In the Garden

The BearFamily Garden is a mix of pollinator friendly flowers, fruits & vegetables. In 2021 we added a row of raised beds, but for the most part we grow in deep black soil we inherited from the previous owners. In 2021 we designated one of our two plots to a cut flower garden for farmer’s market bouquets. In 2022 we added a third plot dedicated to growing zinnias and sunflowers. In 2024 we added an additional 35 peony plants where we used to have an overgrown raspberry patch. Get a behind the scenes view of the cutting garden on our Instagram page: @BearCountryBlooms. We use the produce we grow to make salsa, jelly, apple butter, breads and offer fresh produce and cut flower bouquets at the Cologne Farmer’s Market, the 212 Market in Norwood, and the Waconia Market. We also sell flowers, produce and bread from our farm stand. We use organic practices and organic seedlings but are not certified organic.

Visit the BearFamily Garden on Instagram

TAKE A STROLL THROUGH PAST GARDENS 2009-2013 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024

In 2014 I started documenting what was blooming at our new house. I wanted to build a library of images & names to go with them so I could learn #whatsdointhebloomin . It has grown into a way for me to track the differences from one growing season to another and as I had hoped, I can look up the name of a plant I’ve forgotten. Over the years I have expanded, tamed, & added to the original flower beds. At last count over 200 plants flower throughout our yard. It took a leap of faith to leave the incredible backyard we had at the campground, but God has blessed us beyond our wildest dreams with our new backyard filled with flowers, fruit trees, & rich soil.

Desktop View: Click on an image to bring up a larger view. The name of the plant appears when you hover the mouse over the image. Mobile view: Tap a photo to bring up a larger view. If you want to read the captions as you scroll through tap the little dot in the lower right hand corner of your phone screen.