Name and Position:
Sarah Graves, Farmer and Owner of The Magic Bean Farm
Please briefly describe your business:
The Magic Bean Farm is a very small flower and herb farm specializing in fresh and dried flowers and wreaths. This farm actually started as a wreath operation, using evergreens from overgrown trees that I planted with my Dad on his property, about 25 years ago. The Magic Bean Farm is operated primarily by me, Sarah, though during wreath harvest I get a lot of help from my partner, Dave. In the summer I offer a local flower CSA and I dry flowers to use in floral wreaths. Wreaths and dried flowers have helped me extend the already short growing season, which in turn lets me spend lots of time with my two kids.
In what ways has the FTY partnership supported your farm/business' growth?
The Magic Bean Farm is a very small farm, located on .75 acres with an additional plot of trees used for harvesting evergreens at my Dad's house. Farmers To You lets the Magic Bean Farm extend our reach all the way to Boston, a market that would be entirely out of reach otherwise. It can be really difficult to find new places to sell your products and I love that Farmers To You gives small operations, like mine, space to grow.
What is your favorite product?
I'd have to say the wreaths. They smell so good and working with evergreens puts me in a festive mood!
What brings you the most joy in your work?
The absolute best part of farming is spending so much time outside, not tethered to a desk. This work involves lots of moving pieces and organization and it's fun to switch from the creative work of bouquets to mapping out garden plans, ordering seeds or marketing my products. There is always something to do and it never gets boring! I'm so grateful that this job also allows me the flexibility to spend time with my children.
Anything else you would like to share with our community?
I often think about where my wreaths end up and who is using them to decorate and celebrate the season. We all have different holiday rituals and I'm so grateful to be a part so many families' traditions. It's really special and I don't take it for granted when someone chooses a Magic Bean Farm wreath to decorate their door. It's such a good reminder that we are all connected. Thank you!
Don't forget to share your recipes and photos with us! We love to see what you're making with your farm fresh ingredients each week. Share your recipes to info@farmerstoyou.com or add your photos to social media and tag us!
