A Week Full of Blessings at Gathered Bloom
Hi Friends,
Wow... have you stepped outside? What a difference a little rain and cooler temperatures can make!
First, I owe you an apology for this email arriving much later than usual. We were out in the rows late last night, and when I woke up to the cool morning air, I couldn't resist taking advantage of it to plant the final succession of seedlings for the season. It's really difficult to pass up quiet, cool mornings in the field.
As I look back over this past week, my heart is simply full as God continues to provide exactly what we need.
Garrett spent the week at Days of Summer Camp, hosted by the Down Syndrome Association of Delaware. Their staff and volunteers pour so much love into creating meaningful experiences for our amazing kids, and we are incredibly thankful for the joy and friendships they fostered with him this week.
While Garrett was at camp, I had the opportunity to attend "Cut Flowers That Work!", a technical flower farming workshop led by Dave Dowling, sponsored by First in Flowers and the University of Delaware Cooperative Extension.
Their mission is to strengthen Delaware's specialty cut flower industry by connecting growers, sharing research, technical expertise, and practical growing knowledge. More importantly, they're building a community of flower farmers who encourage and learn from one another while helping more people discover the beauty of Delaware-grown flowers. The farmers in this cooperative are passionate about shifting the mindset of consumers to local growers. When you need flowers, please consider us. #localgrown #grownnotflown #smallbusiness #supportlocal
Thursday evening flowed perfectly into our Blooms & Berries Workshop. We harvested flowers, arranged bouquets, enjoyed berry mocktails, and lingered together through the golden hour. The women who attended are simply wonderful, isn't it amazing how flowers have a way of turning complete strangers into friends? I truly believe I left the evening with new friendships that will last well beyond the season.
One recommendation that came from our conversations was the documentary The Hive: Secrets of the Bees (available on YouTube and Disney+). If you enjoy learning about gardens and nature, it's a fascinating look at the incredible work bees and how they are designed to be our garden's pollinators. It will certainly give you an appreciation of bees and blooms in a new way.
Another highlight of our week came on Friday when Gathered Bloom had the privilege of hosting a First in Flowers farm tour. It was such an honor to welcome fellow growers. Friday continued with another beautiful day as our July Bloom & Gather subscribers picked up their bouquets before we opened the field for Open Harvest Night.
The blessings continued on Saturday with the rain. Although it arrived during our annual family BBQ, I couldn't help but be grateful. After weeks of heat and drought, and wildfires, feeling the softened grass beneath my feet was something I had been praying for. It reminded me how quickly God can refresh both the earth and our spirits in a single moment.
Friends... the field is absolutely stunning right now.
If you've been thinking about visiting, this Friday is the perfect opportunity!
Friday Evening Open Field Harvest
Friday, July 24
5:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Bring your family, invite a friend, or make it a date night. Pack dinner, enjoy one of our picnic tables, stroll through the flowers, harvest a bouquet, and stay through the golden hour. We envision Gathered Bloom as a place where people can slow down, breathe deeply, connect with one another, and simply enjoy God's creation together. We'd love to share that space with you.
Bouquets
Pre-order bouquets are available with 24 hours' notice for birthdays, anniversaries, dinner parties, hostess gifts, or simply because someone, even you, could use a little encouragement.
This week's bouquet is an absolute beauty!
Looking Ahead
I'm honored to share that we've been invited to the Delaware State Fair to present a 30-minute flower arranging demonstration!
If you plan to be at the fair, I'd love for you to stop by and say hello.
Agriculture Building
Thursday, July 30
2:00 p.m.
I'll be sharing simple flower arranging techniques, tips for creating a beautiful bouquet, and celebrating the beauty of Delaware-grown flowers. It's such a privilege to represent Gathered Bloom and be part of showcasing Delaware agriculture.
Mark your calendars
We're excited to share that Marmy's Ice cream Truck will be on site Sunday, August 2nd! 5:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Sunday, August 2nd
5:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Workshops
If you've been thinking about planning a team-building event, ladies' night, birthday celebration, or private gathering, we'd love to customize one of our harvest and vase arranging workshops just for your group. I'd love to discuss your vision in more detail.
Availability
As always, if our scheduled open hours this week don't work for you, send us a text 302.363.4499 or email, we're happy to welcome you for a peaceful stroll through the flowers or a harvest on your time when we are available.
We hope to see you in the field this week!