Sunny Roadside Blooms

01/01/2026

There really aren’t words to describe how grateful I am to be on this journey of growing and selling flowers. It’s been a joy to meet so many of you when you stop and I can’t wait to see more of you this coming season.

Growing flowers is rewarding, beautiful, and refreshing. And I won’t lie and say it’s not tiring because the heat and physical labor can take its toll during peak weeding time and the brutal mid summer temps. But when you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work. Flower farmers adjust. Over and over. That fresh air in the early mornings is so inviting. Just birds chirping, the neighbors rooster yelling, even the deer that aren’t happy and blowing at me. It’s so peaceful. There’s no place I’d rather be than in the garden working on making something to brighten someone’s day.

It’s been a bit quiet here these last few weeks and that was intentional. I try not to “work” during the holidays. But again, it doesn’t feel so much like work because I enjoy every aspect of this venture (except for weeding 😜). So my dahlia list was finalized this week, seeds are all set with the exception of a few new sunflowers to order.

This is going to be my 7th year with a flower stand and seven years ago if you’d asked me what I’d be doing today I’d have said full time corporate job using that degree. But sometimes your journey is not at all what you had planned out…it’s even better ❤️

12/25/2025

From our family to yours, we hope you have a wonderful day in however you choose to celebrate. Merry Christmas!

12/23/2025

Where there’s a will there’s a way!

Here’s What 52 degrees does on a December day.

After talking to a few relatives we think these peonies have been in our family for upwards of 65 years! My grandma got them from my great grandma. My parents have a them and they gave me a couple clumps and I planted them this past September .

2003, 2025, fall of 2025 and just now! Today I took a walk to check on my plants and was like woahhhhhh! They were in the right spot! Hope I can do them justice !

12/23/2025

Grateful he’s supportive with whatever crazy ideas I come up with! While last year there was a lot of expansion with perennial fillers and perennial bulbs, this coming year the only addition will be a few more raised beds. Much easier for weeding!

There will also be much better intention with seed selection. Previous seasons had many mixed packages of seeds. While they grew well, some colors I rarely picked. Great for the environment, not so great for productivity to spread more flowers and joy in the community.

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/15uV1fbJVS/?mibextid=wwXIfrrrear

12/22/2025

Currently reading Floret Flower Farm Cut Flower Farm book that I rented this week from the Friends of the Mason Library. Amazing tips and I have a list of things to try to improve upon this season. I own their book that is all about dahlia and it is a wealth of knowledgeable as well. It literally saved hundreds of dollars in dahlia for me because I learned a new watering technique. Do you prefer reading online on a phone or kindle, or paperback/hardcover? As I age the old fashion way is my preference 😆

Grow the flower garden of your dreams. In this striking guide you will find everything you need to grow, harvest, and arrange stunning seasonal blooms. With equal parts instruction and inspiration, Floret Farm's Cut Flower Garden welcomes you into Erin Benzakein’s abundant, bloom-filled world, and...

12/21/2025

December 21st! Love winter or hate it? I love it. Snow is beautiful. If you’re an early riser like me, after a snowfall, take a step outside when you wake (after the coffee is going). Winter is a similar sense of calm for me just as the garden is in the early mornings before the world wakes up.

12/15/2025

100% worth the long read. 💐

I was sitting at my desk with my morning coffee when I opened the email.
"Here's the speaker lineup for cut flower growers at the Great Lakes Expo."

I watched as the faces appeared on my screen.

PhD. University professor.
PhD. Published researcher.
PhD. Industry expert.
And then... me.

Lori. Flower farmer.

No letters after my name. No fancy credentials.

My stomach dropped, and that familiar sensation washed over my body.
Oh, hey there, Imposter Syndrome. You're back again. 🙄

The voices came fast and loud:
"Who do you think you are?"
"You don't belong on this stage."
"Everyone's going to see you're a fraud."
"These are REAL experts. You just... grow flowers."

Maybe you know this feeling too?
That sinking sensation when you see your name next to people who seem more qualified, more credentialed, more... everything?
That voice that whispers you somehow snuck past the gatekeepers and any minute now, someone's going to realize the mistake?🤣😐

I've learned a thing or two about Imposter Syndrome:
It's your brain trying to protect you from failure or judgment by convincing you to play small and stay safe.
And it shows up HARDEST right before we do something meaningful, like when we're stepping into growth, visibility, or something new.

After allowing myself to panic for a hot second 🙃, I reminded myself of this truth:
Imposter Syndrome doesn't mean you don't belong.
It means you're stretching yourself. Growing. Doing something uncomfortable.
And that's exactly where transformation happens. ✨

So I took a deep breath.
Closed my laptop.
Made a decision to ignore the voices.
I'd prepare my talk. I'd show up. I'd try to help at least one person.
And that’s exactly what I did this week at the Great Lakes Expo (one of the Midwest's biggest farming conferences!).

The world NEEDS what each of us brings to the table.
Our different talents.
Our different experiences.
Our different viewpoints.

That's what makes us stronger together.

So here's your reminder... You belong at your table too, friend. 🌸
Don't let Imposter Syndrome keep you small.
I'm cheering you on.

12/13/2025

Has anyone completed any of the Botanicals Lego sets? Some of the collection is so detailed! Decided to start with a medium sized set because I wasn’t sure my short attention span could finish it. But I found myself so focused on it I completed it in one sitting (about 3 hrs.)! Can’t wait to get another some day. Simple activity but I found it oddly relaxing!

12/11/2025

Seed quality is so important in what we do. Received a shipment of seeds today. Last spring I had the opportunity to listen to a rep from Johnny’s Seeds speak to a group of flower growers. So grateful to hear their process of testing and how they really do their research. They’re one of my favorite suppliers. Knowledge is power.

12/10/2025

The spruce next to where the flower stand sits looks a bit different right now!
Trying to match the Griswolds tree, but my extension pole wasn’t tall enough! I could have easily got another set or two of lights up there if I could have reached higher! Stay safe on the road if you have to go out today. 🎄

12/09/2025

Looks a bit different, October and this past weekend! This is a new space where I planted around 150 daffodils and 25 crocus as a border this fall. If the daffodils take, I estimate I can add around 500 more daffodils bulbs here next season!

So I plant, pray, and hope for the best!

12/06/2025

Just made a stop here this morning to put a gift package together with lavender items. Check it out today and tomorrow from 11-4 pm! Also nice to see familiar faces!