This is the second of two posts about how I organize myself in the wintertime, to ensure seamless operations in the summertime.   Winter is my opportunity to get a plan in place before the chaos begins. The quiet moments of winter might seem like nothing (I’m sure people wonder . . . what do you DO all winter long?) but truly these months are the MOST important in determining the summer’s successes and outcomes.  If you haven’t yet, read the first post about how I organize my

This is the first of two posts about how I organize myself in the wintertime, to ensure seamless operations in the summertime.   The depths of winter may seem like a slow time in the flower farming world, but truth be told, this is a crucial moment in our year.  While it’s true that the wintertime rhythm is slower, the work is just as important– if not more.  This is when I can finally let all my organization genes shine and lay the foundation for the months to come. A hot cu

Well, January is upon us, and as much as I love the hustle and bustle of summer . . . I also REALLY love the slow, quiet of January.  This January, though, is a little busier than in years past.  This year, I have for the first time what I would consider a substantial crop in progress– much more than the couple hundred tulip bulbs I trialed last winter.  After many hours of studying, planning, and calculating, I came up with a strategic plan for a continuous supply of fresh c

I get asked at least once a week during the flower season about designing flowers for a wedding.  Soon, I will post a longer explanation...

Common question:  “So which Schell family are you related to?” Many people (understandably) think that our last  name is Schell.  (In...

It’s that time of year again!  Even if the temperatures are in the single digits, or there are snowflakes fluttering by your window, it’s not too early to be thinking about and planning your summer garden.  'Cause before you know it, spring will be upon us! So first, if you haven’t yet, you should first place your seed order.  Consider your available garden space, past successes and losses, and any leftover seeds you may have from last year, and place your seed order soon. Yo

It had only been a two weeks without farmers markets, and I missed the fresh flowers already.  How would I get through the winter?  I...

Confession: Fall is always my hardest time of year. Maybe it's the fact that I've been going nonstop since May and I'm tired, or maybe...

Over the last few weeks, I’ve shared a behind-the-scenes look at how we grow some of our most beloved flowers here at Schell Farm...

Over the last few years, I think #lisianthus has been the flower MOST intriguing to our customers. I wish I had a dollar for every time someone said, “I’ll take the roses,” and then lifted a bouquet of lisianthus out of the bucket at the farmers market. When I tell them that these flowers actually aren’t roses, that I don’t even grow roses, I think they genuinely doubt me for a moment! Elegant and proud, lisianthus can easily stand alone in a #bouquet, or be mixed with oth

Ranunculus. They have easily become one of my all-time favorites and I think many of you would agree. For many reasons, they are a...

Tulips have been incredibly important to our business, Schell Farm Gardens, since the very beginning. I can still remember the fall of 2018, when I planted a mix of a couple hundred tulip bulbs, and I was worried that I had planted too many. A few months later (see picture), I realized I hadn’t planted nearly enough! Each year, I’ve gradually increased the number of bulbs that I plant, and now we typically plant around 10,000 in the field each year (not counting the ones we

Seeds are truly magical. At the beginning of each season, before sowing my very first seeds of the year, I always take a moment to appreciate that it all begins with a tote of seeds. It’s amazing– when you consider the thousands of #plants, stems, and #flowers that get transplanted, harvested, arranged, and sold during the season– that it all begins with a box of seeds which I can hold in my arms. I also marvel at how these seeds can sit for weeks, months– even years– uncha

Hello! We've been very quiet lately... no social media posts, no emails, no blogging... but all for a very good reason. January 2022 was...

Last Wednesday, we saw record-breaking high temperatures in western Wisconsin, followed by a night of horrific and terrifying wind. Most...

I'm working on loving the present moment. I realized not too long ago that in the depths of summer, I find myself yearning for the quiet,...

Dear Flower Friends, Before I started this flower venture, I was a fourth grade teacher. And I loved it. But with three very small...

Here's a look at what we've been up to!

An ode to October, here's a behind-the-scenes look at our fall to-do list!