A Heartfelt Thank You!

Written By Chase McMahon

As I wrap up another season, and my first in Montana, I’ve been reflecting on what makes this work so meaningful to me. There are all the flowers of course, with their colors, their fragrances, and their fleeting beauty. I think what truly makes this work so fulfilling though is feeling a part of such a wonderful community. From the first bouquet I wrapped to the last stem sold at the farmer’s market, I have felt the support of the Missoula community every step of the way this Summer. This season has been filled with countless small moments that have added up to something so special to me. The excitement on your faces at the farmers market when you’re picking out your flowers, the kind words you share on social media, the friends and family you send my way. Each one of these gestures is a reminder that this isn’t just about growing flowers, it’s about growing community.

I have been blown away by the way Missoula has embraced my flowers and my business. When I show up at a pop-up or market, or deliver a bouquet, I’m met with such enthusiasm and a genuine desire to connect. Time and time again, you’ve shown that you’re not just buying flowers; you’re supporting the soil they’re grown in, the hands that tend them, and the dream that started this business. That kind of support is rare, and it means the absolute world to me!

There is also something uniquely Missoulian about the way this community rallies around small businesses and creators. Every week at the market, I see familiar faces who come back

to get their flowers. I’ve had friends and customers stop by to check in on how the season is going, to ask about what’s blooming next, or simply to say hi! Not to mention the incredible makers community I’m reminded of every time I drop off bouquets at Missoula Makers! These moments of encouragement and support truly are what keep me going sometimes and carry me through the long days.

This season has reminded me that flowers are more than decorations. They mark celebrations, soothe grief, add color to milestones, build community, and turn ordinary days into something special. So today, I just want to take a moment to say thank you, Missoula! Thank you for cheering me on, for showing up with open hearts, for spreading the word about my little business, and for believing in the value of locally grown flowers. Your enthusiasm gives me energy and motivation for next season, your encouragement fuels my creativity, and your kindness makes all the hard work worth it. And this is just my first season here; I can’t wait for the many seasons to come!

Fall Work in the Field

Now for some fall farm updates! The field is starting to shift from it’s summer abundance into a quieter, slower season. While it might look like the farm is winding down, fall is actually one of the busiest times of the year. This is when I do a lot of the behind-the-scenes work that ensures the soil, seeds, and plants are ready to burst back to life come spring. This is especially crucial in Western Montana where the actual growing season is a bit shorter.

One of the most exciting (and kind of nerve-wracking) parts of fall work is direct sowing seeds right into the field. This year I’m focusing on growing more native flowers like lupine, coneflower, blanket flower, and solidago. These native flowers not only thrive in this climate, but also when planted in the cool fall soil they can germinate just enough to hold through the winter and then bolt ahead in the spring as soon as the snow melts. This will allow me to get a little bit of an earlier start next season if all goes to plan! I’ll also be planting a few Ranunculus corms and perennial starts from the local nursery (shout out to Caras Nursery) that benefit from a cold season in the ground. It’s a way of trusting the natural

cycles, planting now so the flowers can wake up stronger and earlier next year. It feels a little counterintuitive to plant seeds just as the rest of the farm is going dormant, but this method mimics what nature has always done; dropping seeds in autumn to rest and wait for the right conditions to bloom.

Right now, I’m also in the thick of seed saving. As many of the summer flowers dry down and go to seed, I carefully collect pods and seed heads to organize and store for next season. There’s something very satisfying about this full-circle moment: the same zinnias or marigolds that bloomed all summer long are now offering up seeds that will become next year’s crop! It’s a much more sustainable practice by creating a closed loop where each season provides for the next. Over time, these saved seeds become even better suited to our soil and climate, making them hardier and more resilient!

The last step of the fall to do’s will be to cover the field with silage tarps. Healthy soil is the foundation of any flower farm and fall is the perfect time to give it a boost. After clearing out annuals and making any soil amendments necessary, the fields will be covered to rest through the winter. This layer will protect the soil from erosion, suppresses winter weeds, and helps lock in moisture. Even more importantly, tarping can help produce more nitrogen, creating more rich, fertile ground to plant into come spring. It’s not beautiful buckets of flowers this month but this work is every bit as important and satisfying. The rhythms of farming follow the rhythms of nature, and fall is about preparation and rest. By taking the time to sow, save, cover, and care for the soil now, I’m setting the stage for next year’s plethora of beautiful blooms!

What’s Next at Beverly Blooms

Here’s what’s coming up next for BB:

2026 CSA Subscriptions will be available in December! Keep an eye out for news and announcements at the start of the month, you don’t want to miss out on a spot for next year’s harvest.

Dried Flower Wreaths are now available, perfect for bringing a little piece of BB into your home year-round. Grab your wreath at one of the following places this season:

  • Order online for local delivery or nationwide shipping, in the BB Shop

Sign up for the monthly email newsletter below to be the first to hear when CSA spots open, where wreaths are available, and other exciting news!

With gratitude,

Chase

Chase McMahon
Next

Slow Transitions of September