It’s been a full year since I first met Sharon Debeaumont of Little Farm Flowers East in New Freedom. She first reached out on Instagram ahead of the Mid-Spring Gathering in 2022 and I ended up ordering all of the flowers for our floral arranging workshop from her! Since then, I’ve gotten to know her both as a flower farmer and as a real kindred spirit through Cross Quarter Club. Sharon is one of the most kind-hearted people I know and I thought it was high time to put her and her beautiful flower farm in the spotlight!

Tell us a little about your farm and your seasonal + sustainable approach to flowers!

Located just a few blocks from downtown New Freedom, our urban micro farm grows a massive variety of both edibles and florals. Everything grown here is without chemicals and traditional fertilizers using sustainable practices instead. A seasonal approach provides year-round interest throughout the 3500 square feet of grow space. Don’t let the size of our farm fool you, this little slice of land churns out thousands of blooms providing fresh local stems for flower lovers throughout York and surrounding counties.

What is your favorite part of spring as a flower farmer?

Spring is my favorite season. It is the time of year I entered this earth and it resonates deeply within me; both physically and spiritually. My favorite part of farming in the spring is nestling all the winter-sown baby plants into their final spot. The spring rains provide baby roots a big jumpstart of hydration before the summer sets in. The cold hardy plants can plant out well before the last frost date which makes for a very long planting season but the cold hardies are so worth the extra effort!

 Most challenging part?

Spring has its challenges as well. It can feel like a storm at times coupled with a constant wind to keep you on your toes. When indoor seed sowing and tending collides with perpetual transplanting and then pop tulip and spring bulb harvesting on top of that… there is just never enough time within the day. Spring sure gets you in shape quickly!

What are you growing right now that you are most excited about?

Spring bulbs are incredibly rewarding. Typically ordered an entire year prior, shipped and planted the following fall, and another 6 months later finally begin flowering. There is serious anticipation built into these bulbs! We have a wide mix of specialty narcissus that continue to multiply each year on their own. Along with a few beds of fresh tulips planted each year. A new favorite for me we tried this year is Ixia; a loose umbel bloom that is an adorable filler.

Follow Sharon @littlefarmflowers.east on Instagram!

Sharon offers her flowers both wholesale and retail, specializing in custom orders for pickup in New Freedom, PA and delivery in York County and its neighboring counties. She posts what’s available on her Instagram stories and often puts together bouquet specials for certain holidays. In addition to fresh-cut flowers, she offers dried florals, herbs, wreaths, and custom vase arrangements for events and celebrations.