EDINBURG — Amid the vibrant colors of autumn and the flutter of butterflies among the blooms, Jo Drummonds is realizing a lifelong dream as she cultivates her micro-flower farm, Golden Acres Flower Farm, located on Corner Road.
Drummonds’ journey from childhood memories of playing in nature to owning a flourishing flower farm is both inspiring and heartwarming.
Nurtured by Nature
Reflecting on her upbringing, Drummonds shared how her early experiences on a farm shaped her passion for gardening. “I grew up on a farm, and we were always outside, down by the river playing in nature,” she recalled. Her mother, a homeschool teacher, encouraged her and her siblings to explore the natural world. “She would give us a jar and say, ‘Go find me something cool.’ We would run out into the fields or down to the river, discovering bluebells and early spring animals,” Drummonds reminisced.
A treasured keepsake from those days is a heart-shaped rock she found during one of her explorations. “I spent a lot of time in the garden with my mother growing up,” Drummonds added, noting that she was affectionately known as the family’s “little garden baby.”
“It’s just rooted in me,” she emphasized. “That was the way she raised us, and it brings me peace.”
A Blossoming Business
Golden Acres Flower Farm embodies the essence of its name. The picturesque setting features a restored farmhouse, lovingly renovated by Drummonds and her husband, Wesley. At the center of the farm is a handcrafted greenhouse, constructed by Wesley using locally sourced windows and other materials.
Within this greenhouse, Drummonds has created a vibrant workspace filled with gardening catalogs, an array of seeds waiting to be planted, and a dry-erase board outlining both current and future plans for the farm.
After transitioning from employment to entrepreneurship, Drummonds has embraced the challenges and rewards of owning her own business. With dual associate degrees in landscape design and horticulture technology, she blends her expertise with her passion to cultivate her 2-acre flower farm.
“I want to nurture people. When they come here, I want them to feel good,” Drummonds explained while guiding visitors through the garden paths. Among the colorful blooms, she pointed out globe amaranths, zinnias, and dahlias. “I don’t want someone to pay me $50 to visit or $8 for a pick-your-own flower. I want it to be something sustainable that locals and my family can enjoy.”
Preparing for the Changing Seasons
As the gardening season draws to a close, Drummonds is diligently working to prepare her flower farm for the winter months. This includes essential tasks such as tilling the soil, harvesting herbs, and pruning back excess growth before the fall planting season begins.
“The tulip order is supposed to get here at the end of November, so I’ll be out planting thousands of tulips for next spring,” Drummonds shared. Her approach to farming is dynamic; she adapts her planting schedule to the changing seasons. “You’ll take a late-season, warm crop like a dahlia, which won’t survive the frost, pull it out of the ground, divide them, put compost down, and then plant tulips,” she explained.
The tulip bulbs will flourish during the cooler months, promising an array of beautiful blossoms in early spring. After the tulips bloom, the dahlias will make their return, continuing the cycle of seasonal growth on the farm.
Community Connection and Sustainability
Drummonds’ commitment to sustainability extends beyond her gardening practices. By fostering a sense of community and connection, she aims to make Golden Acres Flower Farm a cherished local destination.
The farm not only serves as a source of stunning flowers but also as a space for people to reconnect with nature. Drummonds envisions her farm as a sanctuary where locals can find solace and joy among the flowers. This dedication to community engagement aligns with her goal of creating a sustainable business model that benefits both her family and the environment.
“I believe that gardens can be a source of happiness,” she stated. “When people come here, I want them to leave feeling uplifted.”
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future
As Drummonds continues to cultivate her passion for flowers, she remains optimistic about the future of Golden Acres Flower Farm. With plans to expand her offerings and engage more with the community, she is excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.
“Every season brings new opportunities and challenges,” she said. “I’m eager to see what we can achieve in the coming years.”
Her story is a testament to the power of following one’s dreams and the importance of nurturing not only plants but also connections with people and nature.
In a world that often feels disconnected from the earth, Drummonds’ efforts at Golden Acres Flower Farm remind us of the beauty that can be found in cultivating relationships — both with the land and with each other.
Conclusion: A Dream Realized
As autumn deepens and the farm prepares for winter, Jo Drummonds stands as a symbol of perseverance and passion. Her journey from a nature-loving child to the proud owner of Golden Acres Flower Farm encapsulates the essence of living one’s dream.
Through her hard work and dedication, Drummonds is not only nurturing flowers but also fostering a sense of community and connection among those who visit her farm. As she looks ahead to the spring blooms and the cycle of growth, her commitment to sustainability and the joy of gardening will continue to inspire those around her.
In the heart of Edinburg, Golden Acres Flower Farm thrives as a vibrant testament to the beauty of nature, the fulfillment of childhood dreams, and the importance of community.
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