We’re adjusting things in the front six acres of our farm, moving our perennial patch to a better spot, and actually reducing it to reflect changes we’re making to our business plan for 2020. {Btw, you can benefit from this at our May 9 nursery sale ????! These Sapphire Blue Eryngium though- they’re all staying here! #sorrynotsorry???? I bought them from Skagithort.com years ago and I think they still carry them.}
In the first few years of our farming adventure, we were scratching out an existence. We didn’t have an inheritance or a big savings nest egg to invest. We just kept saying yes to every opportunity, giving more than 100% of our energy and physical and mental strength. The determination and perseverance of those years still takes my breath away.
Beyond the growing work, we taught ourselves how to write very detailed business plans, set our vision, and then pushed relentlessly until we met the goals. When our plan changed radically in 2016, it was a huge shock to me. I’d watched other small businesses morph and wondered if they were just still “finding themselves….” And as I now well know, it’s the natural course of things for most small businesses to change their focus somewhat as their business grows. What once worked may not always, because of changing demand, new competition, differing available resources (including resources like time, strength, and personal priorities) or a deeper understanding of profitability. Our farm business is profitable, and as I’m learning better each year, with wise management it can be profitable in ways I never imagined if I let my mind open to new possibilities instead of knuckling down on my tried and true experiences. As we move into this next season, I’m so excited to share a bit more of that behind the scenes. 
I’m learning that the success of flower farming, just like rug making or restauranteur-ing or barbering or any other creative small business, is deeply dependent on how well the owners/managers understand the basic principles of business underlying all the beautiful details. Understanding the bones is essential.