Flowers, nature, nourishment, and the simple joy of gathering at Sweet Earth Co.
Some days stay with you long after they're over. Our inaugural A Day in Bloom farm retreat was one of those very special days.
On a beautiful, sun-filled October morning, we welcomed a wonderful group of women to Sweet Earth Co. for something we'd been dreaming about for quite some time: a day devoted to reconnecting with nature, exploring creativity, and enjoying the simple pleasures that make life richer.
And it was everything I'd hoped it would be.
As a flower farmer and designer, I've always believed that the beauty of flowers extends far beyond the arrangements we create. There's something deeply restorative about working with our hands, spending time outdoors, and connecting with the natural world. Creating a space where others could experience that same joy was the inspiration behind A Day in Bloom.
Together with my co-host, Debbie of Feed the Soul Wellness Coaching, we brought together many of the things we're most passionate about: flowers, creativity, mindful nourishment, botanical traditions, and the healing power of nature.
What unfolded was a day filled with discovery, laughter, meaningful conversations, and moments of quiet reflection.
Letting Nature Lead
We began with a welcoming cup of tea, a few special gifts, and time to settle into the peaceful surroundings of the farm.
Then it was off to the flower fields.
There's something magical about walking among the flowers, especially when you're invited to choose whatever catches your eye. With snips and buckets in hand, our guests wandered through the gardens, gathering blooms, foliage, and unexpected botanical treasures for their floral creations.
Our design session centered on a simple idea: Design with Intention.
Rather than focusing on rules or achieving a particular look, I encouraged everyone to notice what drew them in, whether a color, a texture, the graceful movement of a stem, or perhaps something charmingly imperfect.
The results were as individual as the women who created them. Each arrangement told its own story, reflecting a personal expression of beauty and creativity.
And that, to me, is what makes working with flowers so special.
A Walk in the Woods, A Seat at the Table
After our time in the flower studio, we wandered into the woods, following the trails and stopping at a few of my favorite places on the property — little spots I've come to think of as magical!
I loved being able to share this part of Sweet Earth Co. with our guests. The woodland is a place I return to often for inspiration, perspective, and a sense of calm.
From there, we gathered outdoors around a beautifully set table for a seasonal lunch prepared by Debbie.
Fresh, colorful, delicious, and thoughtfully prepared, the menu celebrated the pleasure of eating well. Everything was gluten-free, with plenty of vegetarian options, and the food received rave reviews. There were second helpings, enthusiastic conversations about the dishes, and more than a few requests for the dessert recipe (which Debbie generously shared).
Some of the floral arrangements created that morning found their way onto the table, making the setting even more personal and beautiful.
As we enjoyed our meal, Debbie shared her philosophy of mindful nourishment and how small, intentional choices can help us build healthier, more balanced lives.
It was a lovely reminder that nourishing ourselves is about so much more than what's on our plates. It's also about the time we take, the people we gather with, and the joy of sharing an experience.
Learn more about Debbie's approach to wellness at Feed the Soul Wellness Coaching.
A Little Botanical Magic
The afternoon brought us indoors for a different kind of creative exploration: blending our own botanical teas.
Drawing on the traditional energetics of herbs, we explored how different plants have distinct qualities and how those qualities can be considered alongside our individual constitutions.
With a beautiful assortment of herbs to choose from, everyone had the opportunity to create a personal tea blend inspired by what they had learned.
It was part discovery, part creativity, and another way to connect with the remarkable gifts of the natural world.
Finding Stillness in the Forest
One of the most meaningful experiences of the day came as we returned to the woods for a guided forest-bathing session.
We followed the meditation trail to a natural amphitheater nestled within an old ground quarry, a special place surrounded by trees, where the landscape seems to invite you to pause.
Forest bathing isn't about hiking or covering ground. It's about slowing down enough to truly experience the forest through your senses; to notice the light, the sounds, the textures, the scents, and the subtle rhythms of nature.
In our busy lives, we rarely give ourselves permission to simply be.
For a little while that afternoon, we did just that. There was no destination to reach, nothing to accomplish, and nowhere else we needed to be.
Just the forest, the moment, and ourselves.
Cultivating What Matters
We ended our day together with reflection and conversation, inviting everyone to consider what they wanted to continue cultivating in their own lives.
It's a question I love because it connects so naturally to what we do here at Sweet Earth Co.
As gardeners, we understand that whatever we nurture with care and attention has the potential to grow. The same is true of our relationships, our creativity, our well-being, and the things that bring us joy.
My hope for A Day in Bloom was that our guests would leave feeling nourished, inspired, and a little more connected: to nature, to one another, and to themselves.
Hearing that they felt restored and inspired was the most wonderful affirmation of why we created this experience.
And for me, seeing it all come together was incredibly rewarding.
More Days in Bloom Ahead
Our first A Day in Bloom may have come to a close, but I have a feeling this is only the beginning.
We’re already dreaming about what comes next, including the possibility of seasonal retreats that celebrate the changing rhythms of the farm and the natural world.
Each season offers something different to discover, experience, and appreciate. And what better place to explore those possibilities than here at Sweet Earth Co.?
We're keeping a few surprises for next time, but one thing will remain at the heart of every gathering: creating space to slow down, reconnect, and cultivate what matters.
Until we gather again, keep blooming.