J and Kristen Farmer - at Hope Dahlias... in Grand Rapids MI

Hope Dahlias- Kristen Farmer and Barb Esch

I met these two wonderful ladies many years ago… and we share an Obsession for Dahlias! They have taken it to a whole new level- and it’s an amazing story. A Story of Hope- and an obsession turned reality. Let’s start at the beginning… it’s always a good place to start.

Kristen Farmer and her Mom- Barb grow Dahlias at Hope Dahlias

Kristen Farmer and her Mom- Barb grow Dahlias at Hope Dahlias

I have frequented the Fulton Street Farmers Market for over a decade- and in the late summer- Hamilton Dahlia Farm would set up a stand- and sell their cut dahlias for $1-$3 a stem- this was incredible- and I would come every week and fill my buckets with dahlias. I became so fascinated with Hamilton Dahlia Farm- that I wanted to do a documentary about them… and there was a rich history- and stories that involved the Kellogg’s Cereal Company- you can watch the documentary here… and learn more about those stories… Alas- all good things come to an end- and Hamilton Dahlia Farm is now closed. That’s a bit of ground work…

These Dahlias are part of the Cactus Variety that are grown at Hope Dahlias

These Dahlias are part of the Cactus Variety that are grown at Hope Dahlias

In or around the closing of Hamilton Dahlias- I ran into a beautiful young lady one day at the farmers market… she was selling dahlias from a Farm called Hope Dahlias. This young lady was Kristen Farmer- and her mom – Barb Esch- had recognized me from my local TV appearances- and local home and garden shows… and Barb was a fan… and wanted to meet me- so she sent Kristen over to introduce herself.

It’s important to note- that Barb is the behind the scenes lady… she LOVES Growing Flowers- it’s her passion- she was (until last year a full time Nurse) She is sweet, quiet and hard working… she doesn’t like the “spotlight”- a camera or video crew… that is why you will only see Kristen on Life in Bloom!  Barb hides when I get out my phone- just sayin’ but at the same time- this is the kindest- most down to earth- generous woman you have every met… We always share a hug- and visit about my travels and escapades… we laugh and giggle- and she always tries to give me free flowers- and tries not to take my money for flowers…It’s all the things I love about Barb… she’s My Dahlia MOM!

Dahlia Detail- from Hope Dahlias... every bloom is magical!

Dahlia Detail- from Hope Dahlias… every bloom is magical!

So back to the story- Kristen introduced herself- and her Mom- and her dahlias- and that was that… I was head over heels in love with Hope Dahlias… and their concept… They are flower growers- and they LOVE to grow flowers, make bouquets and sell them at the farmers market. For them it’s full circle- doing something they love- creating something beautiful- and sharing it with the world.

I asked- “why is your farm called Hope Dahlias?”- Kristen said that the idea of starting to grow dahlias- was part distraction- and part money maker- as stated Barb is a full time nurse- an Oncology Nurse- very stressful- and Barb’s husband- (Kristen’s Dad) was an over the road truck driver- so the Flowers Farming helped relieve stress for mom- and provide a little extra cash from time to time…

What she didn’t tell me immediately- was Barb would often invite or encourage her oncology patients – to come and pick some dahlias in her backyard – partly for fun and mostly for distraction during difficult times (the farm is located- right behind Barb’s house… it’s not a commercial farm- it’s a private residence with a HEAVENLY garden… filled to the brim with Dahlias)  Barb would share her flowers freely – to give her patients HOPE… Barb knew full well the power of flowers when it comes to health and wellness benefits- and that’s why she started Hope Dahlias .. to offer Hope- to Share Joy… to create Flower Power!

When you're surrounded by Dahlias- you can help but make arrangements!

When you’re surrounded by Dahlias- you can help but make arrangements!

There is always a bucket under the table at their stand- with a few blooms- special ones- that Barb has picked for me… she knows I love the Laceniated Varieties (the ones that look like they have been shredded… ) or a NEW variety she’s trailing- that’s what I mean when I say she’s my Dahlia Mom! She’ll tell you straight up- “those aren’t for sale- they’re for J”!

Kristen is a dental hygienist – busy during the week- but Flower Bouquet Maker Extraordinaire – she also loves the Market – telling her customers about the flowers or trying out a new recipe and seeing how the crowd reacts… she’s the outgoing one… and we have coffee dates every once in a while and just talk about the world of flowers- or New Ideas- promotion ideas… or life and raising two little Bright Girls… they are my friends- and my flower farmers.

There's nothing quite like filming in the Flowers- what a treat to introduce you to Kristen Farmer and Hope Dahlias on this week's show!

There’s nothing quite like filming in the Flowers- what a treat to introduce you to Kristen Farmer and Hope Dahlias on this week’s show!

Hope Dahlias- is a special place- a personal residence and flower farm- where two Beautiful Powerful Women- cultivate their passion for flowers-  quietly creating magical memory filled bouquets- you can take home! Flowers that impart happiness, health and wellness… Bunches of Dahlias – filled with joy- and HOPE!

I love these Ladies- and I hope you enjoy meeting Kristen- and one day get a chance to experience your own bunch of Hope Dahlias- they’ll quickly find a place in your home and in your heart!