Meet the Farmer: A Conversation with Brandy Thixton

Q: Can you tell us a bit about what inspired you to start Brush Arbor Farm?

A: Starting Brush Arbor Farm has been a dream of mine for a long time. I've always been passionate about flowers and the joy they bring. After years of trying my hand at vegetable gardening, I realized that flowers were where my heart truly lied. I wanted to create a space that not only grows beautiful blooms but also fosters community and cultivates joy.

Q: How do your six kids contribute to life on the farm?

A: Our kids are absolutely involved in the farm, even if it's "mom's project." They love helping out, whether it's planting seeds, laying tarps to prepare the soil, or simply enjoying the process of watching things grow. You'll often find them at the farmer's market with me, usually with various pets in tow. They're excited about being surrounded by big summer blooms and love the idea of being part of something special in our community.

Q: What's been the biggest challenge since starting the farm, and how have you overcome it?

A: One of our biggest challenges has been managing on a tight budget. We have set out to prove that sustainable, profitable flower farming doesn't require a lot of wealth or debt. Our infrastructure is limited, but we're making it work. We use indoor greenhouses with grow lights, cold stratify seeds in our fridge, and have seed trays on our dining room table. It's a bit unconventional, but it's working for us.

Q: How do you envision building community through Brush Arbor Farm?

A: We're excited to be part of local farmers markets, but we also want to grow community right here on the farm. We're dreaming up ideas like bundle pickup days in our garage shop, "pick your own bloom" events where families can picnic and pick flowers, free seed swaps, a "take a vase, leave a vase" program, and flower farming classes. It's all still in the planning phase, but we're eager to announce these opportunities as they become available.

Q: What's a funny or unexpected moment that's happened on the farm so far?

A: While we haven't had any truly unexpected moments yet, I love how our farm has taken over our home. This time of year, folding laundry takes a back burner to planting seeds and prepping soil. Seed trays on the dining room table and seeds cold stratifying in the fridge between grapes and coffee creamer, tarps blowing all over the yard from the recent wind storms, and ranunculus corms in buckets in the garage—it's a bit unconventional, but it's working!

Q: How do you see Brush Arbor Farm making an impact beyond just growing flowers?

A: Our vision for Brush Arbor Farm extends beyond beautiful blooms. As foster parents, we see firsthand the challenges faced by children in foster care and their caregivers. Currently, 10% of our profits support kids in foster care and those who care for them. In the future, we hope to expand this vision by creating therapeutic gardens and a support network for the foster care community. We believe that joy is the business of flowers, and if we can spread a little extra joy into these lives, we'll have done our job.

Q: Can you share some of the sustainable practices you're implementing at Brush Arbor Farm?

A: We are a no-till, pollinator-friendly farm. This year, we’re focused on promoting soil health by adding rich organic matter and starting our compost bins. In the future, we plan to install drip irrigation and water collection systems to conserve water. I’m currently exploring natural deer deterrents that keep our four legged friends out of our blooms, but still safe and happy.

Q: Any final thoughts? What do you want people to know about you and your farm?

A: I just want to say thanks for joining me on this adventure that is Brush Arbor Farm. We're all about spreading joy, one bundle of blooms at a time. I can’t for our neighbors to stop by our booth at the farmer's market or swing by for a "pick your own bloom" day. Bring your kids (and pets!) along; they'll love running around while you pick out some gorgeous flowers to brighten up your home. And if you happen to spot my six little helpers trying to "surf" seed catalogs or chasing after our dog at the market... well, that's just part of the charm!