The Surprising Benefits of Chickens on a Flower Farm: A Tale of Healing, Harmony, and Helping Pollinators

Welcome back to Petals and Prose, where we celebrate the beauty of both flowers and the hardworking creatures that help nurture our growing spaces. Today, I’m diving into the surprising benefits of having chickens on a flower farm — and why they’re more than just cute faces in the yard. We’ll also take a little detour into a recent incident that left one of our beloved hens injured but on the road to recovery, plus the important role that beneficial insects play in our farm’s ecosystem. But most importantly, I’ll talk about how we, as a micro flower farm, strive to protect and support local pollinators — and why it matters more than ever.

Chickens: Nature’s Helpers on a Flower Farm

If you’ve ever considered adding chickens to your farm or garden, you might be wondering: “What could they possibly do for flowers?” Well, quite a bit, actually. Chickens aren’t just for eggs (though those are a delightful bonus); they play an important role in keeping the land healthy, fertile, and in harmony with nature.

While I know some farmers swear by ducks for their own unique benefits, we’ve found that chickens are a better fit for our farm in this season of life. Ducks are adorable, but they can be a bit too messy for our setup right now. That said, we’re not ruling out the possibility of adding ducks in the future — maybe we’ll try them someday when we’re ready for a new challenge!

1. Natural Pest Control: Chickens are excellent at keeping your flower farm free from pests like beetles, slugs, ticks and grasshoppers. While we love having vibrant, healthy flowers, these pesky insects can wreak havoc on delicate plants. Chickens will naturally hunt and eat many of these bugs, reducing the need for any harmful chemicals or pesticides (which we do not use on our farm) — which, in turn, helps protect your pollinators, like bees and butterflies, who might otherwise be harmed by chemical treatments. In short, chickens help maintain the balance of good bugs and bad bugs, ensuring your flowers flourish.

2. Fertilizing the Soil: Chickens are also great for fertilizing the soil. As they scratch around and peck at the ground, they deposit nutrient-rich droppings that enrich the soil naturally. Their scratching action helps aerate the soil, and their manure adds valuable organic matter, boosting the health of your flowers without synthetic fertilizers. This creates a symbiotic relationship where the chickens get to roam and forage, while your flowers grow stronger and more vibrant.

3. Weed Control: Chickens also love to nibble on young weeds. As they explore the farm, they can help reduce weed pressure, which gives your flowers more room to grow and thrive. While chickens aren’t a substitute for a dedicated weeding regimen, they certainly help keep things in check.

A Hen’s Road to Recovery: A Personal Story

Post-surgery (haha)

This sweet girl and I are very close now <3

Now, let me take a moment to share a story about one of our hens, who recently faced an injury that required a bit of extra care and attention.

It was just last Saturday when one of our hens — a sweet, hardy bird — injured her toe in what I can only describe as a freak accident. After a thorough check, it became clear that the injury was severe enough that we needed to remove the toe to prevent further complications. This led to a hefty vet bill, but I wouldn’t trust anyone else with our birds’ care than the incredible team at Cedar Creek Veterinary Clinic in Williamston, Michigan. If you’re in the area and need an avian vet, I cannot recommend them enough. Dr. Heather Beasley was wonderful, and we had such a positive experience. Her expertise and care made all the difference in our hen's recovery.

I also want to give a big shout-out to the veterinary tech who went above and beyond to help me learn how to properly administer medication to our hen. If you’ve ever tried giving a chicken a pill, you know it’s no easy feat! But this tech was so patient and kind, showing me the best techniques and offering tips on how to make it a little less stressful for both me and the chicken. It was a huge help — and let me tell you, it’s not as simple as just popping a pill in their mouth! (But we’re managing it with a little practice and some treats to make it easier.)

Right now, she’s recovering in our basement (which, don’t worry, is cozy and quiet), where we’ve set up a special area for her to rest. We’ve been providing her with extra food and comfort, along with medication that I administer twice a day. In addition, we’ve been doing 2-3 sessions of petting (yes, she loves a good scratch!) each day, which seems to be really helping her relax and heal. While she’s adjusting to her new “lifestyle” of limited mobility, she’s slowly regaining strength. It's been a healing journey for both of us, and it’s a reminder of how interconnected our responsibilities to both plants and animals really are. Our farm isn’t just about flowers; it’s about providing care for every living thing that contributes to its success.

Beneficial Insects: The Unsung Heroes of the Garden

Ladybugs are natural pest controllers, feasting on aphids and other harmful insects, helping keep your flowers healthy and chemical-free.

Let’s talk a bit more about the tiny, often overlooked workers in our gardens: beneficial insects. These creatures — from ladybugs to predatory beetles — help keep harmful insect populations in check and support the overall health of our flowers and plants. While we might not always see them, they play a crucial role in pollination, pest control, and even soil aeration.

At Bede’s Blooms + Co., we are committed to using NO harmful chemicals or pesticides on our farm. Instead, we bring in beneficial insects from trusted sources like ARBICO Organics and Nature’s Good Guys, who ship them to us monthly. These beneficial insects, such as nematodes, predatory mites, green lacewings and praying mantis, help control pests naturally, without any harm to the environment or our pollinators.

I also want to give a special shout-out to my dear flower farmer friend Laura (@farmyardblooms on Instagram). She has been such an incredible source of wisdom and encouragement on my flower journey, and I’m so thankful for her guidance. From tips on identifying beneficial insects to beautiful photos that teach me how to recognize them in the field, Laura’s expertise is top notch! Not to mention she is one of the kindest humans I have ever met. If you're looking to dive deeper into how beneficial insects can help your garden thrive, a good chuckle or admire beautiful homegrown speciality cut flowers, definitely check her out!

Additionally, we focus on raising our Brix levels to enhance the overall health of our plants. To do this, we apply a weekly treatment of molasses — a practice that helps improve soil health and plant resilience. The molasses is mixed with water and applied via a sprayer attached to our hose. This simple yet effective method helps our plants become more nutrient-dense, which not only benefits our flowers but also attracts beneficial insects that thrive in a healthy, vibrant environment.

By focusing on natural pest control and improving the overall health of our plants, we are able to maintain a thriving, chemical-free environment that benefits both our flowers and the local ecosystem.

A round of fertilizer!

We’re big fans of Dairy Doo, a fantastic Michigan-based company. Their hose attachments are excellent for our farm's needs. We also use a reservoir attachment for the molasses, which conveniently connects to our hose for easy application.

Pollinators: Why They Matter and How We’re Helping

Speaking of pollinators, we are excited to share that we are looking into getting bees for our farm! (If you have any local resources to share, please do) Bees are, of course, vital to the pollination of many plants, and we want to do our part in supporting their population. As flower farmers, we rely heavily on pollinators to help our flowers bloom and thrive, but the decline in bee populations is a real concern. By introducing bees to our farm, we hope to do more than just benefit our flowers; we want to be part of a larger movement to help protect these vital creatures.

Bees aren’t just good for flowers, either. They pollinate crops, wild plants, and trees — which helps ensure biodiversity and the health of local ecosystems. By supporting pollinators through our farm practices and looking into beekeeping, we’re doing our part to contribute to a healthier environment. We’re also raising awareness about how vital it is to support local pollinators, as their decline has significant consequences for the food supply and the overall health of the planet.

Here is a sweet bee resting on one of our dahlia plants last summer

Bees are essential for flowers, as they pollinate plants, enabling them to produce seeds and fruit. Their work boosts flower growth and biodiversity, supporting a healthy garden ecosystem.

A Micro Flower Farm’s Commitment to Sustainability

As a small flower farm, we have the privilege — and the responsibility — to cultivate our space in a way that works with nature rather than against it. By integrating chickens into our farm ecosystem, supporting beneficial insects, and exploring beekeeping, we’re striving to create a balanced, sustainable environment where all living things — plants, animals, and insects alike — can thrive.

At Bede’s Blooms, we believe that gardening isn’t just about growing flowers; it’s about nurturing the entire ecosystem that makes it all possible. We’re committed to protecting pollinators, supporting local wildlife, and working toward a healthier, more sustainable future.

Thanks for reading along with us today. Stay tuned for more updates on our hens, our flowers, and our journey as a micro flower farm that’s making a difference for the planet — one petal at a time.

If you’re interested in following our journey or learning more about how chickens, beneficial insects, and pollinators work together to create a thriving farm ecosystem, be sure to subscribe to our Newsletter for more updates, tips, and stories.

Bonus: We have a drawing to win a free spring bouquet for signing up for our newsletter! Deadline for entry is Friday, March 28th 2025.

Praying mantis are

These fascinating insects hunt down and consume a wide variety of pests, including aphids, beetles, and caterpillars, helping to keep your flowers healthy without the need for chemicals. Their predatory nature makes them an essential ally in maintaining a balanced, thriving garden ecosystem.

With gratitude and floral magic,

Alex Winans

founder & owner, Bede’s Blooms + Co.

The Hope of New Beginnings

Embracing the Rhythms of Spring & the Hope of New Beginnings.

As the frost begins to thaw and the days slowly grow longer, there’s a certain magic in the air here in Michigan. March feels like a gentle promise of rebirth—like nature herself is stretching, shaking off the cold grip of winter, and preparing for the bloom that’s just around the corner. And as the land begins to wake, I find myself waking too. I feel it in my bones, a quiet stirring, a longing for new growth and fresh energy. It’s a feeling of coming back to life.

Winter was hard this year. As is often the case with the darker, colder months, there were trials—moments when the weight of it all felt too heavy to bear. In the stillness of winter, it’s easy to feel isolated, stagnant, even a little bit lost. But just as the seasons have their necessary cycles, so do we. We must go through these seasons of rest, of recovery, to prepare for the growth that’s about to bloom.

The beauty of this time, though, is that the trial, the quiet, the struggle, all serve a purpose. They shape us. Strengthen us. Build in us the resilience to handle the busy seasons that are soon to come. In the midst of the cold, I’ve found myself more dependent on my faith than ever before. Like the bare branches waiting for the promise of new buds, I too have found strength in trusting the process—the process of renewal, of leaning on Jesus and the peace He provides when life feels heavy.

Much like the flowers and plants that will soon be planted at Bede’s Blooms, I’m starting to feel the stirrings of life again. The seedlings we’ve been nurturing indoors—those little whispers of potential—will soon find their place in the soil, and this little farm of ours will once again be full of life and busy with the work of tending to God’s creation. And like those seedlings, I too am finding my roots strengthened, preparing for the season ahead.

What’s fascinating, though, is that some of the flowers we grow require a period of extreme cold before they can bloom beautifully and prolifically. Certain varieties, like lavender, delphinium and tulips, must undergo a process called cold stratification. This means that they need a prolonged period of cold, a time of dormancy, in order to break dormancy and trigger the germination process. Only after this cold rest can they grow to their full potential and deliver the vibrant beauty that makes them so special.

In the same way, we sometimes need those difficult, cold seasons in our lives to grow into the fullness of what we are meant to be. The trials, the hardships, the quiet moments of rest—they aren’t wasted. Just like these flowers, we too need time to rest and recover so that we can bloom in a way that is more beautiful, more resilient, and more capable than ever before.

This is the rhythm of life. The seasons shift, sometimes slowly, sometimes suddenly, but always with purpose. The rest of winter makes the coming of spring all the more vibrant. Just as a flower must spend time in the dark, cool soil before it can burst into bloom, we too must go through seasons of stillness to appreciate the vibrant life that comes with the next chapter.

As I reflect on the trials of winter, I’m reminded of the beauty in the wait. That quiet, sacred space where we recover, heal, and grow stronger, all while trusting that spring is on its way. We’re never stagnant, never without purpose—even in the toughest of times. It’s in those very struggles that we learn resilience, perseverance, and a deeper reliance on our faith.

And now, with a hint of sunshine warming my skin for the first time in what feels like ages, I can already feel the difference in my spirit. The simple joy of sunlight after so many gray days reminds me of the hope that comes with every new season. This is the time to let go of what no longer serves me, to embrace new growth, and to trust that the best is yet to come.

Soon, life will pick up its pace again—juggling the demands of being a wife, a mother, working full-time, and running this little flower farm. But with that busyness comes beauty. It’s the same rhythm of life that we see reflected in the garden: a time for rest, a time for planting, a time for blooming, and a time for harvest.

And so, just like the flowers that will soon grace this land, I too am blooming again—stronger, more resilient, and filled with a renewed sense of purpose. Spring is coming, and with it, the promise of new beginnings, fresh growth, and the beauty of life all around us.

If you’ve felt like you’ve been in a winter season, know that your spring is coming too. Trust that the trials are not in vain. Lean into the hope, lean into your faith, and know that you, too, are being transformed. Just like the garden, you are being made ready to bloom. And when that moment comes, it will be beautiful.

Here’s to blooming again.

With gratitude and floral magic,

Alex Winans

founder & owner, Bede’s Blooms + Co.

Why Shop Locally Grown Cut Flowers?

A Bloom’s Club Bouquet

A Bede’s Blooms + Co. wrapped bouquet filled with dahlias, snapdragons, zinnias, celosia & more!

Shop Local Flowers

Why Shop Locally Grown Cut Flowers?

When you purchase a bouquet, do you know where your flowers come from? While grocery store and big-box floral departments may seem convenient, the reality is that most commercially available flowers have traveled thousands of miles, been treated with harsh chemicals, and spent days out of water before they ever reach your hands. By choosing locally grown cut flowers, you’re making a decision that benefits not just yourself, but also the environment, your community, and even your local florists.

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The Environmental Impact of Imported Flowers

The global cut flower industry relies heavily on international shipping, and the statistics are alarming:

• Emissions & Carbon Footprint: Nearly 80% of flowers sold in the U.S. are imported, often from South America, Africa, or the Netherlands. This means they require air freight, refrigerated transport, and multiple layers of packaging to prevent damage. The carbon footprint of a single bouquet can be staggering.

• Plastic & Waste: Imported flowers are often wrapped in excessive plastic sleeves, bundled with non-recyclable foam, and shipped in bulky boxes. Once these flowers arrive, much of the packaging is discarded into landfills.

• Chemicals & Pesticides: To survive their long journey, commercial flowers are heavily treated with fungicides and pesticides—many of which are banned in the U.S. but still used in other countries. These chemicals not only linger on the flowers but also pose risks to workers and florists handling them daily.

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Why Florists Benefit from Local Flowers

Florists who work with local flower farmers experience firsthand the advantages of fresh, sustainably grown blooms:

• Reduced Loss & Waste: Many imported flowers arrive damaged, dehydrated, or unusable, leading florists to discard a significant portion of their shipments. With locally sourced flowers, each stem is usable—meaning more value for the money spent.

• Longer Vase Life: Flowers that are harvested at the proper time and placed directly into water maintain their strength, structure, and beauty for much longer. Unlike imported flowers that may sit for days without hydration, locally grown blooms arrive fresh and vibrant.

• Safer Working Conditions: Florists who handle chemically treated flowers daily may experience health effects from long-term exposure. With locally grown flowers, florists work with fresh, non-toxic stems that are safer for both themselves and their customers.

• A Better End Product: Higher-quality flowers mean happier clients, better reviews, and a reputation for stunning, long-lasting arrangements. Local flowers also offer seasonal variety and specialty blooms that aren’t available through mass-market wholesalers.

• Access to Unique Varieties: Many flowers grown locally are simply not available in grocery stores or big-box retailers because they are too delicate to withstand long shipping times. This means florists and customers alike have access to rare, specialty blooms that elevate their arrangements.

• Realistic Balance for Florists: Now, I know florists need access to flowers all year round. I am in no way suggesting buying 100% local—that's simply not possible as a florist. But what if you could increase what you buy locally by just 20%? How much would that impact your business with a higher-quality product for your customers and more support for your local businesses?

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Supporting Your Local Community

When you choose to buy from a local flower farmer, you are directly supporting a small business—not a massive corporation. Here’s why that matters:

• Your Money Stays Local: Studies show that if every household spent just $100 more a year at local businesses rather than chain stores, an additional $3 million could be infused into the local economy, creating thousands of jobs annually.

• Supporting Families, Not Corporations: Local flower farmers aren’t getting rich off flowers—in fact, for many of us, it’s an expensive passion! Your purchase helps fund a child’s dance lessons, keeps the farm running, and supports ethical, sustainable practices. When you place an order at a big-box store, it’s just another transaction. But for your local flower farmer? It’s a reason to celebrate and I can promise there is a happy dance attached to it!

• A Personal Connection: Unlike big-box retailers, local flower farms offer a personal touch. You’re not just buying flowers; you’re forming relationships with farmers who care deeply about the quality of their blooms and the happiness of their customers.

• Community Impact: When you support a local grower, you’re supporting a dream. At Bedes Blooms, we love to give back, one of our three-year business plan goals is to create jobs for survivors of human trafficking and domestic abuse. Working in the garden and with flowers helps with healing, teaches valuable life and work skills, and provides a supportive environment for rebuilding lives. Your choice to buy local flowers directly contributes to initiatives like this, creating meaningful change in the community.

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The Difference in Product Quality

Quality is everything when it comes to flowers, and the difference between locally grown and imported stems is striking:

• Immediate Hydration: Flowers from a local farm are hand-cut and placed directly into water, ensuring maximum freshness and longevity. Commercially grown stems often sit unwatered for days, drastically shortening their lifespan.

• Proper Harvesting Techniques: As a farmer-florist, I am continually educating myself on the exact moment each flower variety should be harvested for peak performance. This attention to detail results in longer-lasting, more vibrant blooms.

• Unique & Specialty Blooms: Many delicate, high-value flowers—such as lisianthus—suffer in transit and are rarely available from wholesalers. Locally grown flowers provide access to specialty blooms that are nearly impossible to source commercially. Many of these varieties are exclusive to local growers because they do not ship well, giving customers access to flowers they won’t find in a grocery store bouquet.

Dahlias, dahlias, dahlias

Unique & Specialty blooms available from a local grower.

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Why Work with a Local Flower Farmer for Weddings & Events?

If you’re planning an event, sourcing flowers from a local farmer offers benefits beyond just aesthetics:

• Cost Savings: Cutting out the middleman means you get a higher-quality product for your budget.

• Customizable Experience: Want a more hands-on approach to your wedding flowers? Many local farmers offer a personal, tailored experience where you can choose exactly what you love.

• Guaranteed Freshness: Instead of working with flowers that have spent a week in transit, you get blooms harvested just for your special day.

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Mental Health & Well-Being Benefits

Beyond the environmental and economic impact, local flowers provide something even deeper—joy. Studies have shown that fresh flowers improve mood, reduce stress, and create a sense of calm in a space. Knowing that your flowers were grown ethically, sustainably, and with care makes them even more meaningful.

Choosing locally grown cut flowers isn’t just about buying a bouquet—it’s about making an impact. It’s about reducing waste, supporting small businesses, improving the quality of flowers in our homes and events, and knowing that every bloom was grown with care.

So next time you need flowers, consider skipping the supermarket and seeking out a local grower instead. Your community, your florist, and even your own vase life will thank you.

With gratitude & floral magic,

Alex Winans

founder & owner, Bede’s Blooms & Co.

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Embracing the Rhythm of Rest and Renewal

As the calendar flips to January, the world buzzes with talk of resolutions, fresh starts, and ambitious goals. Don’t get me wrong—we love goals! Here at Bede’s Blooms + Co., we’re all about positive changes, refining our craft, and pursuing our dreams with passion. But as flower farmers, we’ve learned to flow with the natural rhythms of life, and this time of year is more about resting and dreaming than sprinting out of the gate.

In nature, life doesn’t spring forth in January. The earth is still slumbering, gathering strength for the explosion of growth in the spring. And so, we take this time to rest—mentally, physically, and spiritually. Rest isn’t a luxury; it’s vital to health and well-being. It’s also the fertile ground where dreams take root, and boy, do we have some incredible dreams for the 2025 growing season!

While we’re giving ourselves the space to rest and dream, we’re also carefully tending to the seeds of the future—literally and figuratively. January is a time for preparation, planning, and laying the groundwork for the breathtaking blooms to come.

What You Can Expect from Bede’s Blooms + Co. This January:

 Seed Starting

We’re kicking off our seed-starting season with lisianthus and eucalyptus. Lisianthus is a favorite here, and with over a dozen stunning varieties planned, it’s going to be a showstopper year. Have you seen this gorgeous Voyage series Champagne? Just Wait!

Lisianthus Voyage series Champagne - photo courtesy of Johnny’s Seeds

We will also be growing many other Lisianthus varieties including LisAdora Apricot, Voyage series Light Apricot, Lavender, First love, Pink Improved, and some newer types such as Pucchino Choco.

Lisianthus is one of the most enchanting flowers we grow here at Bede's Blooms. These cold-hardy annuals take time and care to cultivate, which is why we begin their journey in January. With different groups of lisianthus varieties, we plan to stagger planting times, extending their growing season to provide you with these romantic beauties for even longer. Grown close together to maximize space, lisianthus is as practical to grow as it is stunning. Their long vase life, combined with their whimsical, fluffy, and elegant aesthetic, makes them the perfect choice for any bouquet or wedding arrangement—and they bring effortless beauty to everyday spaces like your kitchen counter or dining table. A celebration filled with lisianthus? Absolute swoon-worthy!

Eucalyptus is another must-grow for us. Not only does it make for a perfect filler in bouquets, but I also love to grow enough stems to hang fresh weekly bundles in the shower. They act as natural steamers, filling the air with their soothing aroma—an absolute treat during the winter months.

Pre-Sprouting Ranunculus Corms

We’re thrilled to commit to growing ranunculus this year! These beauties will be one of a few new varieties to help bridge the gap between spring and summer flowers, and we’ve selected a variety of breathtaking colors to brighten your days. Think fluffy pastel and blush marshmallows or bright and cheery cupcakes!

Photo credit: floret

The ranunculus variety I am most excited about this year? Amandine Chamallow. With its soft, fluffy petals, its as dreamy and inviting as a pillow you want to sink into!

Low Tunnels & New Beds

This season, we’re incorporating new beds for our cold-hardy flowers, supported by low tunnels. These additions will allow us to start the season sooner, meaning we’ll have flowers in your hands earlier than ever before. We’re also planning to rotate these beds with summer annuals for maximum efficiency.

Roses and Dahlias

We’re expanding our rose collection with new additions, including many beloved David Austin varieties. These timeless blooms are a customer favorite, and we can’t wait to share them with you.

And, of course, more dahlias! Because can you ever have too many? We don’t think so.

Looking Ahead: Weddings, Pop-Ups, and More

We’re excited to share that we’ve already booked a handful of weddings for the 2025 season. If you’re considering booking us for your big day, now is the time, as we’ll be closing this option soon.

Additionally, we’re planning to attend several pop-up events in the mid-Michigan area. Stay tuned for announcements and come say hi—we love connecting with our community!

Balancing Rest and Ambition

Even with a long to-do list and ambitious plans, we’re committed to prioritizing rest, creativity, and family time this season. Winter is a season of stillness, but it’s also a season of possibility. As we dream and prepare for the year ahead, we hope you’ll join us in embracing this beautiful rhythm of rest and renewal.

Wishing you a Happy New Year! May 2025 be a year of growth, beauty, and joy for us all.

With gratitude and floral magic,

Alex Winans

founder & owner, Bede’s Blooms + Co.

Welcome to Petals & Prose: Where Floral Inspiration Meets Creativity

Fresh cut dahlias in our trusty ole’ radio flyer wagon

Hello, and welcome to Petals & Prose! I’m Alex Winans, the founder of Bede’s Blooms + Co., and I’m thrilled to share my story with you. I’ve always had a deep love for flowers—a love that first bloomed in my childhood thanks to my grandmother, Susan. She had a passion for flowers, and her love for them sparked something in me that has stayed with me throughout my life.

But my journey to becoming a micro flower farmer and floral designer truly began in 2020, when I moved back to my home state of Michigan and met my now-husband, Adam. We were planning our wedding for 2022, and as we began looking into floral options, I was shocked by the astronomical quotes we received for wedding flowers. We had recently bought a fixer-upper on 1.25 acres of land, and I knew there was a large, full-sun space just waiting to be transformed into a garden. I made a decision then and there: I would grow our own wedding flowers, even though I had never grown flowers before. I had no idea what I was doing, but I was determined to give it a try. I spent my first growing season in 2021 learning the ropes—more or less winging it—and by September 2022, I was able to create beautiful bouquets, personals and arrangements for our wedding. It was an experience that changed my life.

From that first season of growing flowers, Bede’s Blooms began to take shape. I’ve always loved flowers, and it turns out that my passion ran deeper than I ever realized. Flowers helped me through a season of grief after losing my grandmother in April 2024, where I also discovered that her mother, my great-grandmother Edna Mae, had also grown flowers and shared them with neighbors and friends. What I wouldn’t give to have a picture of her in those days, surrounded by cut blooms in her garden.

Flowers have been my constant companion through various seasons of my life—grief, postpartum, change, and embracing new roles as a wife, a bonus mom to two beautiful young girls, and a new mom to our son. Flowers have comforted me in the hardest times and brought joy during the happiest moments. They’ve been my anchor in a world of change and have rooted me right here in Mason, Michigan, my home state, where I never thought I would end up.

In 2023, I was welcomed into an incredible community of local flower growers who have brought light and inspiration into my life. We share knowledge about flowers, insects, soil health, and more, and the motto we live by is “Community over Competition.” This group of women has extended such kindness, wisdom, and understanding, not only about flowers but also about the challenges of motherhood and running small businesses. I’m beyond grateful for this community, and I can’t wait to give back and be a part of something bigger than myself.

As I continue to grow my flower business, I’m also pursuing my passion for floral design. It’s a labor of love, and I feel so fortunate to be able to create custom bouquets and designs for weddings and small events. While flower farming is incredibly labor-intensive, I couldn’t do it without the help of my husband, who has been my biggest supporter. He’s not just free labor—he’s my encouragement, my rock, and my partner in all things flowers. None of this would be possible without him.

I also want to take a moment to thank God for leading me down this path. Without His guidance and confirmation, I wouldn’t be here today. This business is more than just about flowers—it’s about fulfilling a purpose. Bede’s Blooms + Co. is my way of making fresh flowers more accessible to brides and families, offering affordable DIY and full-service wedding floral options. I believe every bride deserves the beauty of fresh flowers on her wedding day, and working with a grower-florist has its unique advantages, especially when it comes to having a hands-on piece in your florals.

Sustainability is also a huge part of my values. I’m passionate about supporting local farmers and small businesses because, as a society, we need to prioritize our environment. Flowers grown locally help reduce emissions, and by buying from local farmers, you support healthier ecosystems and the pollinators that play such a vital role in our food system. I am committed to growing flowers without harmful chemicals, pesticides, or fungicides, and I hope to one day incorporate bees into our farm to support pollinators even more.

Another cause close to my heart is fighting human trafficking. A portion of the proceeds from Bede’s Blooms will go to local ministries that are working to end exploitation, and I am proud to use my business as a platform to support this important work. Flowers have always been a symbol of hope and love for me, and I want to extend that love and hope to others in need.

As I continue to grow Bede’s Blooms + Co., I’m still figuring out what my future holds. I work full-time and manage a family with three children, a dog, two cats, and now, three chickens. I’m not sure if I want flowers to be a full-time career, but I’m open to wherever this journey takes me. What I do know is that I am passionate about sharing flowers with our local communities in Mason, Holt, Lansing, and beyond.

Bede’s Blooms was originally called Bede Botanical + Co., which is still active today as a place where my mother and I make small-batch botanical soaps, using herbs, flowers, and botanicals I grow on the farm. The name “Bede” (Bee-Dee) comes from a family nickname my mom gave me when I was born, and it’s stuck with me ever since.

I am so excited to have you join me on this journey. Here on Petals & Prose, I’ll be sharing everything from flower care tips and seasonal bloom trends to personal stories and insights into the life of a micro-flower farmer and floral designer. Thank you for reading, and I look forward to sharing more with you as we grow together—literally and figuratively.

With gratitude and floral magic,

Alex Winans

founder & owner, Bede’s Blooms & Co.