January: Dark days, bright skies ahead
From the Field
January has been a month of surprises.
While the weather is never totally predictable in the valley, we certainly did not expect 50 degree days mid-January! We took this rare opportunity to build more garden beds in a space we’ve designated for our new U-pick cutting garden! We’re excited to grow more healthy soil and flowers in this unique location while sharing the abundance with our neighbors and community. We look forward to using this space for U-picks, wedding parties, private dinners, workshops, and events.
We use as many regenerative farming practices as possible at Rathvinden Farm, which is why we choose not to till the soil. By leaving the ground intact, we preseve the microbiome underground. Tilling the soil releases carbon into the atmosphere and contributes to the loss of valuable topsoil. By leaving the ground untilled, mycelium and other beneficial flora can survive and feed our flowers while supporting the ecosystem of the valley. In order to soften the soil for planting, we line each bed with drip irrigation and cover with compost and reusable weed fabric. By the time spring rolls around, most of the weeds have been smothered (hopefully!) and the soil is soft enough to plant into.
What’s Blooming Now
A time to rest, a time to plan + A WINTER CLEAN OUT
While the fields are resting and regaining strength for the upcoming growing season, the barn has been busy with office work, planning meetings, dahlia tuber dividing, and prepping for the growing season ahead. We’re cleaning out the barn and need your help clearing out our collection of dried flowers!
Come shop the rainbow at a huge discount 10-5pm on Friday 2/6.
If you’re interested in shopping but can’t make those times, just let us know! We’re happy to accommodate!
When we’re not bemoaning the lack of winter flower sales, we’re planning upcoming weddings on the farm, workshops and private events, our seeding and planting schedule, marketing efforts, storytelling, and more! Anything to get the funds flowing and the farmers fed!!
One of the things we’re most excited about is planning how to use the grant money we were recently awarded from the Agritourism Board (thanks to our fearless grant writer, Lily!). Help convince us we’re not crazy for jumping into this endeavor by coming to one of our upcoming events! (keep reading!)
Experiences on the Farm
First flower workshops of 2026!
February 7th from 10am - 12pm
Join us for a unique Valentine experience you don’t have to plan! Grab a few of your besties or your partner and learn how to design homemade pressed-flower Valentine’s Day cards for all your loved ones. The flower barn with its majestic mountain views and surrounding wild fields is guaranteed to inspire the artist within. We’ll provide hot beverages and light finger foods to make the morning linger. To satisfy your sweet tooth, we’ve teamed up with Caldera Cacao to include a chocolate tasting to round out the Valentine workshop. In addition to your original floral valentines, you’ll take home a chocolate bar made with Rathvinden’s dried flowers! All your Valentine’s Day needs wrapped into one cozy and creative morning!
February 28th from 10am - 12pm
Grab your garden buddies and dig in the dirt with us in the dead of winter! You’ll create a stunning, seasonal centerpiece using amaryllis, narcissus, and forced branches in our warm barn studio. Fiona will guide us step-by-step to teach you how forcing bulbs and flowering branches is a fun and easy way to add blooms and a pop of color to your winter tablescapes.
This is more than a workshop — it’s a winter escape, a creative morning accompanied by light refreshments and warm beverages with gorgeous results you can proudly display in your home or give as a heartfelt gift. No prior experience needed — we provide all materials and expert guidance.
GET 20% OFF TICKET PRICES WITH CODE: “FARMTALK20”
As always, thank you for your support, flower purchases, friend referrals, and belief in our little farm and what we’re doing.
We know it would be so much easier to just till the soil, hire cheap labor, and plant easy flowers. Instead, we’re committed to doing something different. We’re committed to paying our people a living wage, building up our ecosystem by using organic and regenerative practices, and supporting our community with events and workshops. We may be small but we’re also mighty! Here’s to a great 2026!!