My Farm Story
A journey of connection and kindness
Hi, I’m Carolyn, Owner & Farmer of Whipple Bee Flower Farm. Thank you for visiting!
Fifty and Farming and It Feels Great
I grew up in northeast Pennsylania, a beautiful area of farmland, forests, and nature preserves. My mom and dad, who enjoyed gardening and beekeeping who took me on overnight camping trips, canoeing, and birdwatching, inspired me to love and appreciate our natural surroundings. I studied environmental science and went on to serve as an environmental advocate and as a fundraiser for conservation non-profits, like the Appalachian Mountain Club.
As a young professional in Boston, I had little space to garden at my home. Fortunately, I was able to rent a community garden plot, where I began growing vegetables and flowers. I loved having my hands in the dirt and watching a seed grow into a vegetable. Nature in action!
When I moved to the North Shore, I volunteered with the New Entry Sustainable Farming Project, a program of Tufts University that provides support for people at who want to pursue farming. Their incubator farm at Moraine Farm n Beverly, Mass. leases small plots of land to new and beginning farmers.
I took New Entry’s business course for beginner farmers and said, “This is it! I want to farm.” In particular, I wanted to become a flower farmer because it aligned with my passion and interests. Ah, flowers!
After planting my first 500 specialty tulips in 2021, I leased a small plot of land at the incubator farm, where I learned to grow unique varieties of local, seasonal flowers using organic methods. I also studied with The Floret Workshop, Tulip Workshop, Association of Speciality Growers Association, and through a one-on-one farm mentorship in the field.
When I graduated from the New Entry incubator farm three years later, I transitioned to new land in Marblehead, thanks to the generosity and kindness of land hosts Susan and Jan at Five Foot Flower Farm. Growing flowers a short distance from where I live in Marblehead feels like home because it is my home.
I’m thrilled that I’ve been able to honor my family’s legacy and pursue this new career. I’m always looking for better ways to farm local flowers year-round, improve my business and environmental practices, delight my customers, and serve my community.
My journey has been full of ups, downs, surprises, and love. I wouldn’t be here without the support from Whipple Bee Flower Friends (thank you, loyal customers!), fellow small business owners, friends, family, and my husband Gary. I’m proud to say that I’m 50 and farming and it feels great.
The connection to community that comes from growing flowers is one of a kind. To share a smile, a conversation, and a laugh amongst neighbors, friends, and fellow business owners brings much joy.
Thank you for your kindness and sharing why flowers are important to you.
An ode to my mom and dad
My dad, Curt, was a hobby beekeeper who produced some of the most delicious honey I’ve ever tasted. During my visits home to Pennsylvania, we often talked about going into business together. He would sell honey and I’d help support his venture from afar. How fun would that be?
I helped him create labels for jars and Whipple Bee Honey was born. I had always envisioned being mentored by him and eventually having my own beekeeping endeavor.
My dad retired and shortly after passed away from cancer at the young age of 65. He would be 79 today. Whipple Bee Flower Farm is a tribute to him, the love he instilled in me for nature, the outdoors and gardening.
Whipple Bee Flower Farm’s Bloom Kindness Program embodies the generous spirit of my mom, Elaine. Each and every day, she sends a ripple of kindness into the world. Her simple gestures of kindness made me realize how impactful a thank you can be, so I integrated this practice into my business because kindness blooms kindness.
