Ten Years of Farmer Bailey
Anniversary Farmer Feature: Ethel's Back Yard
By Felicia D'Ambrosio
My name is Dawn Zimmerman and I am the owner of Ethel's Back Yard, a flower farm in West Chester, PA.
Growing up, my grandmother Ethel grew the biggest zinnias I'd ever seen. Following in her footsteps–on top of my lifelong passion for gardening and flower farming–I strive to do the same by providing the highest quality cut flowers. As a biologist, my focus is ecocentric - my processes are all sustainable and chemical free. Scientist by day, mad gardener by night and happiest when I’m playing in the dirt.
Our goal is to provide local and sustainably grown, chemical free flowers to our community. I practice no till gardening and other organic bio-intensive growing methods increasing soil biological diversity. Those processes provide deep rich soil, high in natural organic matter, perfect for flower farming, increasing yields and quality greatly over traditional field crop methods.
Dawn Zimmerman
Ethel's Back Yard owner, scientist & artist
When did you begin buying plants from Farmer Bailey?
I starting buying plugs from Farmer Bailey because I realized trying to do everything from seed, while doable, was stressful By adding plugs as well seeding myself gave me some peace of mind, which is invaluable.
What flowers did you start with, and have you pivoted?
Lisianthus. I love Lisianthus, but am struggling to get blooms in September for wedding season. I still grow them and will not give up, but I do not plant as much as I use to.
How has Farmer Bailey supported your business? What are the advantages of plugs?
Again, it's the peace of mind that I will receive perfect plugs that are ready to plant. It's instant gratification.
Which plants have most successful, and why? What do you consider your area of expertise, or greatest area of growth?
Snapdragons! I sell out and I have got them down. This year I am leaning heavy into Tweedia.
What are your challenges?
My biggest challenge is getting Lisianthus in September.
What is your best advice for new flower farmers? What would you have wanted to know in your first year of flower farming?
You think you want to everything, because you do, but you shouldn't. Go slow and grow. I made every rookie mistake there is, and I wish I had gone slow.
How many years have you been flower farming?
Eight years.
What is your typical business model? Has this changed over the years?
Wholesale, farmers markets, and farm stand.
How do you spend your non-farming time? What brings you great joy?
Nature and art, I can't get enough. I am a potter and incorporate my flowers into my work.
Tell us about yourself, whether business-related or a personal passion.
I worked 30 years in pharma. Now I am a farmer, and have never been happier. The struggle is real, but I love the hustle.
