65 Years Young

A Week of Dahlias, Gratitude, and Birthday Blessings

Today, March 14th, I celebrate 65 years young.

Birthdays have a way of inviting reflection, and this one feels especially meaningful because it arrives at the end of an incredibly full and joyful week here at Flaming Acres Dahlias.

Earlier this week, on March 9th, something very special began — the first shipments of our dahlia tubers started making their way across the country. Packages headed out to California and Florida carrying with them the promise of summer blooms.

Even as I write this, I find myself checking the tracking updates, watching as each box moves closer to its destination.

Shipping tubers for the first time brought a steep learning curve. There were many details to figure out — how to pack efficiently, how to label everything clearly, and how to ensure each tuber arrived safely after traveling hundreds of miles.

Because I’ve purchased tubers from other growers over the years, I thought a lot about what makes the unpacking experience easier for gardeners.

One thing I wanted to avoid was the familiar moment of squinting at a tuber trying to read a tiny stamped name — sometimes even reaching for a magnifying glass — only to still be unsure of the variety.

So I made sure every tuber was individually packaged and clearly labeled on the outside, making it simple to identify each variety at a glance.

Each tuber was carefully nestled in vermiculite, which keeps it clean and protected. The packets were then wrapped in butcher paper, providing another layer of insulation to help buffer temperature changes during transit.

Every step was taken with one goal in mind:that when our customers open their box, they feel the same excitement and care that went into packing it.

A Wonderful Community Moment

Last Saturday also brought a highlight of the week — the Seed Swap at Franz Witte Garden Center in Nampa.

It was a joyful morning filled with gardeners, seed packets, conversation, and the shared excitement of the upcoming growing season.

I was able to give away 125 dahlia tuber packets, and in return I gathered a wonderful assortment of seeds for my own garden this year. Events like this remind me how generous and enthusiastic the gardening community truly is.

A Creative Project in the Middle of It All

Another project that kept me busy this week was designing the flyer for the upcoming Kaylee Jade Event, which will take place on May 9th at Franz Witte.

Design work is always more fun when family is involved, and I was grateful for the creative help of my daughter Ashley as we worked through the layout together.

Birthday Blessings

And now today — my birthday.

Throughout the day I’ve received sweet messages from friends and family:cards, e-cards, videos, songs, and thoughtful notes.

One moment especially touched my heart.

My 91-year-old Dad joined my Mom in singing the final line of Happy Birthday to me. Hearing their voices together in that simple moment was a gift I will treasure.

Tonight, Dion and I are heading downtown for dinner and a rom-com movie, which sounds like the perfect way to celebrate.

And the celebration continues tomorrow with a family barbecue, with the promise of beautiful weather and time outdoors together.

A Very Blessed Season of Life

As I look around at the life God has given us — family, flowers, friendships, and meaningful work — I can only say this:

This is a very blessed season of life.

There is deep joy in watching something grow — whether it is a garden, a small farm dream, or the relationships that surround us.

And today, I am simply grateful.

Well, off I go now to run a few errands with Dion this afternoon.

The dahlias are on their way, spring is just around the corner, and the birthday celebration continues.

And truly, life is blooming beautifully.

Sincerely,

Debra Flaming

Flaming Acres Dahlias