Nicole, may I give you a tip to save your plants from deer, bear, racoon and I am sure cattle. I have several gardens and we had deer destroying our bushes and plants. We use solar alarms purchased off of Amazon. Red alarms that have a few different settings. We use the night setting that flashes a red light and sounds an alarm. We have not had any issues for years. We keep them on hand to replace or add to. Our friend had bear destroying his bee hives. We gifted him one and two days later he saw the bear come in and take off when the alarm went off. He has now purchased more for is gardens. The alarm covers a large area and may be just what you need. In heavily trafficked areas place them closer together. Animals eventually don't come around anymore or not as much anyway. The only time this would not work with using the alarm would be if you had a very close neighbor. Ours are a block or more away and the neighbors said they are not bothered by the alarms. Hope this helps you, or others that read this. Just a note...sometimes you may get one deer or animal that may try to hang in there but the pitch causes them to leave. It is so disappointing to invest time and money to have your investments destroyed. So happy to watch your dreams come true!😊
Wow, that was a lot to take in! There are only 24 hours in a day and you have taken on so much! You’ve achieved so much already. Just remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day. Slow and steady. You don’t want to burn out. Your plans are exiting and I want you to succeed, just remember the life - work balance!
Serena and Ian had good success with their roadside stand, your home is similiarly situated so I bet it will be a great success! I think moving to a bouquet of the month is a great idea! I love all your content and I look forward to the future. BTW love the coordinated curtains and sweater. :)
I have watched you for four years. Boy have you grown, just like your flowers. You are a seasoned business woman. I am so proud of you! You have reduced the "maybes of growing versus weather and critters and increased the "you can control it," as much as anyone can control Mother Nature. Good for you.
That’s how it is at our house…if we don’t fence, we’ll get nothing for all of our efforts. I’d recommend also digging down and installing a barrier for groundhogs. They are determined and they’ll dig to get where they want to go.
I grew up working in a family owned business. I know exactly how overwhelming everything can be. It is like the business runs you. Our family business ran for 43 years and we always worked 60-70 hours a week. Working for months on end without a day off is so draining. I do remember my mom being so tired at the end of a day that she would sit and cry before going to bed. Working that hard does take a toll, even if it is something you have great passion to do. Contrinuing to simplify how much you are growing at home because just harvesting alone takes so much time. Prioritize your physical and mental wellness.
Wow. You are a rockstar. Give yourself some grace. You have done so well. As a people pleaser myself, I understand the guilt of letting down customers. But you have got this! So happy for you in the decisions you have made. You have two flower shop locations now for customers to come to. And the whole nursery. It has been a pleasure to watch you during this journey. Can’t wait to see what happens next! You are inspiring.
Tough situations, but solid decisions - even though it probably hurt to make them. Plus - word-of-mouth makes and breaks customer impressions better than any ad or social media can produce.
Love all your new plans! This is going to grow so big and wonderful. You and your family are so fun to follow. I can’t wait to see it all coming together! 🌺💐🌷🌺💐🌷
Wow Nicole! Good for you! Sometimes things have to shift or cut off in order for it to work better. Your CSA members can come get flowers from the Chateau now! Looking forward to seeing everything roll out! Blessings 💞🙏🏻
Ok...you got this. These changes sound wonderful, and as busy as you've become.....this has to happen. I love what you're plans are going to be. It's true that nothing stays the same. I think you also have a gift of being able to see that. Not all of us can look that far ahead..which makes it harder for some to keep going and not give up. I'm having same issues with market..and some more folks selling flowers. I just sell about 10/11 bouqs. each wk. I've wanted to do a stand for awhile now, but not on a good road for that. Your road sounds perfect. I guess I feel like if I have to take flowers somewhere to a stand...I may as well take them to market. My peony roots that I got from FHF were the best! Good Luck, and don't forget to just breathe!!!
Nicole, it would appear all of your soul searching has paid off and you have made some pretty significant decisions based on the facts as they have presented themselves. You are not an island. You have worked many years to make your dreams happen and you need to conserve your energy and move in the right direction. I applaud your capacity to make change. Change is good! I wish you every success in the future. Cheers from Alberta, Canada!
You had me at farmers market 😂. I'm a first yr flower farmer and I'm ready to get out of farmers markets already. It's to iffy and up in the air for so much work. Plus in my area I've come to realize the farmers markets aren't for farmers. Everyone just wants food trucks and craft vendors.
Sounds so exciting. Just a suggestion, we have a vacation place off of a rural highway with tons of cars. Many business along the highway put out fancy business signs, the problem is you can’t read them as you’re passing by. I’m not stopping, or making an informed decision on stopping if I don’t know what you are selling.
So true! Can’t count the number of times people put out signs that are impossible to read. If they only stood back and looked at their sign, or actually drove by their sign, but they seem to not realize what other people see. Good news is, you have a lovely eye-catching logo.
Dear Nicole, my admiration for your passion and enthusiasm in turning this into a good business. I still remembered an earlier video where you talked about your initial ROI. You have come far to having a nursery and now enhancing your cut flower selling capacity. One thing about business is that at one point, we can't be a one man/woman show. Hope you can pay yourself as well in the process. You are an energy bunny!
I’m so proud of you for continuing to GROW!!! It’s your enthusiasm for your projects that I find so incredibly inspiring. Thank you!❤️ I LOVE how much life you bring to this world. It helps me to keep working hard to achieve my own dreams of a setup almost exactly like what you describe with a flower farm, a bistro and a community that comes together over the joy of flowers and gardens. Surrounding you and your dreams in glory! Keep on keeping on, flower friends!!💕🌻
Aww it’s sad about your weekly CSA bouquet but it’s totally understandable, nothing is worth running your self into the ground with too much work. Sometimes you have to stop and reassess and know your limits to still be able to enjoy what you do. Love the road side stand idea and so happy to hear you will be spending more time with us (and your family at home) while we watch you make the best bouquets on the internet . Wishing you all the best for all your future dreams, u deserve it!
All your plans are awesome. I could not figure out how you stood losing so much to critters. I know that is v v hard. Also it is obvious that your nursery is in a good location. So folks who want your flowers so desperately can come there to buy them.Looking forward to seeing how your plans take fruit. Good luck!
Nicole you are an incredible and aspiring Woman. Ive been watching you for 4 years now. Great idea with the flower stand. Reminds me of Coram Deo Farm. I wish i could sell from a stand fromy property but i live in the country not alot of traffic like you. Its a GREAT idea !!!! You go girl, we lv ya
Great to hear where your head is at with plans for next season. I am especially excited to see your updates about the chateau!!!! Can’t wait to see what you learn and how things progress with the farm and the nursery.
Best of luck on the changes. I’m glad you’re putting up more fencing. It’s a must with that much animal presence. I hope to make it up there next year!
You def have a love for customers and people alike, bless all you lay your hands to in the future too!! Yes, we def do miss the bouquet making on the porch haha can't wait to see what next year brings:)
I found farmers markets to be time consuming and product would be damaged. I sell from the farm. I got rid of tulips too. I use a paper pot transplanter and plant lots of annuals. I've planted lots of Perennials as well. We are selling potted flowers for easter and mothers day.
All your subscribers care about your health, so these changes sound very good. If you have local CSAs, they would be happy to pop into your beautiful nursery.
I'm so excited for the château! We're considering one on our property in a year or two; we're on the Finger Lakes wine trail. I can't wait to see how your stand experience goes!
Girl... Bravo.. I did not see how in the world you kept up last year.. you are awesome is what I say but.... You got to have your time and family time as well which in fact is the most important thing anyway. Just know you are awesome in all you do and I do hope I can travel to Booneville one day. It would be an honor to get to meet the Flower girl of the world in my opinion. Much luck and blessings 🍀 🙏 ❤❤
Nicole. You have a store now. You do not need a retail location any more for pickup. It just makes more sense. And it can encourage people to come and shop your store
So glad you came to realize that doing too much is...doing too much. And it can be detrimental to your businesses, your family, and, more importantly, you. 💙💜💙💜
Excited for you and the changes you’re making to your farm & nursery. It’s a lot so make sure you give yourself some grace take your time. For your roadside chateau, if you can have electric & internet down there, may I suggest perhaps setting it up as self service, therefore freeing up some of your time for other things. Maybe also installing doorbell & cameras for a way to get a hold of you as well as security. Good luck!
I was so disappointed that I didn’t get many doubles this year, this made me realize it was because I started in a tray. Thank you for always sharing tips!
You have to do what works best for you and your family. I will watch whatever Flower Hill Garm videos are produced! I love watching your journey even when thete are forks in the road.
It's about time you stopped the Farmer's Market and started your Chateau! Good idea to cycle down on what isn't working or is simply too much work for the return. If you don't shift when it's needed, you'll go bust. Reality has set in!
Look at you growing and growing! Maybe for your Rome CSA, you can find one of your clients there who will agree to do your monthly "pick up", say at their home, for their free bouquet? Just a thought. Happy to see your growth and the new things coming soon! 😁
It sounds like you have a plan! I so look forward to seeing all the progression for your business, and although I enjoy wathing how your garden centre is coming along, I have missed your farm updates. Hope everything comes together for you. Hugs. x
Right now would be a good time to stock up on indoor plants for your shop so ppl can walk out with something. Cute knick knacks are also a good possibility... a la Laura's mom on Garden Answer.
QUESTION! For the bouquet of the month how do you coordinate a pick up day? Do you let the member choose any day? Give them options? I am working on a similar format for a produce “CSA” Open to any commenters input
Have you ever thought about bringing in co-business people in to start up and manage etc the bistro, botanical garden etc? I know others have done that successfully and then all the finacial burden, and management doesn't fall on you? Just a thought. Love all your ideas and ways you are reworking it all!
Download the FREE Upside App at upside.app.link/flowerhill to get an extra 25 cents back for every gallon on your first tank of gas.
Nicole, may I give you a tip to save your plants from deer, bear, racoon and I am sure cattle. I have several gardens and we had deer destroying our bushes and plants. We use solar alarms purchased off of Amazon. Red alarms that have a few different settings. We use the night setting that flashes a red light and sounds an alarm. We have not had any issues for years. We keep them on hand to replace or add to. Our friend had bear destroying his bee hives. We gifted him one and two days later he saw the bear come in and take off when the alarm went off. He has now purchased more for is gardens. The alarm covers a large area and may be just what you need. In heavily trafficked areas place them closer together. Animals eventually don't come around anymore or not as much anyway. The only time this would not work with using the alarm would be if you had a very close neighbor. Ours are a block or more away and the neighbors said they are not bothered by the alarms. Hope this helps you, or others that read this. Just a note...sometimes you may get one deer or animal that may try to hang in there but the pitch causes them to leave. It is so disappointing to invest time and money to have your investments destroyed.
So happy to watch your dreams come true!😊
Great tip! thats why I always read the comment section.
Wow, that was a lot to take in! There are only 24 hours in a day and you have taken on so much! You’ve achieved so much already. Just remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day. Slow and steady. You don’t want to burn out. Your plans are exiting and I want you to succeed, just remember the life - work balance!
So glad you're making these changes and taking care of yourself. It's been unbelievable how much you do
Serena and Ian had good success with their roadside stand, your home is similiarly situated so I bet it will be a great success! I think moving to a bouquet of the month is a great idea! I love all your content and I look forward to the future. BTW love the coordinated curtains and sweater. :)
I have watched you for four years. Boy have you grown, just like your flowers. You are a seasoned business woman. I am so proud of you!
You have reduced the "maybes of growing versus weather and critters and increased the "you can control it," as much as anyone can control Mother Nature. Good for you.
This is amazing. Great idea and I'm sure it will work out. Happy 2025 growing flowers.
We love you Nicole if you are part of it we will come along because of you! ❤
That’s how it is at our house…if we don’t fence, we’ll get nothing for all of our efforts. I’d recommend also digging down and installing a barrier for groundhogs. They are determined and they’ll dig to get where they want to go.
I love the farm stand idea and the name Chateau is perfect! It will be so good 😊
Inquiring minds want to know, what’s the secret you share with your mom about the name Chateau?. 😊
I grew up working in a family owned business. I know exactly how overwhelming everything can be. It is like the business runs you. Our family business ran for 43 years and we always worked 60-70 hours a week. Working for months on end without a day off is so draining. I do remember my mom being so tired at the end of a day that she would sit and cry before going to bed. Working that hard does take a toll, even if it is something you have great passion to do. Contrinuing to simplify how much you are growing at home because just harvesting alone takes so much time. Prioritize your physical and mental wellness.
OMG! So exciting…your little chateaux is adorable! Can’t wait to see it ready to go!
I'm excited for the flower stand, that's great. So much easier then hauling all if your stuff to the nursery.
Very excited for the changes.
Nicole! I applaud you!! You have done this right! Changes are good! I only wished I lived closer. I would love to be on your staff!
Wow. You are a rockstar. Give yourself some grace. You have done so well. As a people pleaser myself, I understand the guilt of letting down customers. But you have got this! So happy for you in the decisions you have made. You have two flower shop locations now for customers to come to. And the whole nursery. It has been a pleasure to watch you during this journey. Can’t wait to see what happens next! You are inspiring.
Haha, you nevered like you never nevered before. LOL Love the roadside stand.
Tough situations, but solid decisions - even though it probably hurt to make them.
Plus - word-of-mouth makes and breaks customer impressions better than any ad or social media can produce.
Love all your new plans! This is going to grow so big and wonderful. You and your family are so fun to follow. I can’t wait to see it all coming together! 🌺💐🌷🌺💐🌷
Wow Nicole! Good for you! Sometimes things have to shift or cut off in order for it to work better. Your CSA members can come get flowers from the Chateau now! Looking forward to seeing everything roll out! Blessings 💞🙏🏻
Ok...you got this. These changes sound wonderful, and as busy as you've become.....this has to happen. I love what you're plans are going to be. It's true that nothing stays the same. I think you also have a gift of being able to see that. Not all of us can look that far ahead..which makes it harder for some to keep going and not give up. I'm having same issues with market..and some more folks selling flowers. I just sell about 10/11 bouqs. each wk. I've wanted to do a stand for awhile now, but not on a good road for that. Your road sounds perfect. I guess I feel like if I have to take flowers somewhere to a stand...I may as well take them to market. My peony roots that I got from FHF were the best! Good Luck, and don't forget to just breathe!!!
Perfect example of "work smarter not harder." Good for you. Change is good.
Your plans are well thought out and make perfect sense! So excited for this next growing season 💚
Great plans! I love watching the farm and nursery videos. Fantastic job, Nicole! 🌻
Wow! Great plans. As far as your Rome clients, offer a free (or half) share to someone to pick up and deliver.
Nicole, it would appear all of your soul searching has paid off and you have made some pretty significant decisions based on the facts as they have presented themselves. You are not an island. You have worked many years to make your dreams happen and you need to conserve your energy and move in the right direction. I applaud your capacity to make change. Change is good! I wish you every success in the future. Cheers from Alberta, Canada!
You had me at farmers market 😂. I'm a first yr flower farmer and I'm ready to get out of farmers markets already. It's to iffy and up in the air for so much work. Plus in my area I've come to realize the farmers markets aren't for farmers. Everyone just wants food trucks and craft vendors.
Good luck with your new plans:) Of course, there's a chateaux for the Queen Mother!!!
Sounds so exciting. Just a suggestion, we have a vacation place off of a rural highway with tons of cars. Many business along the highway put out fancy business signs, the problem is you can’t read them as you’re passing by. I’m not stopping, or making an informed decision on stopping if I don’t know what you are selling.
So true! Can’t count the number of times people put out signs that are impossible to read. If they only stood back and looked at their sign, or actually drove by their sign, but they seem to not realize what other people see. Good news is, you have a lovely eye-catching logo.
Those sound like great plans, Nicole! So excited for the next chapter of Flower Hill Farm and the nursery!
Dear Nicole, my admiration for your passion and enthusiasm in turning this into a good business. I still remembered an earlier video where you talked about your initial ROI. You have come far to having a nursery and now enhancing your cut flower selling capacity. One thing about business is that at one point, we can't be a one man/woman show. Hope you can pay yourself as well in the process. You are an energy bunny!
I’m so proud of you for continuing to GROW!!! It’s your enthusiasm for your projects that I find so incredibly inspiring. Thank you!❤️
I LOVE how much life you bring to this world. It helps me to keep working hard to achieve my own dreams of a setup almost exactly like what you describe with a flower farm, a bistro and a community that comes together over the joy of flowers and gardens.
Surrounding you and your dreams in glory! Keep on keeping on, flower friends!!💕🌻
Aww it’s sad about your weekly CSA bouquet but it’s totally understandable, nothing is worth running your self into the ground with too much work. Sometimes you have to stop and reassess and know your limits to still be able to enjoy what you do. Love the road side stand idea and so happy to hear you will be spending more time with us (and your family at home) while we watch you make the best bouquets on the internet . Wishing you all the best for all your future dreams, u deserve it!
All your plans are awesome. I could not figure out how you stood losing so much to critters. I know that is v v hard. Also it is obvious that your nursery is in a good location. So folks who want your flowers so desperately can come there to buy them.Looking forward to seeing how your plans take fruit. Good luck!
I never knew how you juggled all of your things. Great plans, can't wait! I am happy for you.
I know! I get exhausted just listening to everything she's doing. I'm pretty sure has more hours then I do.
Nicole you are an incredible and aspiring Woman. Ive been watching you for 4 years now. Great idea with the flower stand. Reminds me of Coram Deo Farm. I wish i could sell from a stand fromy property but i live in the country not alot of traffic like you. Its a GREAT idea !!!! You go girl, we lv ya
Great plans. I’m sure it will make your life simpler. Good luck. Love the videos.
Wow, you sure will have an exciting year!
Good for you Nicole! You are learning what you can handle and what is just too overwhelming! Gotta have a good work/life balance. Happy for you.
I love how you try to balance what we want, your family needs and what you can possibly juggle! You’re amazing, and we’re here for it! 🎉
Exciting news! I wish I lived in your area and could come work with you! It all sounds so good! Good luck with it all!
👏👏👏👏👏 I love all your ideas! I can’t wait to see 2025 for you, the nursery and the farm! 👏👏👏👏👏
Yay! A roadside stand! ❤
Great to hear where your head is at with plans for next season. I am especially excited to see your updates about the chateau!!!! Can’t wait to see what you learn and how things progress with the farm and the nursery.
You are doing great! Don't forget to breath. Wishing you all the best. Thank you for sharing.
Best of luck on the changes. I’m glad you’re putting up more fencing. It’s a must with that much animal presence. I hope to make it up there next year!
Don’t forget pumpkins in the fall and maybe some crafting people soaps candles can buy space and work your stand always think outside the box
love all the great plans. Wishing you abundance.
You def have a love for customers and people alike, bless all you lay your hands to in the future too!! Yes, we def do miss the bouquet making on the porch haha can't wait to see what next year brings:)
I found farmers markets to be time consuming and product would be damaged.
I sell from the farm.
I got rid of tulips too.
I use a paper pot transplanter and plant lots of annuals.
I've planted lots of Perennials as well.
We are selling potted flowers for easter and mothers day.
All your subscribers care about your health, so these changes sound very good. If you have local CSAs, they would be happy to pop into your beautiful nursery.
I'm so excited for the château! We're considering one on our property in a year or two; we're on the Finger Lakes wine trail. I can't wait to see how your stand experience goes!
I kept thinking of a roadside stand for you. My honesty stand does very well.
You go Girl!!!!🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
What huge plans! I'm so excited for you. Wishing you all the luck for the future.
Love your vision! You got this 💚
Thank you, Tab!!
So much potential! It’s exciting. Go get it 👍🏼😊
Girl... Bravo.. I did not see how in the world you kept up last year.. you are awesome is what I say but.... You got to have your time and family time as well which in fact is the most important thing anyway. Just know you are awesome in all you do and I do hope I can travel to Booneville one day. It would be an honor to get to meet the Flower girl of the world in my opinion. Much luck and blessings 🍀 🙏 ❤❤
Nicole. You have a store now. You do not need a retail location any more for pickup. It just makes more sense. And it can encourage people to come and shop your store
You go girl!! I wish you all the very best with your new projects!! ❤
OMG! I'm exhausted! and I haven't even moved.. . .more power to you, girl!!! Go get'um!
So glad you came to realize that doing too much is...doing too much. And it can be detrimental to your businesses, your family, and, more importantly, you. 💙💜💙💜
Good morning from Newport, Minnesota!! I’ve been using Upside for 2 years!! Absolutely love it.😁
I absolutely love the idea of a end of the driveway farmstand. That’s so awesome! All the best to all your endeavors!
I'm so excited for your 'shiftings'. Wishing you all the best success. I'm here for it all but love your bouquet making
So these changes are so exciting! 😊
We need to see you in a princess dress in your chateau for the full experience!! 😂
Yes !❤👸🏼💃🏼👑🌸🏰
You go girl!
Manifest it! You got this! Manifesting it with you! ❤
Thanks for the new update. Love it can't wait to see the next one. You are a superstar.
Excited for you and the changes you’re making to your farm & nursery. It’s a lot so make sure you give yourself some grace take your time.
For your roadside chateau, if you can have electric & internet down there, may I suggest perhaps setting it up as self service, therefore freeing up some of your time for other things. Maybe also installing doorbell & cameras for a way to get a hold of you as well as security.
Good luck!
Tulips in my raised beds came up about 2 weeks later. I missed Mother’s Day by 5 days. Good luck!
Good information!
Amazing what you have accomplished with just you and family! Take a moment to enjoy that :) All your changes sound right on track.
I was so disappointed that I didn’t get many doubles this year, this made me realize it was because I started in a tray. Thank you for always sharing tips!
?
You have to do what works best for you and your family. I will watch whatever Flower Hill Garm videos are produced! I love watching your journey even when thete are forks in the road.
It's about time you stopped the Farmer's Market and started your Chateau! Good idea to cycle down on what isn't working or is simply too much work for the return. If you don't shift when it's needed, you'll go bust. Reality has set in!
Critterfence. I bit the bullet and got the two acre fence because I was over fighting the deer and crying every day.
Look at you growing and growing! Maybe for your Rome CSA, you can find one of your clients there who will agree to do your monthly "pick up", say at their home, for their free bouquet? Just a thought. Happy to see your growth and the new things coming soon! 😁
Exciting plans, looking forward to watching your business grow. When one day the shop is open all year long...don't forget house plants. 🪴
❤Good afternoon im happy to hear from you. Please I love ❤️ to see more videos 📹 .
Life is ever evolving and you have to make changes to fit how things are moving. Great plans! I’m excited to see how this next year turns out for you.
Congratulations & happy changes.! LOVE watching you
It sounds like you have a plan! I so look forward to seeing all the progression for your business, and although I enjoy wathing how your garden centre is coming along, I have missed your farm updates. Hope everything comes together for you. Hugs. x
Your plans sound so great! Exciting to see how you’re pivoting as your needs and business change!
Appreciate you all your efforts and for sharing your dreams to the world.
Sounds like a good plan, Nicole. Good luck with all of your endeavors. 💕👍
Best of luck on your new endeavors. Looking forward to seeing the changes come to life and following your successes.
Good Luck Nicole! Sounds like a great plan!!
Excited for all your changes sounds like some really good plans going forward!
What a coincidence! I just this morning was considering doing the same 5 bouquets of the month subscription type offering !!!
All the very best for all your new endeavors I am sure you will create a wonderful space to work and hope you gather a team soon.
I'm excited to see how all the plans pan out. It's all about trial and error, and give and take. Things will balance out soon. 🙂
Wow a lot of changes. You have to do what works best for your business
Right now would be a good time to stock up on indoor plants for your shop so ppl can walk out with something. Cute knick knacks are also a good possibility... a la Laura's mom on Garden Answer.
Hope to see you planting the Hoophou se
QUESTION! For the bouquet of the month how do you coordinate a pick up day? Do you let the member choose any day? Give them options? I am working on a similar format for a produce “CSA”
Open to any commenters input
Wow!!! You definitely need to get a staff Nicole. God bless. You can't buy more time.
I’m looking forward to watching your success grow!!
Yay fences & chateau! 🎉🎉🎉
Have you ever thought about bringing in co-business people in to start up and manage etc the bistro, botanical garden etc? I know others have done that successfully and then all the finacial burden, and management doesn't fall on you? Just a thought. Love all your ideas and ways you are reworking it all!
Good luck for all your exciting new ventures 😍