We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lisa Frahm. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lisa below.
Hi Lisa, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
Picture this with me: On the outskirts of Denver, a beautiful countryside exists where the morning mist blankets the rolling hills and drops of dew kiss the dancing grass. As the sun peaks through the clouds, the mist disappears and reveals a hidden gem of perfectly organized flower rows, brimming with color from front to back within the rural landscape. Each morning, here at our flower farm located just east of Parker, Colorado, a different kind of artistry unfolds amidst the rows of delicate blooms and the bees happily napping within the petals of our flowers. At Prairie Hill Flower Co., the secret world of flower farming begins in the early morning starting an intricate string of daily tasks essential to coaxing each plant to bud, creating a bloom that develops into a glorious display of floral perfection.
From February to April, we begin by germinating all our seeds and nurturing the flowers we grow from bulbs indoors. As May arrives and stretches through October, our seedlings transition outdoors, marking the start of a months-long journey of tending and harvesting flowers from our fields. For us, the cycle of flower farming, from the initial labor of planting to the reward of harvesting some of the highest-quality flowers on the market, has evolved into a true labor of love. From dawn till dusk, we tend to the blossoms with care and patience that is born from a deep-rooted, generational passion for flowers. Cultivating perfect conditions for flowers to grow and bloom is a time-consuming endeavor, yet it is absolutely essential. This meticulous process breathes life into every stem, transforming ordinary seeds into extraordinary bouquets. It is through this dedication that we persist through the challenges posed by Colorado’s unpredictable weather and other obstacles that we may experience. Our quiet resilience stands as a testament to our unwavering dedication to delivering the highest quality flower arrangements available.
As picturesque as this seems, however, flower farming comes with its own unique set of challenges. Anyone who has been in Colorado long enough knows that our unpredictable weather can turn from a gentle blessing into a relentless adversary in the blink of an eye. From sudden storms that threaten our delicate blooms to unpredictable pests that threaten each petals state of perfection, every day brings the opportunity for trials. Yet, amidst these challenges, myself and farmers across the country like me, continue to embody a spirit of resilience, determination and adaptability. Our hands are continuously weathered and green from hours in the soil and harvesting flowers, but it is well worth it. We nurture not just flowers, but a resilience and passion that blossoms along with each petal.
Our unwavering determination to overcome adversity for the pursuit of spreading joy through flowers is derived from a dream that was placed in our hearts during Covid. Founded in 2019 during the challenging times of Covid-19, Prairie Hill Flower Co. emerged as a sanctuary for people seeking solace beyond the confines of their homes. We offered You-pick experiences to the community which became our guiding mission, aimed at spreading joy through the simple beauty of picking and arranging flowers. By encouraging our visitors to create arrangements for themselves and for others, we fostered a ripple effect of positivity during a period marked by darkness and uncertainty. My commitment to help make life better for our community, as well as a sense of purpose from knowing that I have been set apart for a higher calling, continued to help us move forward with our goals even when we were unsure of the outcome. Guided by asking for divine wisdom on a daily basis, always seeking God’s direction, I find solace in surrendering to His plan and purpose for my life amid uncertainty. Knowing that clarity emerges through faith and perseverance, I continue to navigate life’s challenges with unwavering determination, anchored by a steadfast belief in a purpose greater than myself.
As the sun dips below the horizon here at Prairie Hill Flower Co, its fading light casts a warm, golden glow over the quiet rows. Amidst this tranquil scene, a remaining sense of hope and renewal fills the air even with the lack of flowers. Despite the challenges of the season, my team and I are dedicated to remain unwavering in our commitment to cultivating beauty and spreading joy to others through our flowers. Each obstacle we encounter serves to fortify our resolve and resilience, propelling us to explore new farming techniques and adopt fresh perspectives. Looking forward, we are buoyed by optimism, understanding that every setback holds invaluable lessons and promises for future triumphs. Guided by faith, hope, and prayer, our passion for flowers continues to fuel our persistence in continuing our flower journey. Prairie Hill Flower Co. continues now and will continue in the future to thrive like a beacon on a hill, a testament to our enduring perseverance in the face of adversity.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Being the visionary behind Prairie Hill Flower Co. I have embarked on a remarkable journey of transformation. Transitioning from a Licensed Architect to a Certified Floral Designer and entrepreneur, I run my multi-award-winning European-style floral business with distinction. As both the Lead Designer and Lead Horticulturalist/Grower on our flower farm, I have pioneered sustainable practices uncommon in the floral industry, setting a new standard for American-grown, locally sourced flowers and practices within the florist industry.
My business, Prairie Hill Flower Co. is a premier European-style Florist and Flower Farm nestled in Parker, Colorado. Working directly from our farm, we provide highly coveted, stunning, long-lasting farm-to-consumer floral arrangements for Denver and the surrounding areas. Our offerings include daily flower deliveries, exquisite wedding florals, bespoke designs for private and corporate events, and enriching on-farm classes and workshops. By prioritizing and providing our own locally grown flowers, we are leading a movement towards more effective sustainability within the floral industry while setting new standards for high-quality floral design nationwide.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
In my journey, seeking wisdom from God has profoundly shaped my path. Through prayer and discernment, doors have opened or closed, revealing His purpose for me and illuminating the way forward. Embracing a fearless approach to trying new things, accepting challenges, and seeking new solutions has helped me uncover opportunities that were not initially visible. Respecting closed doors and avoiding the urge to force them open has brought significant clarity, allowing me to discern the right paths that align with my true calling.
If you knew you only had a decade of life left, how would you spend that decade?
This season our farm has faced unprecedented challenges. A plague of grasshoppers has decimated our flower fields down to the soil. Despite our meticulous care and preventive measures, these relentless insects have left behind a stark reminder of nature’s unpredictability. We were devastated at the loss of our crops but decided to face this setback with a different perspective. By reassessing our farming strategies, noting grasshopper-resistant crops, seeking innovative solutions, and forging new connections with local experts, we are creating a new path forward to create planting plans and processes to help protect our future blooms and those of other farmers as well. In the face of adversity, our dedication remains unwavering—a testament to the indomitable, hard-working spirit that defines the heart of a flower farmer and others like us across the country. Due to this level of dedication, we encourage consumers and businesses to make it a priority to seek out local flower farms and support those that are working hard to keep domestic flower production here in the United States.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.prairiehillflowerco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prairiehillflowerco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/prairiehillflowerco
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ prairiehillflowerco
Image Credits
Hanna Stump Photography
Lynette Mericle Photography
Mallory Munson Photography
Todalen Media
Darian Ackerman
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