From CSA to Advocacy: How Jenny Jonak of Dragon Song Farm Is Growing More Than Just Cut Flowers
In Episode 65 of The Backyard Bouquet Podcast, host Jennifer Gulizia sits down with Jenny Jonak of Dragon Song Farm in Oregon’s Willamette Valley to explore how one flower farmer is blending sustainable flower farming, community-supported agriculture (CSA), and policy advocacy to create real impact.
If you’ve ever wondered how a small-scale flower farmer can juggle growing, family life, and systemic advocacy, this is the episode for you.
In Episode 65 of The Backyard Bouquet Podcast, host Jennifer Gulizia sits down with Jenny Jonak of Dragon Song Farm, a multifaceted flower farmer based in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Jenny’s story is about more than beautiful blooms—it’s about building a meaningful business, protecting the land, and using her voice to advocate for change.
From starting a CSA and mastering farmers markets to navigating Oregon’s water rights system and creating pressed flower jewelry, Jenny shares practical tips and powerful lessons that will inspire both new and seasoned growers.
Meet Jenny Jonak of Dragon Song Farm
Jenny wears many hats: flower farmer, attorney, real estate broker, school board official, mom of four—and fierce advocate for sustainable agriculture. Her flower farm, Dragon Song Farm, is nestled on 80 acres of Oregon countryside, where she grows cut flowers using sustainable, no-spray practices and deep respect for the land.
Jenny’s journey into flower farming started much like many others—by growing food and flowers for her family. But when friends encouraged her to start a CSA for flowers, everything changed. Today, her thriving farm supports her community with CSA subscriptions, nonprofit event florals, and vibrant displays at the Lane County Farmers Market.
🌱 How Dragon Song Farm Took Root
Like many first-generation farmers, Jenny started small. She grew vegetables and herbs to feed her family, planting marigolds between squash plants to deter pests. Flowers were first a functional part of her garden—but quickly became a passion.
A few bouquets turned into dozens. Soon, she was selling at her local Grange and eventually moved to the Lane County Farmers Market, where she now sells CSA shares, mixed bouquets, and more.
One of her first challenges? Lack of infrastructure. She began without electricity, without a cooler, and without deer fencing. Through trial and error (and eventually solar panels, hoop houses, and a drilled well), she slowly built the systems that now support her success.
💧 Water Rights, Land Access, and Legislative Advocacy
Jenny doesn’t just grow flowers—she fights for the future of flower farming.
After witnessing small farms in Oregon receive enforcement letters for irrigating crops from exempt domestic wells, Jenny got involved with Friends of Family Farmers, an organization advocating for fair water rights and land access. She joined their legislative committee and became a vocal supporter of bills that allow small-scale growers to irrigate responsibly without facing penalties.
Some key takeaways Jenny shared:
- You can irrigate your lawn, livestock, or swimming pool—but not crops for sale. (Until recently.)
- Many small farms in Oregon face legal barriers just to grow food or flowers.
- Water rights are tied to land—and most properties on the market lack them.
- Real estate laws and historic land ownership practices have contributed to generational inequality in agriculture.
This episode explores how water access is deeply tied to land ownership—and why that creates lasting barriers for first-generation farmers and communities historically excluded from owning land.
💡 What It’s Like to Be a Neurodivergent Flower Farmer
Jenny also opens up about farming with autism and ADHD—and how she’s built her business to align with her brain.
For those who feel scattered, overwhelmed, or exhausted trying to “do it all,” Jenny’s perspective is a gift. She shares how neurodivergence can be a superpower if you build the right systems:
- She color-codes crop plans and keeps spreadsheets to track everything.
- She uses routines to reduce decision fatigue (e.g., CSA bouquets on Wednesdays, farmers market prep on Fridays).
- She sets realistic expectations for energy output during peak seasons.
She also encourages other farmers to give themselves grace. You don’t need to grow everything from seed. You don’t need to do it all alone. And you don’t need to scale beyond what feels sustainable.
“You can do it all. You just can’t do it all at the same time.” – Jenny Jonak
🌻 Mastering Farmers Markets (and Finding Joy in the Process)
Jenny’s main sales channel is her farmers market booth, and she offers some of the most practical, experience-backed advice we’ve heard:
Her Top Tips for Farmers Market Success:
- Prioritize shade. Use easy-up canopies, umbrella bases, and side flaps to protect blooms.
- Value each bucket. Every bucket in her van must hold at least $150 in product value.
- Bright colors sell. Pastels may be beautiful, but they don’t grab attention like bold blooms.
- Streamline your bouquet recipes. Fewer flower varieties = faster bouquet assembly.
- Don’t undercut. Respect your fellow growers and price accordingly.
She even surveys her CSA and market customers at the end of each season to better understand what flowers they love (and which they didn’t buy). This informs her crop planning for the following year.
💍 Why Pressed Flower Jewelry Became a Smart Farm Add-On
When Jenny noticed that tourists weren’t buying fresh flowers at market, she looked for a new way to connect. That’s when pressed flower jewelry came to life.
Using flowers from her own fields, she presses them with a professional press (she recommends August Press) and turns them into small, beautiful keepsakes. These pieces are easy to transport, don’t wilt, and make perfect gifts.
It’s a brilliant example of how creativity + local flowers = business resilience.
💬 Jenny’s Advice for Aspiring Flower Farmers
You don’t have to go all-in on farming to make a difference. Jenny encourages others to follow what lights them up—even if it’s just growing a few beds in your backyard.
“You can plunge into the joy of flower farming without having to give up everything else.”
Whether you’re growing on 1/8 of an acre, exploring CSA flowers, selling at your first market, or wondering how to align your business with your values, Jenny’s story is a powerful reminder that there’s room for you in this movement.
🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned
- 🌸 Dragon Song Farm Website
- 📷 Follow on Instagram
- 📘 Follow on Facebook
- 🌼 August Press – Flower Press
- 🌱 Friends of Family Farmers
🎧 Tune in to Episode 65 of The Backyard Bouquet Podcast:
👉 From CSA to Advocacy: How Jenny Jonak of Dragon Song Farm Is Growing More Than Just Cut Flowers
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