Feature in ASCFG Magazine

I am honored and blessed to have been featured in the grower profile section for the Winter Quarterly ASCFG Magazine. The ASCFG (Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers) is a Wonderful association with members all across the US and Canada. This association has members who are the leaders in the industry of cut flowers. What is so amazing about this association is that it’s members no matter the size of their farm or the experience they have, are willing to share everything they know to help grow this field. I have learned so much from these farmer florists’ websites, blogs, Facebook posts and videos. There is one member who has had such an impact on getting me started in the field and that is Pressly Williams with Renfrow Farms in Matthews. She is the farmer mentioned in the article that I heard speak at the Master Gardener class that is mentioned in the article. She was not only my inspiration but has helped me any time I have asked for advice, even allowing me to come learn from her on her farm. I have always been told that you should share your story. Not only should we share our story so others will know about it, but you never know what difference you might make when you share your story. Thanks to Pressly and her story, there is now a Hopeful Acres Farm & Gardens. While my family currently supports me 100% in my floral endeavors, I will admit there was a little skepticism at first. There is however, one more person that I want to acknowledge that without, my flower story would not exist. That person is my cousin Kurt Weddington. It is in Kurt’s greenhouses that my seeds grow into the plugs that I then transplant in the fields. Kurt allows me to start my seeds and then he takes over doing his magic (years of experience) to get them to grow into plugs. Without Kurt and his greenhouses I wouldn’t have a place to start my seeds. Kurt’s support doesn’t stop there however, he is always willing no matter how busy to answer any question I have. Sometimes when you read a story you don’t get the story behind the story, so I just wanted to share two important people in my story. So back to my story, I feel truly blessed to be where I am and to be able to share my story. Maybe my story will inspire someone, or maybe my story will just help those who don’t already know, why I do what I do. Why I love my family farm so much, and how as the title states “Hope Grows” on our farm!