and my blooms!
Dahlias on Sunnydell-Homegrown with Love.
Deborah and Ed
Easton and I gifted Deborah a mixed bouquet of dahlias, strawflowers, scabosia, snapdragons and chocolate lace flower.
Dahlias.
I am currently growing flowers for Farmers Markets, Coffee Shops, Fund Raisers, Venues, Special Events and for me!
Sharing them with a bride, her bridal party and Black Forest Meadows is a beautiful blessing.
Ed and one of the Alpacas
These Alpacas are so sweet and so cute.
For weddings the Alpacas wear flowers around there necks! (Maybe I’ll be providing flowers for them too!)
Just look at these cute baby Alpacas!
Thank you for the warm welcome!
Thank you for joining Easton, Deborah, Ed and I today!
With Love,
Jemma
Update On Sunnydell
A sampling of Blooms photographed by Homeland Photography
It has been a bit since we chatted, so here I am stopping by to visit a bit and also to invite you to join me on the Farm!
I have a big passion for this growing gig and I love to share our boutique farm blooms with you.
August is a good month on the Farm.
Sunflower in the morning
I started growing vegetables and flowers 45 years ago, long before the idea of Sunnydell Flower Farm even had a name or a vision.
Long before social media existed, long before there was much literature on how to grow flowers.
One pretty much purchased a packet of seeds, popped them in the ground after frost-kept them moist and prayed they’d sprout.
Cornel Bronze Dahlia
While it is a bit more technical than this-it’s best not to overthink it all-but to enjoy the process of growing.
I grew my plants from the example of my parents, plus a true passion for studying a few theories behind the growth of a plant.
I just knew I felt my best when my hands and arms were elbow deep in the good earth while nature swirled untamed around me, and I still do.
It more than growing it’s a vital process for my well-being.
Sunnydell Flower Farm at sunset-straw flower blooming in raised beds with hoops.
I grow for the love and joy of growing.
I never grow weary of this joy and of sharing it.
My insatiable curoisity for the wonder of the seedling to the sprout and the journey to adult blooms never ever wanes.
Which brings us to the current status of Sunnydell Flower Farm today.
Bee’s Choice Mix Dahlia’s (grown from seed)
Despite hail, sleet, snow, wind and lack of abundant thermal conditions our perservance and faith paid off-plus just a bit of really hard work!
Sunnydell and the Flower Cottage are filled with strong, healthy, nurtured blooms that are gloriously beautiful.
Besides being beautiful they are ready for you to cut and take home!
We have some August events scheduled for the last two Sunday’s of this month.
You are invited to join us and spend some time strolling the Farm and relaxing by the waterfall.
Just click on Upcoming Events to reserve your spot!
Hope to see you soon!
XO
Jemma
Rain and Cold Go Away
Welcome to Sunnydell Flower Farm in Beautiful Black Forest Colorado!
My blog is part of my flower farming journey-a journal- one might say.
First off, I am loving the rain and lush landscape-however my flower gardens are not!
Fall of 2022, plus Winter and Spring of 2023 have been the coldest and wettest years that Colorado has seen in well over a decade or two.
This high desert climate which we had prepared ourselves for with low tunnels, greenhouse, flower cottage and a well for watering, have not prepared us or the flower farm for this on-going cold and rain weather system.
It is a rough year for farming.
One of my most agonizing fears is that all 13,000 plus seedlings are going to be stunted by this cold wet year.
I am working on controling my mindset by placing one foot in front of the other.
Sunnydell Flower Farm will still be at the Briargate Farmers Market on Wednesday June 14th with a few seasonal bouquets, potted Hollyhocks, Cilantro, Basil, Rosemary and Adorable Mountain Bluebird -Bird houses (the Hubby made them.)
May 2023 Sunnydell Flower Farm
We all know that Farmers are at the mercy of the weather.
Growing up on the farm in Idaho I remember the high and lows of dodging wind and hail storms, droughts and excess rain. I just wish ( and I know wishes are futile) that my first year of launching Sunnydell that Mother Nature could have been a just little more gentle with me.
Maybe this is a test of sorts…
However, through it all we have plugged along.
I come from Farm stock and so do my girls so we all jokingly say we are “plugger,” alongers….
View of the pasture and thunderstorms rolling in-so pretty!
WE are truly building us a Flower Farm!
We use shade/wind cloth to protect the plants from hail storms and during the Winter months the shade cloth helped to secure the low tunnel coverings from high Winds.
When we purchased this home with five acres of pasture we knew we had a BIG project before us.
Did we realize how BIG?
Probably not-but in our retirement years having goals and working hard is really good for us.
Creating pathways througout Sunnydell and preparing for sod.
Easton and Kennedy planting Zinnia, Celosia and Amaranth that I spouted from seed in the Flower Cottage in March.
Even the grandchildren enjoy planting when they stop in for a visit.
I may or may not have brainwashed them into thinking this is fun! Easton did tell me that, ” Farming makes you tired.”
If we can just get some sunshine and warmer temps, Sunnydell is going to explode with blooms.
Sadie joins in on the Flower Farm Duties!
Zinnias sprouted from Seeds. Air Prune Propagation Tray From Boot Strap Farmer.
From the Rose and Peony Garden
RESOURCES:
Greenhouse Farmers Friend
Shade Cloth Windscreen Supply Company
Air Prune Propagation Tray Bootstrap Farmer
Roses Heirloom Roses
I hope to see you Colorado Springs folks at the Briargate Farmes Market on June 14th!
Keep Growing!
Jemma
Plant, Nuture and Bloom
Welcome Spring and welcome dear readers! Well, we really are growing lots of flowers and herbs here on Sunnydell Flower Farm.
While it seems as though we continue to take one step forward and two steps back we are slowly making progress.
From my understanding this year has been an extra cold, windy, snowy Winter here in Colorado. I guess it’s because we are in an El Nino weather pattern...One thing is certain while we often times feel frustrated and wonder if our blooms will survive- we are also staying focused on planting, nurturing and growing blooms in the high country. Today we are going to chat a bit about Dahlias.
I have never met a Dahlia that I did not like! I began growing them several years ago in Texas and then again in Mississippi. Dahlias are not crazy about heat or humidity. The struggle was real for them, so I focused more on hydrangeas. Dahlias actually do better in cooler climates. If you aren’t familiar with a Dahlia they are usually sold as a tuber (although this year I did order a combination of seeds and tubers.
I ordered Dahlia Bee’s Choice Seed Mix from Floret Flowers) I began probagating my seeds in my Flower Cottage in March, then transferred them to the raised bed in the Greenhouse the middle of April. They are doing very well.
Gorgeous and Beautiful Dahlia from a Tuber
In the photo below you will see the raised bed in the Greenhouse and the Dahlias grown from seeds.
I am really enjoy experminting with growing techniques and philosophies on greenhouse production.
The thing that excites me the very most is that since my growing season is shorter and cooler-my greenhouse will give me about two months extra growing time. I would be remiss if I did not mention that we purchased the greenhouse from Farmers Friend and we are impressed with the quality and durability.
Greenhouse with Dahlias from seeds.
Farmers Friend Greenhouse with raised beds.
As I was mentioning I ordered Dahlia Tubers, about 30 to be exact. As a premier flower farmer my motto is quality over quantity.
My goal is to grow the prettiest, healthiest, most ecological friendly flowers and provide my clients with stunning bouquets!
Naturally, this will all be happening in the most friendly environment that I can muster up!
Whew…that was a ton of information.
Pink Dahlia
My List Of Preferred Dahlia Growers for 2023:
Thank you for visiting with me today.
I am sure you can see why so many gardeners and farmers are smitten with Dahlias!
May we always remember to embrace this journey, as well as take note that we are all a budding work in progress -just like the flowers in my greenhouse are!
Sunnydell Flower Cottage
Sunnydell Flower Cottage In The Winter
Welcome to Sunny Dell Flower Cottage!
Sunnydell Flower Cottage is more than just a building.
It is where I invite you to take a break from this whirlwind world and let nature engulf you.
Farm House Vibe
Sunny Dell Cottage has a quaint and cozy Farmhouse style vibe. White shiplap walls, rustic counter space and lots of natural light.
It is important to me for everyone to feel a warm western welcome here at Sunnydell. My goal is for each and everyone of you to leave the farm feeling refreshed and inspired.
The Flower Cottage rests on the rolling hills in Black Forest Colorado, with unobstructed views of Pikes Peak.
Farm House Flower Cottage
When we designed the cottage we knew it would need to be multi- purpose.
During the frosty month of Winter and chilly days of early Spring, Sunnydell Flower cottage serves as a probagation cottage for a couple of thousand seeds. Grow lights and two heaters keep the cottage consistenlty heated no matter the outside temps.
Reservations For Classes
During the Summer and Fall months we offer classes.
The Flower Cottage Hosts Events For Up To 8 people.
During the Summer and Fall months the flower Cottage provides an aesthetically pleasing space for tea and bouquet design classes, craft, chat and snack classes and welcoming wreath design classes.
Welcome to Sunnydell Flower Cottage where we gather together to create, inpsire, and grow through creativity and colorful blooms.
For more creative ideas, tips on gardening or homemaking ideas please visit my home and garden blog At Home With Jemma.
Thank you for joining me today.
I look forward to seeing you soon at Sunny Dell Flower Farm!
Sunny Dell Flower Cottage
Dahilas from Sunnydell Flower Farm
Welcome to the Farm…
Sunnydell Flower Farm was born out of 4 decades of a deep love for the soil and passion for nurturing flowers, vegetables, and nature.
I grew up nestled between the loving arms of my farming parents and the majestic Teton and Big Hole Mountain ranges in the Rocky Mountains on an agricultural farm in southeastern Idaho. My love for all the beautiful creatures that dwelled on the land and in the forests is as magical today as it was then. Even as a child I was an avid participant in Farming the fields of gold. The spiritual reward of participating in growing lush crops, massive flower and vegetable gardens alongside my mother and father dwells in my heart today. This upbringing imprinted a passion on my soul that has softly burned all throughout my life. I have quietly tended and experimented with a variety of flower and vegetable crops in various regions of the United States. Gifting my bouquets to local Coffee shops, family, and friends. If there was spot of soil I found it, embraced it, and grew something in it. I have grown lush gardens of Hydrangeas in Mississippi, stellar crops of Sunflowers in Texas and Vibrant blooms of Dahlia’s in Colorado. I have shared my passion for this good earth and all the beauty it has to offer with my family and friends all throughout the years. I will be combining my vast growing experience, passion, persistence, hard work, vision, and can-do attitude to Sunnydell Flower Farm. Now I am truly blessed to be sharing it with my community in Black Forest, Colorado Springs, and Parker, Colorado. I will be offering bouquets, bouquet subscriptions and workshops. 2023 is my year to bring my goal of having a flower to farm to life.
Welcome to my journey, my true hope it that you will find joy among the field of flowers.
“A flower blossoms for its own joy,” said Oscar Wilde (“Oscar Wilde said, “A flower blossoms for its
own joy.” - Medium”)