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.