At Bear Creek Farm, our passion for seeds knows no bounds. Seeds are an invitation to cultivate your very own botanical collection, exploring and discovering varieties beyond the usual selections found at local nurseries. Seeds empower us to experiment and engage with the gardening process in its most fundamental form, offering a canvas for creativity and a deeper connection to the cycle of life. This hands-on approach not only enriches our gardening experience, but also broadens our horizons by introducing us to unique and heirloom varieties that we may not encounter elsewhere. We ..read more

Welcome to a focused discussion on the best practices for starting your dahlia tubers. While some gardeners prefer to see the "eyes" of their dahlia tubers sprout indoors as a sign of vitality, it's important to distinguish this from the practice of using tubers specifically for cuttings. Getting eyes to show ensures the tuber's readiness for planting, whereas harvesting cuttings from tubers is a propagation method aimed at creating new plants. Each serves a unique purpose in the cultivation of dahlias, catering to different goals. Direct Planting: The Preferred Method The straightforwa ..read more

Gardeners, enchanted by dahlias, with tubers carefully planted, nurture them into breathtaking blooms. Tubers, of course, like time capsules, each one a guarantee of the beauty that is to come. Plant a tuber, and you can expect the same magnificent bloom, year after year, a mirror image of its parent. But the winds of change bring whispers of a new kind of magic - dahlia seeds. Unlike the predictable beauty of tubers, dahlia seeds are wild cards, and there is a burgeoning interest in them. This is a place where dreams take root, and every seed holds a universe of ..read more

Since the inception of Bear Creek Farm, I have been reticent to attribute specific human traits (love, persistence, loyalty) to flowers. I fully understand the historical truth, function, and beauty represented by symbolic botanical language.  It extends as far back as ancient mythology, folklore, the writings of William Shakespeare, and the romantic poets, However, I have issues with this practice today. We have evolved, and so too must the “language” of flowers.  If one casts back to the Victorian tradition of the 1800’s, the purpose of attributing very specific qualities to flower ..read more

Sunflowers offer multiple benefits for gardeners. They grow well in dry conditions. They thrive in heat. They are generous in their length of bloom – all summer long until early fall. In addition, they require very little tending.  Many proponents of sustainable flower farming are mindful to attract flowers that will draw pollinators.  In considering your choices, don’t forget about sunflowers. Sunflowers are unusual in their structure - and fascinating. They are a single bloom which contains, essentially, two kinds of petal, each with a totally different composition and a very speci ..read more

Everyday we are learning more and more that the language of flowers is very real - but not in the traditional, romantic way we have traditionally thought about it. A recent article in The New York Times talks about the sounds that plants make in response to stresses like dehydration or a cut. Just as humans might grumble, grouse or grown, plants make popping noises when they are having a bad day. The article, concerning the language of flowers, fell into my inbox just as I was thinking about cosmos flowers. As I read, I extrapolated into the macro universe of botany.  I believe that ..read more

There is an understandable temptation to attempt to grow dahlias  in pots for a myriad of reasons. We all love dahlias. As well, many dahlia lovers living in urban areas may not have a backyard in which to create a garden. With this in mind, we decided that we would be remiss if we did not highlight some of the inherent unforeseen frustrations associated with growing dahlias in pots. To be clear, dahlias may grow in pots. Still, many may not come up in a potted setting, or may struggle to thrive. This information is not intended to discourage. Instead, it is intended to provide dahlia lov ..read more

Cosmos, a stunning flowering bloom (belonging to the daisy family) derives from the sunny and color-drenched climes of Mexico and Central America. Cosmos are beloved for a host of reasons, not the least of which are the colors they throw, and the ease with which they grow.  They are notable for their ability to tolerate heat, sun, and poor soil conditions. Cosmos are easy to propagate from seed. They have a long blooming period, lasting from mid-summer through fall. Cosmos are lovely in a cutting garden - never disappointing as they continue to *pop* - even as other flowers begin the ..read more

This month the groundhog once again saw his shadow indicating another six weeks of winter. This, of course, has us all dreaming of warmer months when the world (always alive – so much happening beneath, even in the depths) is once more, visibly hopping with light play that interweaves increasing hints of warmth. We think of Iceland poppies. We think of tulips. We note the changing quality of the light - becoming gradually long, strong, and less pixilated. For those of you just now coming into flower gardening or farming – welcome! For those returning, welcome back! Beginning a flower gard ..read more

For those of us living in certain areas of the Northeast, the first snow just fell. It landed gently on the evergreen trees. Icicles formed in gutter pipes and the sun fell upon it all, throwing light - magnified - and creating a kind of translucence. There is something about the apparent barren nature of winter that underscores the reality of its potential bounty – even while apparently dormant. Trees are a miracle in many ways. They are a constant reminder that nature – and sometimes even color – is still present even in the snowy depths.  This winter, consider building a Gum Drop Tree ..read more