Our Story…
A Dream to Preserve Family Land… 2019
In 2019 we were offered an opportunity to move into my grandparents’ home of nearly 60 years, on 3 acres in West Chester, Pennsylvania. My Grandpop had made arrangements to live with my parents after the home-going of my precious Grandmom, his beloved wife of over 70 years, and we would rent the home in hopes of one day purchasing it. As we prepared to move into my grandparents’ place, my Grandpop, then 95 years old, took me to the top of the hill overlooking his property and home on Walnut Hill Road. He told me his story of falling in love with the land, remarked about the gorgeous view and pointed out the trees that he had planted, and the pond across the way. He showed me the property lines, and told me stories of sledding down the hill with his children, and dreams of farming the land that never came to fruition. He tenderly said that he had hoped I would fall in love with the property too. He knew that the plan was to someday purchase the home, but that the rest of the land would eventually be sold. His request was that I would try to one day purchase all of the land and if I could, keep his property in the family. I told him that I fell in love with their home years ago when I was a little girl, and that I would do anything I could to purchase the property someday.
A Dream of Flower Farming…
I began to brainstorm about different ways we could use the land to raise the funds and purchase the beautiful property on Walnut Hill Road. As I tossed options around, I was over and over drawn to the idea of flower farming; and so began my dream of starting Walnut Hill Flower Farm. This determination to keep my grandparents’ land intact has propelled me to go at this with all my might! My Grandpop loves the idea, and I think Grandmom would have too. I have fond memories of walking the hill with her in search of flowers. Then it was buttercups and violets, but I like to think that she would be very pleased to walk the rows of gorgeous flowers now gracing her hill.
I started selling flower subscriptions on social media in the fall of 2020, even before we planted our first seeds later in the winter of 2021. While I was quite nervous about being able to pull off 20 weekly subscriptions when I had never before grown flowers from seed, I was determined to make it happen! It was a successful first season, and the following year I was able to expand to double my subscriptions and add a weekly farmers market stand.
The home going of my beloved Grandfather…
In May of 2022 my Grandfather passed away at the age of 98. There is such joy knowing that his beautiful life has impacted us deeply and changed us forever. We are so blessed by his dedication to live out his faith in God, and we miss him terribly. He is now whole and reunited with my Grandmother.
Fast forward to December 2022…
We are so happy to announce that we purchased my grandparents’ home two days after Christmas, 2022! We celebrated by spending the day ice skating with family on the adjacent pond that brings so many memories of my grandparents. While we will continue to farm the additional lots for now, we do not own them. We have the ambitious goal of growing the business to where we might be able to purchase the land, but time is limited, so your support means so much to us!
Why Flowers?
It was ironically, my grandparents’ love for flowers, including their heirloom hydrangeas and peonies, passed down from my great grandmothers, that awakened a love for growing flowers long before starting this flower farm. 22 years ago, the adored blooms from my favorite hydrangea bush at this home were used in my wedding bouquet and arrangements. There’s a rich family history at this property, and flowers have always been a part of the most tender memories!
Photo Gallery - My Grandparents
Kathryn Rash of Taproot Photography at taprootphotos.com
My grandparents' beloved hydrangeas passed down from my great grandmother. My grandfather loved to root and share them with friends and family Photo credit: Kathryn Rash of Taproot Photography at taprootphotos.com
Frank and Hazel Troilo...A love story that spanned over 70 years and a beautiful model of faith and commitment.
My grandfather adored my grandmother. The look on his face says it all. If you look closely, you'll see part of the heart shaped tulip bed he planted for my grandmother. How precious is that?!
My precious grandmother and friend, and the hydrangea bush that blessed us with wedding flowers.
The Story of our Wedding Hydrangeas…
Jeff and I were married on July 31, 1999. It was an unusually hot and dry summer, and our wedding day was one of the hottest days at nearly 100 degrees. I had planned on having my favorite blue hydrangeas in my wedding bouquets, but because of a drought, my florist couldn’t find any quality hydrangeas, let alone blue, anywhere. I was sharing my disappointment with my Grandmom, and she told me that her hydrangea bush was loaded with more blue blooms than she had ever seen it produce before! She allowed the florist to cut every bloom off her bush to use in my wedding. It felt like my own little miracle, and looking back, the memory of using my grandmother’s hydrangeas, passed down from her mother, is most special! The bush is still at the property, and every year, offers the most spectacular blue hydrangeas! Feel free to request my favorite blue hydrangeas in your bouquet or arrangement when you order!
