The science behind the beautiful eggs from Serenity Hill Flower Farm If you've ever opened a carton of farm-fresh eggs and discovered blues, greens, creams, and deep chocolate browns inside, you might wonder: Why do chickens lay different colored eggs? At Serenity Hill Flower Farm , our hens produce a rainbow of eggs every day. These beautiful colors aren’t from dyes or special feed — they come directly from the breed of chicken . Some of our rainbow color eggs. Just like fl

There’s something about maple syrup that feels so nostalgic to me. I remember taking a tractor ride out to the woods with my grandfather in northern WI to watch him make maple syrup. Maybe it’s the slow process. Maybe it’s the way it connects us to the trees, the seasons, and the quiet work of early spring. Or maybe it’s simply that rich, golden sweetness we’ve all come to love. But here’s something that truly surprised me as we made our very first batch here at Serenity Hi

When people visit a flower farm, they often assume every flower begins the same way—with a seed. While many plants do start from seed, flower farmers actually grow plants using several different methods. Each method has its own advantages and is suited to different types of plants. Understanding these differences helps gardeners know how plants grow, why some flowers appear earlier than others, and why certain plants must be stored over winter in colder climates like Northern

If you’ve ever seen a tray of microgreens, you might be surprised that something so small could hold so much nutrition. These tiny seedlings—harvested just days after germination—are one of the most nutrient-dense foods you can add to your diet. At Serenity Hill Flower Farm, microgreens are one of our favorite winter crops to grow. They’re vibrant, fresh, and bursting with flavor—and they pack an incredible nutritional punch. Nutritional Superfood: Fresh micro greens from our

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There’s something wonderfully satisfying about stepping outside, snipping a handful of fresh herbs, and bringing the flavors and fragrance of your garden straight into your kitchen. Herbs are some of the easiest and most rewarding plants to grow , making them perfect for new gardeners and seasoned growers alike. Below: Here is a picture of my favorite herb VegTrug that was a lovely gift from my kiddos. Even better, many herbs serve double duty —they enhance recipes, attract p

If you’ve ever started seeds in plastic trays and felt frustrated by tangled roots, flimsy seedlings, or stacks of empty pots headed for the landfill — there is a better way. It’s called soil blocking , and once you try it, you may never go back. At Serenity Hill Flower Farm, soil blocking has become one of our favorite ways to start strong, healthy seedlings — and we’re excited to teach you how. What Is Soil Blocking? Soil blocking is a seed-starting method that eliminates p

If you’ve been hearing the buzz about CSAs and wondering what it actually means — you’re not alone. At Serenity Hill Flower Farm , our Spring Tulip and Summer Mixed Bouquet CSAs are called our Bloom Clubs. Our Bloom Clubs are so much more than just beautiful flowers. They’re about connection. Community. Commitment. And yes… buckets of breathtaking blooms. Let’s dig in. What is a CSA? CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture . It’s a simple but powerful idea: Members p

We’ve all done it — grabbed a bouquet at the grocery store because the colors were irresistible or because we needed a little beauty on the kitchen counter. And then… three days later… droopy stems. Cloudy water. Petals falling. Some February store-bought tulips on my counter. The good news is you can dramatically extend the life of your grocery store flowers with just a little intentional care. Here’s how. 1. Start with a Clean Vase (Always) Bacteria is the number one reason

Winter sowing in Zone 5b | Cold-climate seed starting at Serenity Hill Flower Farm, Harvard, Illinois There is something deeply comforting about planting seeds in the quiet of winter. Here at  Serenity Hill Farm in Harvard, Illinois (Zone 5b) , winter sowing has become one of my favorite ways to begin the growing season long before the fields wake up in spring. While the garden may be resting under snow and ice, hope is already taking root. One of my favorite ways to begin a

During this harsh winter season when we have -35F wind chills, I frequently get asked this question: “How do you care for and keep all the chickens warm in the winter months?” The short answer? They’re doing just fine—actually, better than fine. Think less  “all cooped up”  and more living the good life in a Cadillac. Our happy hens on a frigid January day with a -35F windchill. Chickens Are Built for Winter (Really!) One of the biggest misconceptions about chickens is that t

What is Horticulture? Horticulture is the big picture. It’s the science and art of growing plants for human use and enjoyment. Fruits, vegetables, herbs, trees, shrubs, ornamentals, greenhouse systems, soils, water, pests, seasons… horticulture connects it all. When I studied horticulture, I was learning how ecosystems function: How soil health affects everything above it How plants respond to light, temperature, and water How regenerative practices support long-term sustaina