The Magic of April
There’s a particular kind of magic that arrives in April. The way the light lingers a little longer in the evening, the softening and warming of the soil, the return of the birds singing in the mornings. Here in Western Montana, spring doesn’t rush in, we almost always have a “fake spring” and a spring snowfall, but that allows us to fully appreciate every moment of this transition. As a flower farmer and florist, I’ve learned to meet nature where it is. By April, the greenhouse is full and alive! Trays upon trays of seedlings are growing. With just a few more seeds to start in the greenhouse (zinnias and cosmos) and even more to direct sow into the field this month (sunflowers, bells of Ireland, dill, nigella). This is the final push of seed starting, where I make sure all of the final, warm-season, annuals are underway and prepared for the months ahead.
Each crop has its purpose. Zinnias for vibrant summer bouquets, cosmos for their airy movement, sunflowers for their bold, joyful presence. Bells of Ireland add that unique green texture that I love so much, and dill is both fragrant and whimsical bringing a soft fullness to any arrangement. There’s a rhythm that I fall into this time of year: seeding, watering, monitoring temperature, adjusting airflow. It’s meticulous but deeply satisfying.
Field work is also in full swing! Out in the field, April is where the real groundwork happens, literally. As soon as the soil is workable, I begin with soil testing and amendments. Understanding what the soil needs allows us to grow stronger, healthier plants. Whether it’s adding compost or manure, balancing nutrients, or improving soil structure, this step sets the tone for the entire season. Luckily, each year the soil should get better and better. Between the amendments made in the previous year and the plants that have been actively growing in the space, the soil is already in a better place than it was a year ago! I’ll be conducting an at home soil test this month to determine what additives are needed, then will till the soil to mix in those nutrients and soften the soil to get it ready for transplanting next month!
I’ll also begin setting up low tunnels, which are essential for early planting in Montana. I learned a lot in my first year growing in this new climate. With such a short growing season, you have to find ways to extend your season, even if nature has other plans. This year, I’m using these low tunnels to help trap heat, protect against wind, and create a more stable environment for direct-sown seeds and early transplants coming out of the greenhouse. Even with these tunnels, I will still need to watch the weather, gauge soil temperature, and trust the experience I have. It’s a constant cycle of trying new things, observing, and learning as I go.
While it may just be the beginning, I’m always thinking about what this is all for and what’s to come this season. It’s the time things begin to pick up. This is the time when I’m actively preparing for everything coming up. Not just the farming but also doing final preparations for upcoming weddings, markets, and workshops. Seeds I’m planting now will become the blooms in someone’s wedding bouquet. The beds I’m preparing will supply the BB market booth with color and texture. The ideas forming now will shape the workshops and experiences I’ll offer later in the year.
Lastly, I’m so excited to be expanding Beverly Blooms to offer personalized home garden consultations! This is an opportunity to bring the same thoughtful, flower-forward approach I use on the farm into your own space. As I continue to lean more into the farming side of this business, which is the part I feel most connected to and inspired by, I love helping others experience the joy of growing, whether that’s a small cutting garden for fresh bouquets or a more intentional, beautiful landscape. These consultations are designed to meet you where you are and help you move forward with clarity and confidence, with tailored recommendations based on your light, soil, and goals. My hope is to help you create a garden that feels abundant, personal, and rooted in the rhythms of the season. If you have a garden space (or spaces) that you want to improve but don’t know where to start, this is for you! Complete a Garden Consultation Questionnaire to get the process started!
That’s all for this month! April is a reminder that growth doesn’t happen all at once. It’s built through tiny seeds, prepared soil, and a steady effort day after day. There’s still the possibility of frost. There are unpredictable weather shifts. There are moments where it feels like everything is moving too slowly. But underneath it all, things are happening and I’m learning to trust the process more each year. Systems are waking up and the season is beginning. So, here’s to the start of spring, to the work that sets the foundation, and to everything that’s coming this season!
Chase
