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.
