Good morning! A day at The Petal Manor flower farm starts with feeding the dog, barn cat, and 15 chickens while coffee brews. And while you’re out . . .

Check: Are any flowers at their peak? Harvest those right away. That way, the blooms will stay pretty in their vases as long as possible.

Next, water. Give the plants a good drink.

Weed.

Sow some new seeds.

Now for some problem solving. Hopefully, the cat has kept pests away and fertilizer (courtesy of the chickens!) has your blooms growing beautifully.

Check the weather. What’s coming? Freezing temperatures? High winds?

Have moles or chickens . . . or the dog . . . dug up any precious plants? Did deer and rabbits nibble flowers in the night?

These problems make flower farming a challenge.

“This process has taught me about patience,” says Mrs. Goff. “Everything grows and blooms in its own time. Seeds are planted and grow at all different rates. I think God does that with people.”

God designs every single, short-lived flower. “I believe God put flowers on this Earth to remind us about the joy and beauty that is all around,” says Mrs. Goff, “but also how delicate and fragile life can be.”

Build a Bouquet with Mrs. Goff

Mrs. Goff is a pastor’s wife and mom of two who has always had a green thumb. She loves to see the joy flowers bring. Sunflowers are Mrs. Goff’s favorite to grow. Freesias are her favorite to smell. Carnations, with their sturdy stems, are her favorite to design bouquets with. Try fashioning your own bouquet. Follow her tips:

1. Start with a vase.

2. Pick a single flower for the focus of your bouquet.

3. Bring in texture—flowers or foliage with shapes different from your focal flower.

4. Add greenery.

5. Remember: There’s no wrong way. Do what brings a smile to your face.