My WORST Year in Cut Flowers : Flower Hill Farm

[@bloominghope777]

Listen, Lady. From what I can tell, following you the past several years from Colorado with eyes of envy (just a little bit 😘) you have about 8 plates in front of you and every one of those plates are full! I am constantly impressed by your drive, your passion, and your plethora of superhero gardening capes that you wear. You have the cut flowers, the veg gardens, a full on, all hands on deck, nursery!!! And more. I am proud of the work you do, and completely exhausted for you! I don't know how you do it, but you are inspiring. And your attitude is excellent. Thank you for your honest content and allowing us to watch your journey, or circus somedays. You're a blessing to many of us fellow flower farmers 💜

[@CoolKidsInMaine]

Honestly a book called "the worst year in flowers" would be amazing. A book about all the things that can go wrong, and how to deal. How to pivot and shift your mindset when the growing is bad. The reality of how BAD flower farming can be some years and how to keep going and remain motivated. Finding the silver lining. I would buy that book for sure.

[@gabriellec5962]

Yes. Love this idea.

[@gperillat]

I am flabbergasted that the owner of the cows didn't retrieve his cows as soon as he was notified they were out. Growing up raising cows, that would have never been acceptable to leave them wandering or allow them to get out multiple times (whatever the case may be) for 18 days. That is a part of your livelihood they are stomping on and eating. Good on you for being so chill about it, but my blood boiled seeing that.

[@FlowerHillFarm]

The owner helped put them back to pasture most days. He is older and they were just too much for him. He sold them at auction. It was honestly a very scary situation with the cows going into the highway.

[@antonella9011]

@@FlowerHillFarm at least their manure makes good compost! 🐄

[@Nat-mk7gb]

@@FlowerHillFarmsounds like a challenging situation for all, even the poor cows ended up being sold at auction. I wish everyone had a neighbour like you though ❤

[@Nat-mk7gb]

@@FlowerHillFarmsounds like a challenging situation for all, even the poor cows ended up being sold at auction. I wish everyone had a neighbour like you though ❤

[@tjohnson1482]

@@FlowerHillFarm Doesn't matter how old he is. They are his responsibility. He should pay for the damage. I grew up on a ranch in Wyoming. It is his responsibility to keep them fenced in. I would not have your patience. Especially 18 days!!

[@shelleygeary3205]

We've missed you, but totally understand your situation. We just love watching you make bouquets. You've got this girl!

[@caitegraceify]

Nichole as a flower farmer myself (in a nearby different county) and someone who works at CCE Lewis county you are absolutely not alone. In this year alone we have multiple floods, tornadoes, and now we have been rainstarved going into fall for the first time in years. You have done amazing with the cards you’ve been dealt. Adapt adapt adapt ❤

[@laurieh9388]

Good for you for not giving up! Grandpa would be proud!

[@alexiscraft7877]

Grandpa would be and is proud you aren’t backing down! You are always authentic and are so loved. Without set backs like this then less room to evolve! I can’t wait to see what your solutions are and love you :)

[@discolemonade8794]

Cracking up at the two cows staring back at the camera🐄🐄

[@mothernaturesapothecary]

I’ve been catching Flower Hill uploads within seconds! I just love the nursery updates!

[@amberlockhart1386]

Same here!

[@gayleschmidt6421]

You grow girl! Keep your chin up!

[@klaraochmattiaskrypin9864]

Its amazing how you, showing up your worst year of flower farming, still are inspiering and gets me eager for next growing season! You are amazing Nichole! / greetings from Sweden

[@flowers.on.demand]

You're amazing. Always worth the wait. Thank you for sharing and keeping it real. So appreciate it. And sorry, but the cow content, as sad as it is, cracked me up. :D Their faces when they look at you. Lol!! Each year is different that is for sure. So much out of our control. We'll keep planting for the love of flowers.

[@cassidydeyoung]

It’s been a rough year here in Indiana as well. From hail damage and flooding at the start of the season to now being in a drought, the flowers have been through it!

[@jm5627]

I just started my first year flower farming in northern IL. We barely had any rain, and half my seeds didn't germinate. Even my perennial garden has taken a major hit from bunnies and drought and high temps. I'm still learning to farm flowers. I've been a gardener before this, 23:41 so Im glad im not alone in this bad growing year.

[@mistygeller3193]

May I just second that last comment!!? We all love you because you are you girly 😊💕 And if anyone doesn’t appreciate and respect that it is a privilege to watch and learn from you, or just laugh and from time, or get teary eyed, the problem certainly isn’t you 🥰 Sending you gracious thank yous and big hugs 🤗💕🥹🤗

[@jeannesmith1761]

Good to see you back I haven't seen you in quite a while so I'm the one that's up in Michigan with a 30 gardens I just had a stroke though so yeah I take a little bit of time off too so I'll talk to you later thank you bye😊

[@jcking6785]

I have no idea how you have been able to maintain such a positive attitude. I guess it’s just in your DNA. It’s one thing to have to deal with Mother Nature with rain and bugs and heat and drought but those cows would be hanging in my meat locker if they had done to me what they did to you. You’re such a good person!

[@farmsteadflowersandfoxhoun8302]

Why didn’t your neighbor fix the fence the FIRST day. He’s glad it wasn’t me‼️ I’d have made up new cuss words on his front porch.

[@rosecaskey7141]

I was lucky enough to be able to stop by Boon Street Nursery this past weekend and was able to meet Nicole and Brad! Meeting Nicole was like meeting an old friend and she is just as warm and friendly in real life as she is in the videos. Brad was also very nice and brought my beautiful mum to the car for me. Please be sure to support FHF / BSN by purchasing bulbs and if you can take a ride out to the nursery! The mums were gorgeous and extremely well priced!

[@nicomyth]

We all have those no good, horrible, bad seasons! Here is to looking forward to a great season next year!! I have a flock of wild chickens that always comes through in early spring and tries to eat the ranunculus. Drives me nuts! 😂

[@canadiangirl5159]

"Never ever, EVER give up" Said by a man that triggers some, and is absolutely adored by others. Let's just say I'm a huge fan. Stay strong and don't let the critters win. Next year will be a fresh new year, and a new garden. Maybe it's a zone 4 thing. All my roses were attacked by bugs, and after ten 11 years gardening in my zone 4 garden in central Alberta, a deer found my vegetable garden and turned it into his own personal smorgasbord buffet. Also, bit the heads off my sunflowers. It's war now.

[@evelynwashington2840]

I love it when you make bouquets.

[@sarahfox3312]

I live in New Zealand and the laws here say it’s your responsibility to keep stock out of your property not the farmers responsibility to stop them from coming in. We had planted 1000 trees and cows that were being moved down our road got in through an open gate (400 of them!) They trampled and ate most of our saplings in the space of half an hour. I feel your pain!

[@alishahhanif4343]

I hope you’re feeling better. I have had my worst year and I grow from my mental health. Cheers to restarting next year

[@mimlauj6869]

You are amazing! Thank you for letting us be a viewer in your life, you've put so much effort into everything you do, don't ever let anyone tell you it's not enough! ❤❤

[@janmasisak156]

giirrrlll....you deserve grace in your gardening! From what I watched of you in the early spring, you did double duty for the nursery, and now the mums coming on. Plenty of year left for you to do what you have to work with, just pivot. You've accomplished so much this year and should be very proud of your business. For anyone who doesn't recognize or appreciate you and what you've done this year obviously should take their opinion elsewhere. Beautiful bouquets!

[@melissabowen3521]

Thanks for sharing. My whole veggies garden hurt my feelings all summer and I am so discouraged. The groundhogs, rabbits, deer, foxes and slugs really wrecked it. Thanks for helping me feel a little better.

[@rhondaschenk5727]

Nicole! You are the hardest working gardener I have ever seen! You have no control over the bunnies, cows, frost, etc. etc. we love ya girl! I know it has to be depressing and defeating! We love you! Keep your chin up girl! We support you!! Love you too! ❤

[@marydrew3568]

Thank you for being real and authentic. I have 10 acres and all the things too! I run my own business, plus a farm. This year the hay season got way too much rain. It was a total bust. The weeds have gone nuts, so I have been trying to deal with the worst amount of toxic weeds, as they have loved the rain and then HOT! 🥵 My dahlias have never looked worse. They are all in different states of dying. I have felt this year that I have been fighting mother nature worse than ever and I think I lost this year. We have had our top two hottest summers on record, so all of my flowers suffered horribly. Just know that I often have Charlie Brown seasons, where I get a rock. 🪨 This growing season has been right up there with the all time worst! Let me tell you that I'm planning out next season's flowers and they will be much more scaled back because I do not want to get hammered again next season. Thanks for keeping it real. That is real life and whatever you do on your channel I will cheer you on and support you.

[@rhondaschenk5727]

The bouquets are BEAUTIFUL!!

[@jenniferhooks2454]

Being a farmer can suck sometimes. My dad was a farmer, and some years were not good. I am sorry things have been difficult this season. The deer and the rabbits have eaten so many of my flowers-roses, hydrangeas, daylilies, hardy hibiscus, impatiens. But it’s been a great year for lantana, marigolds, and coleus. Gotta take your successes where you find them.

[@maggiemay1434]

I gotta tell ya, after spending an hour trying to get a straight answer re: dahlia flower production, I really appreciate the honesty of this channel. There’s so many flower farm scammers on the internet. If it were 1990 they’d be doing late night infomercials on how to get rich flower farming.

[@tinalee7650]

WOW! You are amazing - to have all that happen and still smile! I have had a strange year growing as well - due to heat and no rain - NO DAHLIAS!! But, I am blessed to have had enough other crops blooming ok to keep my flower stand going. I am closing it 3 weeks earlier than last year due to the beds taking a beating and I need what's left for events I have committed to! THANK GOD FOR ZINNIAS!!

[@jenniejustice6487]

I’m in Tennessee and I’ve been hit hard by drought and heat! Heat damage on my zinnias has been terrible. Additionally, the rabbits have loved my sunflowers!! I’m not sure how you do it all. Glad you have a plan but allow yourself some grace. It’s hard!!

[@kathyv3909]

Real life you is why I enjoy FHF - so much to learn from and glean from. I know I'm lucky to have access to your insights, I don't have to be a flower farmer/nursery owner to relate. Thank you!

[@jenniferkarnowski8647]

I decided this year to try growing cut flowers for the first time and the devastation I experienced from weather, animals, and bugs was crazy for me too. I'm still dealing with animals and bugs however a lot luckily still made it but for a battle and price. I tried all different pesticides, animal repellents, covers, stakes etc. I missed your content but 100% understand! My finacee had to tell me too that I cannot let it affect me so much (crying at every loss) otherwise it isn't worth it anymore and that all's I can do is learn and continue fighting! I genuinely loved this summer so much because of my flowers.

[@bessmelancon9000]

I feel this. This was also my worst year. I have the most experience I have had. Thank you. Sincerely.

[@seanshortt6359]

You have been busier than a one legged man in a butt kicking contest. You have made great strides in the nursery and was the priority. I look forward to seeing how you shift things for next season.

[@jam4441]

You always bring a smile to my face. Please don't be put off by a few sour grapes. You are doing several amazing jobs all at once and I count myself very lucky that you share with us.

[@dameannemac]

Oh,I feel your pain. I am a small flower grower. In the late winter/ early spring I began experiencing severe pain which was misdiagnosed as sciatica. I could not plant. My flowers and growing them is part of my soul. Not to be able to grow felt like something was sicking my soul away. Finally I was correctly diagnosed and I am pain free. I can't wait until I can plant again next spring.

[@joelc9421]

Good to see you Nicole. Glad you are sticking to it.

[@dottiesworld979]

I can't imagine someone being upset about you not posting content, that seems so selfish and it's so easy to watch your older videos and besides life happens and some things have to take a back seat sometimes. Love you so much and can't wait to see what you have planned for next season! ❤

[@MOOREISH5]

Girl . Don't change you for nobody.. you have a lot going on.. you are all kinds of awesome... I wish I lived near to see and buy your flowers. Love that your authentic so you keep doing you. ❤

[@brookepaulsen777]

Cheering you on from the Midwest. I appreciate you sharing the authentic experience of this summer. You keep doing you!!!

[@bethg1557]

Your positive attitude really boosted my spirits. Severe drought and crazy heat just wiped out my flowers in spite of my best efforts and I gave up on them. You inspire me to boot up and try again in the spring.

[@amandaosterhout1145]

Just keep swimming! We love you and your family and look forward to your videos❤

[@cherierangel7459]

I love your attitude!!

[@emandeli1585]

This song always hits me in the feels

[@sallyloosli4379]

Bless your heart!!! You are truly an inspiration with your attitude honesty and endurance!! Lucky#7!!!! Much live to you, love your laugh❤❤❤❤

[@joettedignanweir6893]

Nicole, I have loved watching your videos since I discovered you a few years ago. There are only so many hours in a day and you are spending so many of them to build your businesses. Thank you for continuing to do videos as time permits. I hope you can take us along when you do some of your seed collecting - that’s a task I would like to learn more about.

[@FinC221]

Oh flower friend, it’s been such a hard year here too (Ellsworth, WI - 2nd year flower farm)! I’m cheering you on and so grateful to know I’m not alone. What a bust of a year but hey it taught me a lot and reminded me how much I want it. Love your moxie! Cheers to better growing years ahead and prayers for a great season next year!

[@lindajarvis4919]

Here in south eastern pa. My garden did not do that well this year. My crackerjack marigolds and cosmos did not grow. Zinnias were good. Sort of. Other years were better. I think the extreme heat we had in July really took a lot out of the garden. Please hang in there. My suggestion for next year is to plant corn. Even if something happens to the crop, you will have fall decorations to sell for corn stalks. Hedge your bets!!!

[@summerjennfarmstead]

Nicole, we love you. You do what you need to do. We will be here, no matter what! Sending hugs 🫂 your way!

[@maryhills2830]

Take it easy Nicole! You have been through a lot changes and work but to be honest missed you videos where so happy and goofy also those weird sun glasses lol

[@carols1030]

Wow, justwow! Cant believe your neighbour didnt get that fence mended a lot quicker. If he couldnt handle it, he should have hired someone. You are very tolerant…😊

[@klcpca]

Sorry you've had such a hard time. People who give you a hard time about your content need to go elsewhere.... You have had sooooo much to deal with. You are only one person trying to do more than is humanly possible. Those that truly are your "fans" get it and understand. Those that don't... well.... can take a hike!!! I don't care what you post, I'll watch it!!! Love ya, Nicole!!! ❤

[@LisadeKramer]

My Dawn Creek Blush are looking so good. Thank you for the update.

[@melissaafkrichardson9204]

You are doing an AMAZING job hun, we love you 💗

[@ThymeToGarden1975]

Watching you chase the cows with the Kubota had me laughing out loud!🤣I love your videos, you're beautiful, funny, hardworking, inspiring! Hang in there... year 7 is going to be amazing!❤🌸

[@jennygrogan5520]

You need to do the book!!! The Worst Year 😂 or any other. No rush on the videos. We can wait. And those who can't need to cool the jets! Hope you enjoy your few lovely zinnias. ❤

[@loriswain8140]

Nicole, you are such a positive, make lemonade out of lemons, gal on YT! I love that you are doing what you love and adjusting when things don’t work. You’re doing great and I can’t wait to cheer you on!

[@susieneider3799]

Wow you are mighty neighborly! We would have been eating steak and selling a lot of hamburger for the too many times those cows got out. 😮 Once or twice totally understandable 18 not a chance. I had to put up a 3D electric fence for the insane deer pressure we have here. It has worked thank goodness as even this last winter the buggers were eating my green sandbags. Good luck this next year, I love all that you share!❤❤

[@laurasuitter2442]

Looking forward to getting my order of anemones and ranunculus. Last years anemones from you were the best I ever had!!!❤😊

[@serenababy6358]

I'm so glad that you are not defeated flower friend ❤ . WE all think you are an amazing super hero with a flower cape made of lilies and zinnias. You inspire many of us to get up and keep going despite our failures. We appreciate you and Thank you for keeping it real. ❤ P.S. I hope the neighbor is going to give you some free beef as an apology 😮.

[@ambergreen5531]

I would totally buy that book especially if there are pictures of you and your family chasing cows!😂

[@elizabethtaylor2272]

You worked your butt off and still getting things done cows, bunnies,mosquitoes are temporary clitche. Keep that wonderful funny sense of humor of yours and breath, take breaks whatever you need to do to carry on. We love ya girl!❤

[@kellielibera1075]

You are doing amazing and I have no doubt in my mind you will be fabulous in your future plans. I'll be here for it!!!

[@altheab.8907]

Oh, Nicole, what a horrible year on the farm. So much work. How frustrating. Sending big hugs and love. 💕 .

[@emandeli1585]

the zoom in to the two cows' faces was hilarious

[@michelewallace7]

This video today is why I watch you. It's your ❤️

[@cherigreen4471]

So sorry for this devastating loss, but you are so a strong, a brave gal and also kind and forgiving! Lots of love and hugs, 🥰

[@sarahobrien5393]

I’m sorry it was such a tough year!

[@Gardengrandma14]

I have been following you for sometime. I love your content because you are real. Thank you for sharing with us! Nevermind the naysayers 💙💙

[@cristincarlisle7675]

This spring summer season here in NC has been dismal to say the least! So much rain .. Then really high temps made powdery mildew a real challenge for me! Im hoping my fall flowers will save this season. We shall see.

[@norinenagle6730]

This year has been tough on the farm, but the Boone Street center seems to be booming. Make sure you watch Floret's videos about seed savings so you can decide which ones to save.

[@susancoffman6516]

Bless your heart! Keep up that positive attitude. You will do it!

[@tracienoda3212]

This year has had so many issues here too. The only thing keeping me positive is that there is always next year. Ugh. Sending hugs!! I totally get it!!! July and August I was in a dark space too. Thank god the dahlias are finally here.

[@MichelleSuggs-ls1ki]

So sorry this has been so difficult, you can’t control Mother Nature. You braved the mosquitoes too. Keep going we love watching

[@karenfreeman8331]

I have to say you did a better job with the floret seeds. I only got a dozen or so to bloom. I am not sure what I did. I am so sorry about what happened to you. I love your KZbin videos. You are awesome!

[@rebeccamclaughlin4992]

Nicole please try a thermacell sub mosquito unit! It totally works easy to move with you; protects a good size area around you! I was always getting ate alive , now I just charge it and take it out any time I’m outside! lol I’m not sponsored just a happy non-bitten gardener!

[@OkikaHawaii]

5:07 This sounds like a good flower farming kids book. 😅. With the way you said named off the different pests and issues.

[@brendachance7647]

Good to know on Floret, I'm also letting my Zinnia's go to seed.

[@zeniazenia2787]

I am so sorry. It was nice that you got some time to break, but I feel for you that you spent time starting seeds. Only goes up from here. God bless! beautiful bouquet’s

[@el0quentpilgrim]

love the ageratum, that color is amazing and looks beautiful with the zinnias ☀️🥰

[@cynthia3157]

Love how real you are. If you only presented perfect, I wouldn't even try. The cows were a surprise... had no idea you had cows near you. They are cute despite their shenanigans.

[@relaxingnatures81]

Don't give up..every body relates at you...this years season is very odd..thanks for sharing you're not alone experiencing struggles. You lift our spirits with your positive attitude. Keep going as are we❤❤❤

[@deej5884]

💪No backing down! You've got this, girl! You faced those adversities for a reason -- I truly believe that. Love the flowers! Love the videos! Keep up the amazing work. Stay "authentic".... always. 💜👍🏻🌸🌼 P.S.; Next year.... electric fence.... a low strand (rabbits!) & a higher strand (cows). Maybe you can try some silver strips attached to some stakes to help deter the deer??? There may be a better deer detterent option. 🤷‍♀️

[@kathykopacek9246]

Miss your cheery face but understandable you are a busy bee!! Your neighbors are super lucky to have your family as neighbors! Not all people would be tolerant of all that damage!! Cute cows Tho!! Glad to hear you are still going!! Not shocked!! 🤩🤩💪🏻

[@memethomas5402]

Oh my word...Gorgeous!!! I have Floret Flowers previous metals and i truly talk to them and say How beautiful each and everyone is. Save Save Floret Seeds this season. ..no seeds sale 2025.😢

[@igneousidol]

even the worst flower years look sweet, the cows are super cute, hopefully you can recoup their damage with video views and their owner paying you back

[@Anirras-got-a-bergenia]

I wasn't always a regular viewer foe this channel. After this episode, I sure will be now. Such a realistic view of how sometimes things can go really wrong, but that it will be OK. We never know "it will be ok," if we never talk about the times when it's not. If that makes sense.

[@Annastasia666]

Holy CRAP! Those hydrangeas are faboo!!! Sorry about the moo moo cow destruction. My issue was 2 months of HEAT. uugghh.

[@susanauer6715]

I lost my entire garden to grasshoppers! I replanted in August and am hoping to get some root crops. I live in the high desert.

[@HC123]

Showing up when you are able is more than enough!

[@sunmoonrise]

I will enjoy everything u put on here Nicole. sometimes when things is nowhere to be found just curious and worry but i do hope everything will be working for you.❤

[@serresaschrock2359]

All that added stress and pressure can make you sick just do what you can. Love you ❤

[@teresaedwards3659]

Thanks for the video !

[@eleanorroper5657]

*MOSQUITO TIP: Spray your cap, especially the brim with bug spray to keep the mosquitos off of your face. We also spray our "junk" shirt and pants to keep mosquitos at bay. It keeps us from having to spray our skin with the chemicals from the bug spray.

[@kelbysmiles]

Tough year in the north east. My floret zinnias couldn't grow tall enough and when they did, rabbits had a lovely feast. Then July was super hot, August was mild and September is being weird. My Dallas finally bloomed two weeks ago and the only annual that has. Loved the authenticity and can't wait for year 7!

[@MemoryLaneFarm]

I completely understand to frustration. I have a Shetland pony that has destroyed my veg garden this year. Didn't matter what kind of fence we built. She got in and over night ate a huge pea patch and ran through my greenhouse. She almost became pepperoni!!!!!!

[@sunitashastry5270]

Really to hear about your multiple disasters including the cows. How hard it must have been for you to see all your work being trampled on. I hope you have resolved the problem so it does not happen again. But your flowers look so gorgeous. Kudos!