Late Summer on the Flower Farm: August Heat & Hints of Fall

August is in full swing here on the flower farm — heavy with heat, rich with color, and already carrying the quiet whispers of fall.

My days start early now. Before the sun fully rises and the humidity settles in, I’m out in the fields making my morning cuttings. It’s peaceful then. Just the soft hum of pollinators waking up and the stillness that only early morning brings. Sometimes I catch bees taking a nap on the blooms after working so hard the day before. It’s a small, beautiful reminder of how everything here is alive and working together.

It’s been a tough stretch. The heat has been relentless, and the humidity makes even the simple tasks so much harder. Pests have been showing up, too — aphids, beetles, and other unwelcome visitors that seem to love this weather. Some days, it feels like I’m just doing my best to keep up.

Watering has become part of the daily rhythm — early morning and late evening, trying to keep the soil from drying out under the sun. Some crops are feeling the stress, but others — especially the zinnias, marigolds, and sunflowers — are doing great. And the lisianthus... one of my favorites. Delicate, soft, and steady, they’ve been blooming through the heat with grace.

The fields are full right now — wild and colorful. Butterflies drift between rows, and the bees are everywhere. I try to slow down when I can and take it all in. It’s easy to get caught up in the work, but moments like that are what keep me grounded.

This summer has been special because a long-time dream is finally starting to take shape. I’ll soon be offering workshops here on the farm — something I’ve wanted to do for a while. Being able to share this space and the flowers in a hands-on way feels like the natural next step. After working as a dispatcher for 30 years, I really missed that connection with people. A few local businesses have also invited me to teach classes in their spaces, which means a lot to me. I’m excited (and a little nervous) to step into this new chapter.

Now, as fall begins to slowly creep in, I can feel the change. The light is getting softer, the mornings a little cooler. The dahlias are waking up, and soon the sunflowers will start to bow their heads.

Farming teaches me to hold on and let go — to work with what’s in front of me while trusting what’s ahead. Summer isn’t over yet, but the shift is here. I’m just doing my best to move with it — one bloom, one day at a time.

Thank you for continuing this flower farm journey with me.

With gratitude,

Kelly