Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathleen Gingerich.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I like to say that Flowers found me… But I also know that it’s a little bit in my blood. My Grandpa was the original family gardener. In fact, when giving directions to their house, my dad recalls telling people, “It’s the house with all the flowers.” While I never got to see it in all its glory, I’ve seen pictures of when the entire front yard was turned into an American flag made of flowers.
My gardening journey started with vegetables. Later, I had a small patch of flowers at the end of the vegetable garden. The flowers then grew, and I was addicted. My garden is now all flowers and no vegetables.
We had no intention of doing anything special with the flowers at first, but eventually, I had so many that I had to figure something out. I was the friend, the mom, the nurse who always had a bouquet of flowers with her. Whether it was your birthday, your baby shower, or just because you can bet you’d be getting some homegrown flowers.
It wasn’t until a couple years later that I discovered Erin Benzakein and other flower farmers and was fully inspired to take my growing to a new level. We started by offering bouquet subscriptions and special-order services to friends and family. While our offerings have changed and expanded, we are ever evolving.
Currently, we are offering on-farm, small private events; pick your own flowers, creative workshops, special ordering, and wedding services.
Nestled between Carroll and Columbiana counties, we are very rural, which has both its advantages and disadvantages. Once you find us, you are tucked away from the world. However, finding us is not always easy.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Well, we naturally have our difficulties and have learned a lot as far as growing the flowers, but our biggest struggle has been marketing and finding places to sell our flowers. Being so rural, we are not busy and bustling with people on the farm. People simply don’t know that we are here. This year we started participating in a local farmers’ market to help offset the cost of operation.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a registered nurse by trade and education, but my roots in the creative arts run deep. During my school years, I studied both classical ballet, painting, and drawing. I have a learned eye for line, shapes, and color.
I am most proud of the work and creative pieces that come out of the farm. Designing small events, color palettes, and arrangements are my favorite. Bringing someone’s vision to life no matter the budget.
Whether you host an event on the farm or off of the farm, our floral services are going to be unique.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Family matters most. Our goal is to make something here that our family and children will be proud of. My goal is to one day we able to employ my children, and other local kids-Who can think of a better summer job? Wheelbarrows, Hoes, water, sunshine, and FLoWERS.
Contact Info:
- Website: Thefarmathendersonhill.com
- Instagram: Thefarm_athendersonhill
- Facebook: Facebook.com/hhillflowers
Image Credits
Angel Fitzwater Designs
