Connecting with Nature and Giving Back with Flower Farmer Misha Gillingham
Connecting with Nature and Giving Back
with Flower Farmer Misha Gillingham
Ep 7: Flower Farmer Misha Gillingham of Farmluxe Talks Flower Farming and the Importance of Nature and Giving Back
Join us for Episode 7 of the Backyard Bouquet Podcast where we are joined by Flower Farmer Misha Gillingham of Farmluxe.
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Introduction to Misha Gillingham– Flower Farmer & Garden Designer at Farmluxe
Misha Gillingham is a published writer, flower and vegetable farmer, garden designer, show host, photographer, wife, and mother. She inspires others through creativity, nature, and wellness. Misha is the author of the inspiring book, “Blooms and Dreams,” and is the creator of Club Farmluxe, a digital haven for those aspiring to embrace a lifestyle inspired by gardens, flowers, and nature.
Misha’s Journey into Gardening and Flower Farming
Misha’s journey into gardening and flower farming began when she and her family bought a farm in Washington seven years ago. Despite having no prior experience in gardening, Misha was immediately drawn to the joy and rewards of harvesting fresh food from the garden. This experience sparked her passion for gardening and led her to dive headfirst into learning and experimenting with different plants and growing techniques.
Misha’s initial garden was a small plot that someone else had already established, allowing her to reap the benefits of someone else’s hard work. This experience gave her the confidence and inspiration to continue gardening and eventually turn her backyard garden into a full-blown flower farm. Over the years, Misha expanded her garden, incorporating raised beds, companion planting, and unique design elements to create a vibrant and diverse growing space.
The Importance of Starting Small and Learning
Misha emphasizes the importance of starting small and allowing yourself to learn and grow as a gardener. She advises beginners to view gardening as a long-term journey rather than expecting immediate success. Misha recommends using the first year as a practice garden. This way you can experiment with different plants and techniques without putting too much pressure on yourself. By taking the time to learn and make mistakes, you can gradually build upon your knowledge and experience.
Challenges and Lessons Learned
Throughout her gardening journey, Misha has faced various challenges, particularly with her current farm on San Juan Island. The property is on a steep slope with minimal soil, presenting unique obstacles for gardening. However, Misha approaches these challenges with a positive mindset, always seeking to mimic nature and find sustainable solutions. She focuses on creating a diverse ecosystem, incorporating native plants, companion planting, and organic pest control methods.
Giving Back to the Community
Misha’s passion for gardening extends beyond her own farm. She believes in the importance of giving back to the community. Misha sharing the joy of fresh, organic food and beautiful flowers with her local food bank. At her previous farm, Misha regularly donated surplus produce and flowers to the local food bank, bringing joy and nourishment to those in need. She plans to continue this tradition at her new farm, Sky Dance, and is even considering creating a community garden to provide space for others to grow their own food.
Incorporating Design Elements in the Garden
Misha’s love for design is evident in her gardens, where she incorporates various elements to create a visually stunning and harmonious space. She recommends using arches and trellises to frame views and guide visitors through the garden. By strategically placing these structures, you can create focal points and direct the flow of movement. Misha also suggests using natural materials, such as branches and stones, to add a unique and organic touch to the garden.
Tips for Transitioning to Organic and Local Gardening
For those looking to transition to organic and local gardening, Misha encourages supporting local farmers and nurseries. By purchasing locally grown produce, you not only support the local economy but also ensure that you are getting fresh, seasonal, and sustainable products. Misha also recommends starting small and experimenting with container gardening or growing herbs indoors before diving into a full-scale garden. By taking small steps and learning along the way, you can transition to a more organic and sustainable gardening practice.
Conclusion
Misha Gillingham’s journey into gardening and flower farming is a testament to the transformative power of nature and the joy of giving back to the community. Through her experiences, she has learned the importance of starting small, being patient, and mimicking nature in her gardening practices. Misha’s commitment to organic and local gardening serves as an inspiration for others to embrace a more sustainable and mindful approach to growing their own food and flowers.
I hope this motivates you to grab your gardening gloves and join us for this episode as we let our backyards bloom with the beauty of flowers.
In this episode, you’ll hear about:
- 00:01:59 – Introduction to Misha Gillingham of Farmluxe
- 00:06:36 – Challenges and growth of Misha’s first farm
- 00:09:46 – Misha’s decision to move to a new farm
- 00:19:44 – Challenges and requirements in finding a new farm
- 00:23:01 – Challenges of building a garden on a slope with rocky soil
- 00:25:06 – Design elements and tips for incorporating arches and trellises
- 00:29:41 – Misha’s five-year plan for her new flower farm
- 00:33:00 – Organic and natural farming practices
- 00:37:46 – Misha’s garden club and online courses
- 00:40:58 – Gardening & flower farming tips for beginners
- 00:44:02 – Importance of supporting local and organic farming
- 00:54:24 – How to connect with Misha and Farmluxe
- 00:55:09 – Final words and encouragement to start gardening and flower farming
Learn more about Misha Gillingham and Farmluxe
- Check out Farmluxe Online: https://farmluxe.com/
- Join: Club Farmluxe
- Follow On Social: https://www.instagram.com/farmluxe/
- Buy Misha’s Book: Blooms & Dreams
- Book Recommended By Misha: We Are The ARK: Returning Our Gardens to Their True Nature Through Acts of Restorative Kindness
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