Burdock Acres Farm journal
August on the Farm.
Welcome to the very first entry of our Burdock Acres Farm Journal. This is a space where I’ll share the behind-the-scenes of our flower farm—the blooms, the challenges, the family moments, and the milestones that shape each season. My hope is that it feels a little like walking the fields with us, month by month.
August always feels like a turning point here at Burdock Acres—a month when summer is at its brightest and the first hints of fall quietly appear at the edges. This year was no different, and our fields were bursting with beauty and activity.
The First of 40,000 Sunflowers
Early this month, the first of our 40,000 sunflowers began to bloom, painting the farm with golden faces turned toward the sky. Each row feels like its own celebration, and it’s been pure joy to watch our kids wander the fields, arms full of flowers, with the hum of bees and the wide Vermont sky above.
The blooms came a little later than we had hoped, but that’s farming—always teaching us something new. Instead of discouraging us, it only fuels the excitement for next year, when we’ll plan for an earlier start and even fuller fields.
A Community Coming Together: The Pickett You-Pick
One of the most meaningful moments of the month was hosting the Pickett Family You-Pick. Friends, neighbors, and visitors came together to gather sunflowers, share smiles, and support a local family. There’s something about walking through rows of blooms that opens hearts—and we are so grateful to see our flowers become part of something bigger than ourselves.
Mums Make Their Debut
While sunflowers still steal the show, the very first of our fall mums made their way into local stores in August. It feels a little early to be thinking about autumn, but there’s something comforting about seeing those tightly packed buds ready to burst into color. These mums are just the beginning of what’s to come as we ease toward September.
Weathering the Drought
This summer wasn’t without its challenges. We faced a stretch of drought that tested both the flowers and our patience. Farming always keeps you humble, and this season was a reminder that we work with nature, not against it. Still, even in the dry weeks, the fields found a way to keep shining—proof of both resilience and a whole lot of grit.
Soaking Up the Last of Summer
We soaked up every last bit of summer before Anna headed back to school. I’m forever grateful that this business plan of mine allows me to spend more time with my kiddos during the warmest months—whether it’s running you-pick events, creating wedding flowers (more than ever before this year!), or just walking the fields together.
One of my favorite memories this August was the kids playing in what we lovingly call the “weed garden”—proving that not every patch has to be perfect to hold joy.
We also had the honor of cutting a few hundred stems to welcome back the Orleans County teachers for a new school year. Sending flowers into classrooms felt like the perfect way to celebrate those who give so much to our children and community.
Growing Into a Florist
This summer also brought exciting steps forward:
A new partnership with Green Mountain Floral Supply means I can now source specialty flowers I don’t grow myself, so customers get exactly what they’re dreaming of.
I officially became a member of the Floret Farmer-Florist Collective, joining a nationwide network of flower farmers and florists committed to growing and designing with intention.
Both of these steps feel like a natural extension of what we’ve been building here, and they let me serve our community in an even fuller way.
Looking Ahead
August brought a mix of golden fields, heartfelt community moments, the challenges of drought, and the first taste of fall. We’re excited for what’s next—more blooms, more mums, and more opportunities to share the beauty of Burdock Acres with all of you. Thank you for walking alongside us, whether through the fields or through these updates.
This journal is a way to stay connected through every season, even when Vermont is under snow. Join us here each month, and follow @BurdockAcres for a closer look at the farm in bloom.