Anne's Top 5 of 2025

If you’ve been hanging out here for a while, you’ll know that flowers and people are two of my very favoritest things. This year was literally busting at the seams with both. Here’s a list of the five things that are top of mind as I think about my happiest moments doing my jam this past year (spoiler: last one’s my favorite).

#1: Hybridizer Day with Kristine & Brion Albrecht and Hailey Sly 

Our first event we’ve ever done like this! It was a day filled with meaningful connections, lots of hugs, dahlia inspiration and a crazy amount of beautiful flowers. Kristine and Hailey lovingly shared their hybridizing wisdom and answered tons of questions from the attendees. The table was covered with upcoming seedlings and new releases from both hybridizers; it was eye candy and soul candy wrapped in one. I also loved the chance to walk the dahlia rows with Brion while listening to his bubbling, fascinating and informational commentary. It was like hanging out with Bill Nye the Science Guy and a dahlia-loving Mr. Rodgers. I left feeling so much appreciation for all the hard work these three have done and full of love for these beautiful humans. Plans are already in the works for events with these three at the field this coming Labor Day weekend🥳 Stay tuned!

#2: The Dahlia House Retreat in the Flowers

Speaking of new events, we were able to offer our first on-farm 3 full-day flower retreat and, all I can say is goodness gracious (or maybe more appropriately, Gracious Goodness💛), it was incredible. The theme was “Rest, Play, Create” which means we had the permission and the opportunity and the space to do all three. Think long strolls in the field, unrushed bouquet making, slow morning coffee, lingering over yummy dinners and basking in the unique Skagit Valley sunsets at golden hour. I made some very dear new friends, and in a word, it was dreamy. 

#3: Focus on Farming Conference

I was asked to speak this year at the Focus on Farming Conference here in Washington state this past November which was an unexpected highlight for me this year. It was a full day of classes covering the ins and outs of flower farming from the ground up. I was tasked with teaching everything from building your brand to business planning to marketing to tuber management to season extension. Though I’d never spoken about any of those things before, I dove in head first and ended up loving the process of thinking through it all. One of my favorite snippets from one of the morning sessions was the following:

”The more you get to know the awesomely unique person you are, the uniqueness of your situation, your superpowers, your village, your environment…the better you’ll be able to build something sustainable, something that serves you as you serve others. Something you’re uniquely capable of rocking.” 

I don't have a picture of the conference, but here is a River Merle flat lay, because who doesn't want to look at that?

#4: Reorganizing my pantry & a dedicated work room

No, this is not a typo. But why in the world did this make my list? Because figuring out how to find harmony in what I give to my family and to my business has not always been easy and it has sometimes felt like we’re living in utter chaos. Running a business out of your home is harder than I feel like it should be (read sometimes there’s not a single organized spot in my entire house). 

But GUYS, 

My pantry is currently organized and, for the first time ever, we have a dedicated Dahlia House work room in the basement (so Kristin doesn't have to divide all our tubers at my kitchen sink). 

I’d say it’s the little things but honestly, this feels massive to me. 

Saving the best for last: (Drumrolllllll……)

#5: Getting to work alongside Taylor♥️

My husband Taylor and I have always dreamt of getting the chance to work together. He’s had the same job for the past 24 years (which has enabled me to do all these crazy flower shenanigans). Can you see where this is going? I’m ridiculously happy to report (realizing “happy” might sound “crazy”) that his position at work was eliminated a few months ago and since then we’ve been Dahlia-Housing-it-up together over here! Which (most of the time) means we’re having a blast! We have big dreams and high hopes of making this a permanent thing. Though we don’t know exactly how long we’ll be able to ride this wave, for now, we’re having as much fun working together as humanly possible. It’s the actual best and I love him so much. 

So, there’s my top 5. 

I feel so incredibly fortunate. Being able to spend my time investing in growing beautiful flowers and encouraging beautiful people is an indescribable privilege. Thanks so much for growing with us. 

Here’s to more love, more growing and new adventures in 2026!

xo,

Anne