First Week Impressions of Horticulture - an Intern's Perspective

As an almost graduated high school senior I was given the opportunity to intern with an organization of my choice, doing anything I could think of for the last three weeks of my high school experience. I wrestled with what I should do. I explored dietetic internships, and other organizations in an office setting, but nothing fell into place. With very little time left, Florence, the owner of Flo's Blossoms and Herbs, came to my rescue. She suggested I help her with her blossoming business. After some thought, I jumped on the idea, excited about doing something hands on and interactive. There were aspects of the internship that seemed familiar since I have been working at a local flower shop since my sophomore year of high school, and yet, as the first week of the internship has come to a close, I am realizing that starting a small buisness from the ground up is nothing like anything I have ever experienced before. Here is a short list of my impressions and surprises of horticulture and starting a business so far:

1. The Ability to be Flexible is Essential
After just one week of helping at the farm and brainstorming ideas for how Flo's Blossoms and Herbs should operate, I have already realized the importance of flexibility. For example, if a plant isn't doing well in its current location, then heck, why not move it and see if it does better in another place! There is nothing wrong with trial and error and without it we'd be stuck in our tracks not knowing the best way to proceed successfully. For instance, with it being the first year of Flo's Blossoms and Herbs operating as a Pick-Your-Own flower farm, we don't know the best way to operate when it comes to actually picking your own flowers. How will people know where to go? Will the instructions be clear? How should people pay? All of these questions are things we are thinking through and trying to plan for but in reality, our process may have to change after opening day. We don't know how everything will work, and that's okay. A flexible mindset will aid in the process. 

2. Set Boundaries or Prepare for Longggg Days...
There is always something that can be done on the farm. Whether is be pulling up those pesky weeds that seem to grow by the second, planting new plants and replanting old ones, mowing the lawn (whew! shoutout to Florence), thinking up new business strategies, or anything in between--there is always one more thing that can be accomplished before you call it quits for the day! The never-ending list can become a trap if you're not careful. A trap that could lead to dehydration, sunburn, and a growling tummy. I've embraced Florence's philosophy of calling it quits when the sun gets too hot (around 1pm), or else my first impressions of horticulture may look a little different...

3. Prepare for Failure
Going back to the importance of flexibility and trail and error, failure is a given. In both agriculture and starting a buisness, you will fail and it is important to know that going in. I have been impressed by the way Florence takes everything with a grain of salt and realizes that it takes time to get the hang of things. Not everything will bloom and grow the way you hoped, but that is expected and can be seen as a learning experience to help you for next year's planting. 

4. Quiet is a Blessing
I have found that driving 45 minutes to Warrenton is actually really enjoyable. There is something about driving alone with the windows rolled down and country music playing that is calming and peaceful. The Warrenton property itself is beautiful and such a treat in contrast to the noisy, crowded neighborhoods of Northern Virginia. The highlights of my first week were when I took a few minutes to stop working and break from from what I was doing, stop, and take in the sights, smells, and sounds around me. The farm is so still and life somehow seems slower there than life in the city. Upon reflecting, the small moments I took to realize these things have been a blessing.

Overall, my first week of my internship has been a positive experience. I haven't loved every task I have performed but I can say that I am very happy that I chose to help Florence with Flo's Flowers and Herbs my "Senior Experience" internship. I am looking forward to what the next two weeks has to bring!