I think I bought Lisianthus way back in 2019, when I first began farming. I was able to grow most things, but I knew from Farmer Bailey's videos that Lisianthus starts were difficult and time consuming to grow. I started buying perennials and bare roots as soon as possible, knowing that it would help decrease the physical labor that the annuals take yearly.

I first started buying plugs from Farmer Bailey because I wanted to grow Lisianthus and they take so long under the lights. I needed the growing space for seedlings that are quicker to germinate and grow. As my business grew and my outlets increased, I did not have the amount of lights needed to keep up with personally growing enough seedlings to fill my growing space.

Farmer Bailey has made it so easy to order high quality seedling trays and I appreciate them! There is no way I could grow/sell as many flowers if they were not here to help me.

This year (2026), I was able to increase my growing space by another 1/3 acre with the help of Farmer Bailey's program.

Farmer Bailey has the easiest, most informative website. The pictures and the Growing Guides are accessible and easy to understand. The prices are up front and you pay as you order. Sometimes when ordering from other brokers, pricing is not as transparent, you don't pay until it's shipped, and then all of a sudden huge bill comes for the 50 trays you ordered over the last 6 months. I appreciate Farmer Baileys pay at the time you order with the transparent pricing.

I feel like Sweetwater Stem Co. is known for its beautiful long lasting seasonal bouquets that we sell not only from our farm stand, but also in our local stores. That being said , we are VERY successful in selling premium Lisianthus and Ranunculus. We are usually able to sell above the market prices due to our outstanding quality. We love the hustle and bustle of spring and wedding season.

I have a huge problem with timing and shipment. I wish there was a program where you could pay a yearly amount for shipping, and just be able to order what you need in the amount needed at that specific time.

When I was a new farmer I tried to grow a little of everything. Now I grow a large volume but not as much variety. Find out what grows well in your area and stick with that. You don't need to grow everything, just a handful of things really well. Also, double the amount of foliage that you think you will need... you can never have to much greenery.

Also, mistakes and crop failures happen all the time. Don't dwell on them. Ever season is a new learning opportunity.

Sweetwater Stem Co. has been growing since 2019.

I started out in 2019 thinking I was going to sell at the farmers market in my town, but in 2020 everything was shut down due to Covid, and I had fields full of flowers. I had to pivot.

I live in a seaside tourist town and I went to my local mom and pop stores and asked if I could sell out of their stores. Two of the stores said yes, and it took off quickly. In 2021, I put the Flower Shed on my property and things really took off. The community really embraced us and appreciated local blooms.

As the business grew, I hired staff to help, started selling wholesale to florists, and last year we added a larger grocery stores , Metropolitan Market, here in the Gig Harbor/Tacoma, Washington area. I also sell through West Sound Floral Exchange, a collective of local flower farmers.

Family and friends and a fishing boat! I have a large blended family of eigh children. My daughter Elise has taken on the role of co-manager on the farm, and she has found a real love of nature. I am excited to watch the business grow and hope to leave a thriving farm for Elise to carry on into the next generation.

If you don't see me in the fields you can find me with flower friends, traveling to the ASCFG meetings or fishing, crabbing, and whale watching on the Tacoma Narrows. The Pacific Northwest is a beautiful place to live.

I retired from 25 years of nursing in 2018, and started my second career as a farmer. In 2019 we moved from Alaska back to Washington State, and bought an eight acre farm that need rehabilitation. It has taken many years of love and sweat equity, but it is now a thriving farm.

My love of the outdoors and nature has taken me all over the world and I am grateful that God gave me the opportunity to grow beautiful flowers for my friends, family, and community.

Thank you so much for your support over the years, and help with all the orders. Your great team and the high quality product has helped me grow my business and I highly recommend Farmer Bailey to all growers, whether a back yard grower or a commercial field grower. There are products sized for everyone.