The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Dirty Fingernails and the Hard Work Behind Growing Your Blooms
It's the height of summer, the sun is beating down, and you can almost feel the warm breeze against your skin. But wait—a shower’s on the way. You know what that means, right? It’s time for autumn planting!
While many may see a rainy day as a reason to stay inside, for us flower growers, it’s a blessing. The soil softens, the air cools, and it’s the perfect time to get those autumn flowers into the ground. You might be thinking, “Why autumn planting now, when the summer blooms are still going strong?” Well, let me take you behind the scenes and share a bit of the good, the bad, and the ugly of flower farming.
The Good
Autumn planting is one of the most exciting parts of the flower-growing cycle. It’s when you prepare for the next season’s bounty. You’re putting in the groundwork for the blooms that will come to life in the cooler months, bringing a fresh burst of colour when summer’s flowers start to fade. You’ll be planting hardy flowers that thrive in the cooler weather, like Sweet Peas, Tulips, ranunculus, and anemones. The beauty of autumn planting is that you’re already laying the foundation for next season, ensuring that you’ll have stunning blooms ready for your customers or for yourself when the time comes.
The Bad
But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows, despite what Instagram might suggest. Planting in the autumn means facing the unpredictable weather. The days are getting shorter, and while a shower can be refreshing, there are times when the soil is too wet to work. And don’t get me started on the weeds! Every season brings its own battle, and autumn is no exception. With the change of weather, we often see a surge of weeds competing for space and nutrients. Keeping those under control is a constant challenge—one that involves early mornings, lots of weeding, and sometimes getting your hands (and knees) dirty.
The Ugly
Now, let’s talk about the dirty part. And I mean dirty! When you’re sowing, planting, and cultivating, you're bound to get your hands, fingernails, and boots covered in mud. But that’s the reality of flower farming—the work is gritty. It’s not always glamorous, and it’s certainly not Instagram-ready. But the dirt under your nails is a badge of honour. It’s proof of the effort, sweat, and patience that goes into creating something beautiful. From setting up beds, digging in compost, to putting each seed in the ground with care—it’s hard work, and it’s a labour of love.
Even on the most challenging days, when the rain pours and the weeds keep coming, it’s all worth it. Because at the end of the day, you know that the blooms you’re tending to will eventually become something extraordinary. It’s that satisfaction that keeps me going.
The Takeaway
So, next time the rain clouds roll in and you’re tempted to take a break, think of it as an opportunity to get your hands dirty. Autumn planting is an essential step in the cycle of flower farming, and though it’s hard work, it’s the kind of work that makes the end result even more rewarding.
Remember, every beautiful bouquet has a story—one that started with a seed, some dirt, and a whole lot of hard work. And trust me, those dirty fingernails are worth every moment of it.
x ~ kahu