Beautiful Blooms Now, Big Plans Ahead

Bouquet by Handpicked Blossoms.

There’s something about the fall light on a sunflower that makes me stop what I’m doing. Even with a planting list waiting and a greenhouse that seems determined to test our patience, I’m trying to take a moment to enjoy what’s blooming right now.

Here at Handpicked Blossoms, the dahlias and sunflowers are putting on a beautiful show. Marigolds are adding their cheerful color, and the eucalyptus is bringing texture and fragrance to our fall bouquets. These final weeks of flowers feel especially precious as we approach the end of our season on November 6, 2026.

But while I’m still cutting flowers and filling orders, there’s plenty happening for the seasons ahead.

Planting a Little Hope for Next Year

Baptisia, Joe Pye weed, lupine, and sedum are going into the fields to overwinter. I’m looking forward to seeing them settle into the farm and, as they establish, bring more variety to our spring and summer flowers.

Planting perennials requires some patience. The work happens now, but the reward comes later—and some plants need more than one growing season to really hit their stride. It’s an investment in the future of this little flower farm, one plant at a time.

It also fits the way I want to grow at Handpicked Blossoms: thoughtfully, with a long view and room for the pollinators that share the garden with us. I’m excited to watch these plantings develop and discover how their colors and textures will find their way into future bouquets.

Dahlias grown by Handpicked Blossoms.

The Greenhouse: An Honest Progress Report

I wish I could tell you the greenhouse was finished and ready for planting. Honestly, progress has been slow.

Between our schedules, the weather, and what feels like every possible hiccup, it’s taking longer than I hoped. The latest discovery? Defective self-tapping screws. That means another trip to purchase replacements before we can keep moving. Thankfully, the company is reimbursing me, which I appreciate—but it’s still another delay.

That’s the less photogenic side of flower farming. Sometimes progress looks like beautiful rows of new plants. Sometimes it looks like figuring out why a screw won’t do the one job it was made to do.

We’re working through it, and I’m holding onto the plans that made me excited about this project in the first place. I plan to grow beautiful blooms of campanula, tweedia, and eucalyptus in the greenhouse. For now, I’m taking it one step at a time and looking forward to the day I can share photos of plants growing inside.

A Few More Weeks to Enjoy Beautiful Blooms

There’s a lot of overlap on the farm right now: flowers coming out of the field, new plants going into the ground, and construction happening in between. Some days it feels like I’m working in two seasons at once.

With so much still on the to-do list, the dahlias and sunflowers are a welcome reminder to enjoy what’s here today.

I’m accepting custom flower orders through November 6, 2026, before closing for the winter. If you’ve been meaning to treat yourself or surprise someone with a locally grown bouquet, there’s still time.

Dahlia and eucalyptus bud vase by Handpicked Blossoms.

I’ll keep sharing planting updates, greenhouse progress, and little glimpses of life on the farm through the winter. Thank you for being part of Handpicked Blossoms and helping this growing dream take root here in Rice, Virginia.

What flower would you love to see in a Handpicked Blossoms bouquet next year? I’d love to hear your ideas!

Grown with heart • Picked with purpose • Shared with love.