Welcome to the very first post on the new blog! In the past, you’ve received simple email updates, but moving forward, all of those updates — stories from the field, lessons learned, seasonal musings, and behind-the-scenes glimpses — will live here. Think of this as my shared garden journal that will also include bits about my creative practices, life, and more.

I feel this every year, but goodness, this one has truly flown by. The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of bed turnovers and planting all my cold-hardy annuals. I’ve only dabbled in cool flowers and bulbs over the past two winters, so I’m both excited and a little nervous about the potential for spring blooms. A few lessons have already been learned, and I’m doing my best to take them in stride. Planning is essential, but it can’t prepare you for a mouse nibbling through five trays of seedlings, poppies refusing to germinate, or suddenly realizing you don’t have quite enough space for all the extras you grew “just in case”.

In a recent conversation, I found myself reflecting on how farming requires you to think one or two seasons ahead, yet the work itself keeps you grounded in the present. And while it is still (much to my dismay) unseasonably warm, I’m delighted to see the first peeks of green from my ranunculus and anemone corms, to hear the crunch of dried leaves under my feet, and to soak in the rich colors of the season. I know a small window of rest is on the horizon, brief and fleeting as it may be, and I plan to savor every moment of it.

This week at garden party:

This week I get to start the process of washing and sanitizing all of my seed trays and pots in preparation for the summer annuals that I'll be starting after the first of the year. It’s a pretty mind-numbing task that I’m surprisingly looking forward to. Perfectly suited for popping in my AirPods and enjoying a solid playlist or podcast, this will generally take me almost a full day to complete.

I’m also going to be preparing all of my dahlia tubers that I dug up a couple of weekends ago for storage. My initial plan was to divide them before storing but I think I may save that for a late, rainy winters day. After all, there is no shortage of work to be done and I should probably tackle the outdoor tasks before the real cold sets in.

field focus:

Field Focus is where I share practical insights, tips, and creative ideas related to gardening and lifestyle.

This week is all about Leaf Season! We get to experience the incredible gift that is watching the full life cycle of the plants around us and part of that is many of them shedding their leaves. So why should you leave as much as you can in your yard and garden?

First, Leaves create free mulch.

Fallen leaves break down into a nutrient-rich mulch that helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds, all without spending a dime.

Second, Leaves improve your soil health.

As leaves decompose, they add organic matter that improves soil structure, boosts fertility, and increases microbial activity. It’s one of the easiest ways to nurture long-term soil health.

Third, Leaves provides habitat for Wildlife.

Butterflies, moths, fireflies, beneficial insects, amphibians and reptiles overwinter in leaf litter. Leaving your leaves supports the entire ecosystem, especially the pollinators that rely on this shelter to survive.

**Southern Two-lined Salamander** (*Eurycea cirrigera*). These little babies are semi-aquatic and often live near streams or wet areas, generally under leaf litter or logs.

Fourth, Leaves protect plant roots in Winter.

A natural blanket of leaves insulates the soil, helping protect tender roots from freeze-thaw cycles and temperature swings.

I know it can be difficult to reframe our thinking surrounding what an aesthetic lawn or garden may look like. If leaving a blanket of leaves feels like it is outside the realm of what you can visually tolerate, even moving them into your beds or creating a pile in a forgotten corner of your yard is a huge step in the right direction. Leaving leaves in place keeps them out of landfills (where they create methane) and cuts down on the energy used for bagging and transporting yard waste. It’s a simple climate-friendly choice that benefits all.

a creative practice:

A Creative Practice is my way of honoring that I am a multidimensional person who is ever-curious and the most fulfilled when I am intentional and making space for creating through various mediums. It’s a space to share my work outside of farming, what is inspiring me, processes, experiments, and the joy of learning new skills.

This week, my creative practice includes working on a piece for an upcoming show I’m part of, “Under Heaven, Over Hell.” Most of my past work has been mixed-media pieces on paper and canvas, but I’m trying something completely new for this show after being inspired by our Halloween Demogorgon build (yes, the Stranger Things one! Check it out here). It’s my first time participating in a themed event, and it’s been both energizing and creatively challenging in all the best ways. I highly encourage you to check out the show as it will feature work from more than 39 incredibly talented artists. I’m looking forward to sharing more on my creative process and the finished piece with you once it is complete.

The Details:
Join us at **1828 Coffee** for ‘Under Heaven, Over Hell Art Show’ where artists interpret songs from the Florence + the Machine’s Compilation album “Under Heaven, Over Hell” and present their works. Each piece will dive into the tracks of the album which are filled with poetic and mystical imagery and contain themes of love, loss, spirituality, and personal transformation.
**Opening Reception: December 6, 2025 at 3 p.m.**
**Show Duration: December 1, 2025 thru December 31, 2025.**

HIGHLIGHTS + headaches:

From the joys, the eye-rolls, the current vibes, what I’m loving, or totally over, this section is a playful snapshot of life’s ups, downs, and everything in between.

Grateful For:
Rest that I forced myself to take on Sunday.
Loving Right Now:
Christmas is on the horizon! Bring on the crafts, baking, and decorating.
Listening To:
Lily Allen West End Girl on REPEAT
Watching:
Rewatching Stranger Things to prepare for the final season release next week. I also recently watched Frankenstein and thought it was beautiful and tragic. Costuming is 10/10.
Trend I Hate:
Honestly, if I see one more GLP-1 commercial…
Trend I Secretly Love:
The Vanity Fair Hollywood Issue social media promo is doing the Lord’s work in these trying times.
Craving:
Ghia NA Apertifs with a 1906 Off-Duty shot
Learning:
I’ve been playing with creating miniature gardens in containers with succulents and cacti and its made me want to explore this more with ferns and moss gardens as well.
Wishing For:
My “Unicorn” property for expanding Garden Party. If you have an urban lot available, I'd love to chat!
Current Vibe:
Settling into slowing down for a bit.

Featured Product:

Quick View

Large Dried Arrangement

$45.00

A big, beautiful bundle of dried flowers full of cozy fall vibes. Features golden grasses, warm tones, and plenty of texture from preserved blooms and seed pods, this bouquet comes with extra long stems so that you can cut it down to fit your vessel perfectly. Photo showcases 4 arrangements in the basket. Combine multiple for an especially lush statement piece!

upcoming events + availability

Seed Starting Workshop | Nov. 22

$40.00

Seed Starting Workshop
November 22, 9 a.m.- 11 a.m.
Location: Garden Party
Griffin, GA (address will be sent with confirmation email)

This workshop will guide you through the basics of starting seeds successfully! From understanding seed packets, choosing the right soil, light & temperature needs, to seedling care, you’ll walk away with a comprehensive understanding of how to create the perfect environment for your seeds to thrive!

Hands-On Activity: Starting Your Seeds
Each participant will plant a selection of seeds in compostable trays to take home.This class is recommended for ages 13+.

We will be providing all materials, including a take-home resource guide and offering complimentary water and coffee. Please bring your own refillable water bottle AND coffee mug.

NOW BOOKING 2026: SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS + GARDEN DESIGN CONSULTS

Connect with me here if you’re interested in learning more or scheduling!

local love:

The businesses, events, and creatives who make our community shine. From makers and growers to artists and local gems, this section highlights the people and places I admire and love to support. Check out these fun Pop-Ups happening this week!

As always, thank you for being apart of my journey!

xx,

Claire

dig into it 001: welcome to my new blog