A Christmas Letter from the Farm

Photo: Tole planters from Mais Oui were originally styled with dry flowers at Rosewood Florist. How’s that for holiday nostalgia? This year, they were reworked by Terri at the farm. Fresh greens are from Dolce Vita Farms in Eastover.

Christmas at our house

Are you ready? Cookies baked, gifts wrapped, halls decked out?

We’re hosting this year—six houseguests and sixteen people for Christmas Eve dinner. My husband has a large family, and it’s our turn. Family will arrive from Tennessee and North Carolina (the Georgia crew is taking their granddaughters to the West Coast this year). Everyone brings food, thankfully.

We’ll gather on Christmas Eve for dinner before church, and on Christmas Day we’ll all head to our cousin Susie’s house to open gifts and eat some more. After that, my sister and her husband will come for a couple of days—a brief trip from Williamsburg to extend the celebration. And for New Year’s Eve, one of my bridesmaids, who recently retired from Minneapolis to Bluffton, will join us so we can ring in the new year together.

The gift of the off season

I try to make the most of the “off season.” Catching up with friends and family. Enjoying the stillness of long winter nights. Resting.

When the flowers are blooming, we’re heads-down at the farm. The crew is wonderful, and we work hard and efficiently. There are weeks when I only see the farm workers, my husband, and our customers. I feel incredibly blessed to do this work—but it can be isolating. Winter is when I intentionally reconnect, filling the cup that gets poured out all season long.

Seasonality, in every sense

So I’ll be somewhat unavailable over the next couple of weeks. I’ll check messages intermittently, but responses may be slower while we celebrate. Just another rhythm of seasonality.

What comes next

Of course, it won’t be long before I start missing everything about growing flowers. In January, we’ll begin starting seeds indoors, watching those first seedlings push free from their shells. Outside, we’ll cover and uncover beds as the weather demands, and if we get a warm January spell (which sometimes happens), we’ll sow more seed outdoors. By February, we’ll have blooms again—and I’ll feel the absolute joy of that miracle.

With gratitude

Thank you, truly, for supporting our farm through another year of this risky way of making a living. One flower farmer I know calls it “sweaty gambling,” and that feels about right. We’re at the mercy of weather, timing, and luck—but we’re also buoyed by your support when things go right and beautiful things come out of the ground as planned.

We wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I hope this season gives you a moment of rest, too.

With gratitude,
Linda

Got Plans Saturday Morning?

Starting the countdown to Christmas? Whether this email finds you pulling on a raincoat, clutching your coffee, or hiding under a blanket pretending December isn’t real… I hope you’re doing well. Truly.

We’re here to make this season a little lighter and a little brighter. We take care of some of the planning and prep so you can focus on what matters — and yes, helping you experience the joy of flowers all year long absolutely includes the holidays.

Right now, we’ve got amaryllis and paperwhites at every stage of the growing journey. Want dormant bulbs to pot up yourself? Perfect for enjoying in the stillness of January when the world finally exhales again. We still have Minerva and Bolero amaryllis bulbs available, plus the kind of paperwhites that make you smile the moment they open.

Prefer something already started? We’ve got amaryllis and paperwhites growing in nursery pots — easy to repot into your own favorite containers if you want a custom holiday showstopper.

Need a gift? We’ve got that covered too. Choose from decorative potted paperwhites and amaryllis or our bulb garden kits (just add water to start the magic). These are incredibly simple, thoughtful gifts that feel special without adding to anyone’s holiday stress.

Everything is available on the website for order, pickup and delivery and we’ll be open at the farm this Saturday from 10–noon. Come by, grab a cup of coffee, browse the bulbs, and if you want help potting something up, we’re happy to jump in. Make a purchase, hang out for a bit — it’s all good. We love meeting our friends and followers in person, so don’t be shy. Come on out.

Here’s to a happy holiday season,

Linda

 P.S. If you are a Richland County Master Gardener planning to attend the holiday luncheon next week, and you would like me to bring your order to the meeting, I’m happy to deliver them there. Just select pick up at check out and add a comment at check out to deliver them to the MG Holiday luncheon and I will have them there!

2026 Flower Subscriptions Are Now Open!

We’re excited to announce that our 2026 bouquet subscriptions are officially live on the website! If fresh, local flowers delivered to your doorstep are your kind of happiness, now’s the time to secure your spot.

We’ve brought back all three seasonal subscriptions — and added the All Seasons Membership as a new option.

Here’s a quick look at what’s available:

✨ NEW for 2026: The All Seasons Bouquet Subscription

Three seasons of beauty — in one subscription.

Get 12 or 24 bouquets, including:

• Early Spring (Mar–Apr)

• Spring to Summer (May–Jun)

• Late Summer to Fall (Aug–Oct)

All delivered on our natural farm schedule, including the built-in July–mid August summer pause.

Weekly (24 bouquets): $1080
Biweekly (12 bouquets): $540
Delivery included. Choose Tuesday or Friday

🌱 Early Spring Subscription (Mar–Apr)

The first blooms of the year: tulips, ranunculus, anemone, hellebores, and more.
From $189 • Weekly or biweekly • Choose Tuesday or Friday

🌸 Spring to Summer Subscription (May–Jun)

Peak-season color and variety — lisianthus, zinnias, lilies, early dahlias, sunflowers.
From $189 • Weekly or biweekly

🍂 Late Summer to Fall Subscription (Aug 18–Oct 20)

Dahlias, heirloom mums, warm fall textures, and all the moody magic of autumn.
From $189 • Weekly or biweekly
(No deliveries September 8, 2026)

Delivery Areas

29201, 29204, 29205, 29206, 29209, 29016, 29045, 29169, 29223, 29229

Why Subscribe?

• Guaranteed blooms during the best weeks of each season

• Priority access to our most limited flowers

• Convenience — we grow, harvest, design, and deliver

• Freshness you simply won’t find in stores

• A stunning weekly (or biweekly) pick-me-up

Plus, subscriptions make unforgettable gifts — especially holiday, birthday, and “just because” surprises.

From Our Farm to Your Home

Thank you for supporting our little farm and for giving us the joy of growing for you. These subscriptions are the heartbeat of our season — they allow us to plan, plant, and create with intention.

👉 If you’re ready to bring a year of flowers into your home, our 2026 subscriptions are now open. You can browse all options on the website.  

Here’s to a year ahead filled with color, beauty, and moments that make you stop and take a deep breath.

With gratitude,
Linda Bradley

Purple Tuteur Farm

A Little Pause Before the Holiday Rush

This week, we’re hitting the pause button—in the best way possible. We’re taking a bit of time to step away from the daily farm work, share meals with friends and family, and catch our breath before the holiday season kicks into high gear. Consider it that quiet moment before the orchestra swells.

Of course, “time off” on a flower farm still involves plenty of plant mischief. Our spring hoop house is officially planted, and everything inside is settling in for its winter nap so it can burst into color next spring. It’s always a thrill to look down those tidy rows and think, this is where next season begins.

Future ranunculus, campanula, delphinium, poppies, pansies and snapdragons are planted here.

Holiday Bulbs Are Here

If you’ve been waiting to bring a little magic indoors, your moment has arrived:
Our amaryllis and paperwhite bulbs are now available.

These are the big, beautiful bulbs we’re known for—easy to grow, reliably showy, and perfect for gifting or brightening your own home. We’ve also potted some up for you, and starting the week after Thanksgiving, we’ll have pre-planted bulb gardens posted to the website. Just bring them home, give them a little water, and watch the magic unfold.

Next Delivery Date: November 25

If you're planning ahead, our next delivery date is 11/25—perfect timing for holiday decorating or sending a thoughtful surprise to someone who needs a little brightness this season.

Looking Ahead to 2026

And because we know some of you like to plan several seasons ahead (our kind of people), we’ll also be opening 2026 subscription orders in early December. It’s always exciting to see next year’s subscriptions start filling up—your support helps us plan what and how much to grow, and it keeps this little farm humming.

If you need a moment of calm, joy, or beauty this week, we’ve got you. Happy almost-holiday season—may your week include rest, warmth, and something that makes you smile.

A few more mums!

And in the spirit of the season, thank you. We’re endlessly grateful for the love, enthusiasm, and support you’ve shown our little farm. Every message, every visit, every bouquet on your kitchen table—it all matters more than you know.

Here’s to rest, good company, and the beauty still ahead.

Linda

Mum Season Continues to Delight

Round Two of Mum Blooms

For me as a grower, it’s a bit like Christmas at the farm right now. The mums are truly taking center stage as the weather cools, and each week brings a few new blooms to discover.

Since our last update, several new varieties have opened — Fall Affair, Campfire Glow, Peter Mangus, Kelvin Mandarin, Savanna Charlton and Bronze Fleece — each one adding its own personality to the season’s palette.

Fall Affair

Campfire Glow

Peter Mangus

Kelvin Mandarin

Savanna Charlton

Bronze Fleece

We also wrapped up the final step on the hoop house by getting the end walls covered (yay!) — just in time for the cold weather ahead. I am so grateful to my husband Rufus (a.k.a. Mr. Fix It for doing this project with me.

While many mum plants are hardy perennials, their flowers are not. Anything currently blooming when frost hits needs protection if you want to enjoy the flowers in the garden a bit longer. This is why we needed the hoop house.

Farewell to the Dahlias

We’re saying goodbye to the dahlias this week. With rain and cold moving in, their days are numbered — but what a beautiful season they’ve had!

We’re so grateful that you’ve loved our dahlias as much as we do. It’s always bittersweet to see them go, but the mums are making the transition a little easier this year.

Looking Ahead: Anemone & Ranunculus Bulbs

Our Fall Bulb Sale continues through Halloween! Skip the tricks and treat yourself to early-spring joy with anemone and ranunculus bulbs. Each order includes growing instructions to help you succeed. Check out the selection here.

A heartfelt thank-you to everyone who has already ordered — your future self (and your spring garden) will thank you! 🌸

Come See the Mums!

Would you like to experience the mums in person? We’re considering a casual open-farm visit next Saturday, November 1 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to celebrate this beautiful season.

If you’d be interested in coming, please let us know by replying to this email — we’d love to have you visit and see these stunning blooms up close. Of course, we will have bouquets available for purchase so that you can take some of this beauty home.

Every season on the farm has its own kind of magic, and we’re so grateful to share it with you. Whether you’re growing, arranging, or simply enjoying flowers on your table — thank you for being part of our story.

Linda

The Mum Season Has Started!

This time last year, The Mum Project was just an idea — a hope to bring back the beauty of heirloom chrysanthemums to our corner of South Carolina. We’d seen the incredible work of other local flower farms reviving these lost varieties and knew we wanted to be part of it.

With the help of the ACRE grant, that vision took shape. In early spring, we began construction on our new hoop house, designed specifically to extend our growing season and give these mums the conditions they love best — cool nights, steady moisture, and protection from our unpredictable fall weather.

Next came the growing beds — carefully built, amended, and mapped for 18 varieties of heirloom mum varieties passed down through dedicated chrysanthemum societies and small farms. These aren’t your typical potted mums. They’re true heirlooms — varieties once treasured for their elegance, fragrance, and sculptural petals, now making a comeback thanks to local flower growers.

The 18 varieties we selected are divided into 6 varieties each from the early, mid-season and late-season categories. These classifications are assigned by the National Chrysanthemum Society. We do this so we don’t have the entire hoop house blooming at the same time.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing photos and stories as each variety comes into bloom. It’s been a journey of learning, growth, and joy — and we can’t wait for you to see what’s next.

Here are the first three:

Fall Charm

Peach Centerpiece

Pumpkin Eyes

 Thank you for following along, for cheering us on through every stage of this project, and for believing in the power of local flowers. Send us your questions, and we will do our best to answer them in the coming updates.

Happy Fall,

Linda

The Fall Bulb Shop Is Open!

The wait is over—the bulbs have arrived, and our Fall Bulb Shop is officially open!

We’re surrounded by boxes of beautiful ranunculus and anemone corms. These are the flowers that chase away winter gray and remind us that beauty is always just below the surface, waiting for the right moment to shine.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just beginning to explore the joy of growing your own flowers, these specialty bulbs are a wonderful place to start. We’ve selected our favorite varieties for both garden performance and vase life—rich jewel tones, delicate pastels, and everything in between.

This year’s shop also includes a few extras we think you’ll love:
🧤 Atlas Gardening Gloves – our favorite lightweight, breathable gloves for every task in the garden.
📘 Compost Tea eBook – a simple, practical guide to improving your soil health naturally, using the same methods we rely on here at Purple Tuteur Farm. Available as a digital download.

👉 Shop Our Fall Bulb Collection

The Fall Bulb Shop will be open through October, and all orders will be shipped by November 3. Pickup and delivery options are also available, and active subscription members can even add bulbs to their next bouquet delivery.

🌾 A Taste of the Farm – Late Fall Subscriptions

If you’ve been missing fresh blooms on your table, our Late Fall Subscription – A Taste of the Farm is the perfect way to close the season. These limited three-week subscriptions feature the best of our heirloom chrysanthemums and late dahlias, hand-harvested and delivered through October. It’s a lovely way to enjoy the last colors of the field before winter’s rest. Order 1,2 or 3 weeks of blooms by October 13.

👉 Reserve Your Late Fall Subscription

There’s so much beauty still to come this season, and we’re grateful to share it with you. Whether you’re planting bulbs, enjoying the last of the field flowers, or planning ahead for holiday blooms—thank you for being part of our flower-loving community.

Experience the joy,

Linda
Purple Tuteur Farm

P.S. Holiday bulbs (like amaryllis + paperwhites) are coming soon—stay tuned for details in early November!

The Fall Garden

Fall is finally here—goodbye sweltering afternoons, hello crisp mornings and garden projects we’ve been waiting months to tackle. Here are some of the highlights.

Dahlias

Dahlias

Hopefully, you are cutting and enjoying your own dahlias or enjoying those we’re delivering in your subscriptions! If you’re a grower and yours are slow to bloom, don’t give up—they’re just waiting for cooler nights. I’m personally counting the days until ‘Black Jack’ finally struts its stuff. What’s blooming in your garden right now?

For dahlias that are blooming, do not feed them any more nitrogen this year. Potassium is the key for the flowering stage of these plants. We use kelp to give them a boost and help them to keep blooming until frost.

Chrysanthemums

Mum Peaches and Cream

The shorter days may feel bittersweet, but for chrysanthemums, it’s the starting gun. Our ‘Peaches and Cream’ are just peeking out, and they’re worth the wait. We’re continuing to feed weekly and water well so they can give us their best blooms.

Peonies

if you have peonies, you should cut the foliage back to the ground. It probably looks like it is dead or deathly ill. This is normal.  Be sure to throw any cuttings away and don’t put them in your compost pile. They may harbor disease, so better safe than sorry.

It’s always a little sad to cut back peony foliage—it feels like the season’s over. But be assured, this is setting them up for a stronger spring

Update on the Bulb Sale

We haven’t received the bulbs yet from our suppliers, so I’m holding the sale for now. There’s always a chance something spoils in transit, and I don’t want you to order something we don’t receive. The good news? Our bulbs are on their way from Holland—almost ready to brighten your garden beds! Keep an eye on your inbox—we’ll share the full lineup and ordering details as soon as they arrive.

Wreath Classes

We loved seeing your creativity in action at the wreath classes. Next, we’ll be shifting underground—literally—to focus on soil health. Stay tuned for our compost tea guide and more tips to grow healthy, happy flowers.

Here’s to crisp mornings, vibrant blooms, and plenty of garden joy this season. Until next time, happy fall—and remember to experience the joy!

Linda

P.S. Thanks for being here. Our newsletter community always gets first dibs on updates—your support makes everything we grow possible. 💛

A Cozy Morning in the Flowers

Our Fall Wreath Workshops are just around the corner — and there’s still time to join us! Step away from your to-do list and spend two hours surrounded by flowers, creativity, and kindred spirits.

✨ Start your morning in the dahlias
Arrive at 9:30 for a peaceful walk through the flower field. Studies show that simply viewing flowers boosts endorphins — the perfect reset before a cozy creative retreat.

☕ Gather + learn
At 10:00, we’ll head back to the workshop for coffee, water, and light refreshments. You’ll learn how we dry flowers and which varieties thrive best here at the farm.

🌿 Create with ease
Then, design your own grapevine wreath in a relaxed, no-stress style. No wires or fuss — just an effortless, natural arrangement that will last for years indoors.

📸 Share the joy
We’ll wrap up around noon with time for photos, socializing, and admiring each other’s creations.

💐 Special perks for attendees
Enjoy 10% off our perennial phlox plants, our new farm t-shirts, and even our online ranunculus + anemone bulb sale (Sept 22–Oct 10).

✨ Experience the joy of a flower-filled fall — we’d love to see you there!

🗓 Wed, Sept 17 or Sat, Sept 20
🕙 10 AM – 12 PM
📍 Purple Tuteur Farm

August Update - Looking to Fall

We’re heading into my favorite time of year on the farm. The intense summer heat is finally behind us, we’ve taken a short break to recharge, and now we can look forward to the flowers and foliage that become even more beautiful as the days grow shorter and cooler. Fall is always a busy season here, and this year is no exception.

Farm Fresh Bouquet Subscriptions

We started deliveries this week for our Late Summer to Fall bouquet subscription—thank you to everyone who signed up! We still have a few spots available for the 4-week option, with the final day to join on August 24, 2025.

Looking ahead, subscriptions for 2026 will open on December 1, 2025. Many of you love gifting subscriptions during the holidays, and we want to make sure you have time to plan ahead.

On Farm Workshops

Registration is open for our Fall Wreath Class. We’ll host two sessions:

Wednesday, September 17

Saturday, September 20

Come early and walk through our fall dahlia field, followed by a hands-on lesson in drying flowers and creating your own seasonal wreath. . More details here

Fall Bulb Sale

For those who love growing their own flowers, we’re offering specialty anemone and ranunculus bulbs again this year. Online ordering will be open September 22–October 10.

Options: pick up, shipping, or delivery

Active subscription holders can add bulbs to a scheduled bouquet delivery at no extra charge

All orders will be filled and sent by October 24

In South Carolina, November is the perfect time to plant these bulbs for spring bloom.

Holiday Bulb Sale

We’ll also have amaryllis and paperwhites available again this year—perfect for brightening your home or gifting during the holiday season. Ordering opens November 1. More details will be shared soon!

Behind the Scenes

This season, we’ve been busy planting dahlias and mums for fall bloom. Our new mum hoop house is almost complete—we put up the frame in June, added the end walls last weekend, and the final step is getting the plastic in place.

The hoop house will allow us to keep harvesting flowers for at least a couple of weeks after the first frost (which we expect around Halloween). That means we should have fresh blooms through mid-November this year!

Create a Dried Flower Wreath This Fall – Join Us on the Farm!

There’s something magical about turning flowers from our fields into keepsakes you can enjoy year-round. At Purple Tuteur Farm, we’ve been gathering and drying flowers all summer long—and now we’re inviting you to come craft with us.

Join us on Wednesday, September 17 or Saturday, September 20 for a hands-on Dried Flower Wreath Workshop. You’ll learn how to work with natural materials, design a balanced composition, and leave with a beautiful 12–14" wreath ready to hang.

Whether you're decorating your front door for fall or creating a gift for someone special, this class is a joyful way to celebrate the season. No experience needed—just come ready to get creative.

What’s included:

• All dried flowers and materials

• Instruction and guidance from our team

• Light refreshments

• A relaxing morning on the farm

Choose your date:
🗓 Wednesday, September 17
🗓 Saturday, September 20
🕙 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

👉 Reserve your spot now https://www.purpletuteur.com/classes/p/fall-wreath-workshop

July on the Farm: Rest, Reset, and Prepare

July is a month of transition here at our farm. We suspend our bouquet services because it’s hot, and we need time—time to take a break and visit with friends and family, time to catch up on the chores we can’t tackle when harvest is in full swing, and time to prepare for the glory and floral abundance that arrive in late summer and fall.

We close the farm the week of July 4th. Many of you are on vacation, the heat is rising, and we’re ready to take some time off, too. It’s always a week we look forward to after the busiest stretch of the flower season. We spend it visiting my husband’s family in Virginia, where a reunion happens over the holiday weekend, along with some dear friends who live nearby.

Irrigation Adventures

After the break, July farm work happens at a slower pace. We encourage all our employees to take vacation this month, so we work with smaller crews. The heat is something we take seriously, so we’re usually out of the field by 11 a.m.

Irrigation valve not shutting off properly due to a worn out diaphram

This past week, I started by checking all the irrigation. I’d rather get soaked in July than in January! Some parts of this job are pretty straightforward—like replacing diaphragms in the valves. Others feel like a scavenger hunt.

When we cleared the cool season plants out of the hoophouse, it was easy to see where we accidentally cut the drip line. The spray was obvious and simple to repair. But there still wasn’t enough pressure in the line, which meant another leak was hiding somewhere.

It took me about an hour to spot a small puddle just outside the hoophouse—right where there shouldn’t be any water. I started digging into the damp soil with my hands and finally uncovered a tiny hole gnawed into the hose, a vole’s calling card. It felt like finding a needle in a haystack! The repair was easy once the problem was isolated, and we’re happily back to full pressure now.

Summer Plantings and Fall Preparations

Dahlia Peaches under shade cloth

When temperatures climb above 90 degrees, many plants slow down as much as we do. Some go dormant, and the cool season annuals fade away. That frees up bed space to plant again.

Right now, we’re planting second and third successions of annuals, shifting into fall colors—zinnias, cosmos, celosia, and sunflowers.

The perennials get cut back and fed, giving them time to refresh for fall. This includes salvia, veronica, and the early season dahlias.

The fall dahlias and heirloom chrysanthemums are all planted. To help the dahlias cope with the heat, we cover them with 50% shade cloth, which lowers the temperature by 10–15 degrees and keeps them in the 70s–80s—right where they thrive.

The mums will be pinched this month to encourage branching and more blooms per plant. We’re excited to finally be growing these at scale and so grateful for the ACRE grant that helped us get here.

We’ll be incorporating these special flowers into our late summer and fall subscription bouquets and hope to offer something new in late October through early November, when the mums will be the stars of the show.

Fall Subscriptions Are Coming Soon

Our fall subscriptions will start in mid to late August. If you’d like to have fresh, beautiful flowers delivered right to your door as the seasons turn, you can sign up anytime on our website. We’d love to bring a little of the farm into your home.

We’d love to know your favorite ways to beat the summer heat!

Happy Summer,

Linda

P.S. Thanks to all of you who made it out to the farm for one of our events in June. We loved seeing so many of you during the Ag & Art Tour and at our Growing Dahlias classes. Your support and enthusiasm mean so much to us.

June Events at Purple Tuteur Farm

Summer is just around the corner, and Purple Tuteur Farm is buzzing with blooms, beauty, and hands-on opportunities to learn and connect. June brings two of our favorite events of the year: our signature Dahlia Growing Workshops and participation in the South Carolina Ag + Art Tour. Whether you're a flower enthusiast, a curious gardener, or just looking for a scenic way to spend a day, we've got something magical in store.

South Carolina Ag + Art Tour – June 7 & 8

Hours: 9 AM – 4 PM on Saturday and 12 – 4 PM on Sunday
Admission: Free
Location: Purple Tuteur Farm (787 Langford Rd, Blythewood S.C. 29016)

We’re thrilled to be a stop on this year’s Ag + Art Tour—South Carolina’s largest free farm and art experience! Come explore the farm in peak bloom and see the beauty of locally grown flowers up close. Meet the farmer (that’s me!), tour the growing fields, and shop from local artists and makers who will be set up on-site.

This is a family-friendly event that’s part garden tour, part mini farmers market, part art crawl—and 100% fun.

What to Expect:

• Guided and Self-guided flower field tours

• Meet-the-artist booths with handmade goods

• Farm-grown bouquets, plants and tubers for sale

• Informal growing Q&A and planting tips

• Beautiful photo ops in the dahlia patch

Come support local agriculture and the arts in one beautiful stop. Bring a friend (or two), and wear comfortable shoes—we’ll be walking among flowers and dreams.

For more on the Richland County Ag and Art Tour : https://www.agandarttour.com/richland

🌸 Dahlia Growing Workshops – Hands-On Learning

Dates: June 18 or 21 ,10 am - noon
Location: Purple Tuteur Farm, Blythewood, SC
Tickets: $75 per person – includes round table and in-field instruction, take-home materials, and 2 dahlia tubers

Registration deadline is June 15th.

If you want to add something to your garden that produces an abundance of flowers, consider dahlias. Now is a great time to get them started in the Midlands. Come learn what is involved in growing your own during our on-farm class.

The training begins with a presentation, followed by a walkthrough of the dahlia beds on the farm. While in the field, we will demonstrate some of the growing techniques that will make your dahlias produce their best blooms.

What we will cover:

Dahlia classifications and Variety selection considerations, Growing conditions, Planting, Tending, Common Pests and Diseases, Harvesting, and After Season Care

Here’s what you’ll take home:

A handout of the material covered

Two dahlia tubers from our farm stock to plant in your own garden

Maximum attendees per class is 10.  Students must be 18 years or older to participate. No refunds after registering, but transfers of your seat to a friend are encouraged if you cannot attend.

June is the perfect time to get your dahlias established for a strong summer show—and our workshop will give you the knowledge and confidence to do just that.

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned gardener looking to sharpen your skills, there is something for everyone in this class.

🎟️ Spots are limited. To register: https://www.purpletuteur.com/classes

We’d love to see you in June!
Follow us on Instagram @purpletuteur and Facebook @purpletuteur for behind-the-scenes peeks and reminders as we get closer.

💐 Purple Tuteur Farm – Experience the joy of locally grown cut flowers.

Mother’s Day Peonies

For the first time, we're offering a limited number of farm-fresh, Mother's Day peony bouquets — and because you're on our email list, you get first dibs before we open sales to the public.

Celebrate Mother's Day with the most luxurious flowers of the season:

✨ Vase Arrangement — $75
A lush, ready-to-gift peony arrangement featuring 5–7 premium blooms in an elegant birch bark vase. Includes an optional handwritten card.

✨ Wrapped Bunch (5 Stems) — $49.50
Five fresh-picked premium peonies, wrapped in a kraftpaper sleeve — perfect for creating your own arrangement or gifting with a personal touch.

🚚 Delivery & Pick-Up Options

• Delivery: Friday, May 10 to the following zip codes:
  29201, 29204, 29205, 29206, 29209, 29016, 29045, 29169, 29223, 29229

• Pick-Up: Saturday, May 11, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Purple Tuteur Farm (787 Langford Road, Blythewood, SC 29016)

The delivery or pick-up option you select applies to your entire order. Shipping is not available.

🎁 Sending as a Gift?

We’re happy to handwrite your personal message on our gift card. Just add it at checkout!

🌸 Quantities are limited, and once they're reserved, they're gone.
Secure your bouquet today and make this Mother’s Day unforgettable!

April On The Farm

The Fields Are Finally Starting to Bloom

The cooler temperatures have been perfect for our colder-loving flowers like ranunculus, poppies, tulips, and peonies. The Early Spring subscription bouquets were packed with these beauties!

As the days grow longer, we're seeing the field transition from bud to bloom with agrostemma, baptisia, columbine, peonies, and campanula. The pansies are starting to stretch tall, and soon we'll be able to use them in bouquets as well.

The dahlias are also making their way up. We leave the tubers in the ground over the winter, mulching them well. As the soil warms up, they begin to grow, giving us an early gauge for planting other warm-weather varieties—and the earliest possible blooms.

Though we’re seeing great progress with the dahlias, not everything has emerged yet. The cooler temperatures in March and early April have extended the spring. Because of this slower pace, we’ve decided to delay our tuber sale until June, aligning it with the Ag & Art event and our Dahlia Workshop. This will still give everyone plenty of time to grow them for fall blooms.

Spring to Summer Subscription Still Open!
There are still a few spots left for our Spring to Summer subscription season, which begins in just 10 days. The cut-off for signing up is 4/27/25. With Mother’s Day fast approaching, consider gifting a subscription! Here’s the link if you're interested.

Photo: Karen Bickley

Peony Class Recap
We hosted our first Growing Peonies in the South class last weekend. It was so much fun having passionate gardeners at the farm. We covered everything from selecting the right varieties to proper growing and care techniques for these long-lived beauties. The class sold out quickly, and unfortunately, we can't squeeze another session into our schedule this year. However, we've set up a waiting list and will poll interested folks early next spring to determine how many sessions to offer. Click here to join the waiting list.

Next Up: Ag & Art 2025
Our big open house is part of the Richland County Ag & Art Tour, happening June 7th & 8th. This free event showcases a variety of farms and artisans across the county. We’ll have both guided and self-directed tours, as well as farm-fresh bouquets, garden plants, and flower bulbs available for purchase. We hope you’ll stop by the farm! For more information, visit the Ag & Art Tour website.

Dahlia Workshop – June 18 or 21 (10 am to Noon)
Interested in growing dahlias? Join us for our on-farm Dahlia Workshop! Whether you want to grow them in your garden or in pots, this hands-on class covers everything you need to know. We’ll start with a presentation, then take a walk through our dahlia beds, and demonstrate techniques to help you grow the best blooms. Registration is open, and the deadline to sign up is June 15th. Sign up here!

Peony Growing in the South: On-Farm Workshop

This year we’ve decided to add a class on growing peonies. They aren’t hard to grow, but require patience because new peonies roots take 3 years to bloom. They are worth the wait! Here is the course description. We’re announcing the class here first. There are only 10 seats, so if you are interested please don’t hesitate. I will start announcing it on social media in a few days.

Many thanks,

Linda

🌸 Peony Growing in the South: On-Farm Workshop

Have you ever dreamed of growing peonies but assumed they just don’t grow in the South?
Good news: They do. And we’re here to show you how.

Join us at Purple Tuteur Farm during peak bloom to learn how to grow stunning peonies in Southern gardens. You’ll tour our thriving peony patch, see our process in action, and walk away with the confidence to grow your own.

📆 Class Details

Date: Saturday, April 12, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Purple Tuteur Farm, Columbia, SC
Registration Deadline: Thursday, April 10, 2025
Class Size: Limited to 10 participants
Light refreshments provided

Sign Up : https://www.purpletuteur.com/classes/p/growing-peonies-in-the-south-an-on-farm-class

👩‍🌾 What to Expect

We’ll begin with a short presentation, then head out into the field for a guided walk-through of our peony beds. You'll get a hands-on demonstration of harvesting techniques that help keep plants healthy and productive year after year.

This course is perfect for beginners — no prior gardening experience needed.

🌿 Topics We’ll Cover

• Peony classifications & variety selection for the South

• Soil, sun, and spacing requirements

• Planting & seasonal care

• Common pests & diseases (and how to manage them)

• Harvesting techniques

• After-season care for long-term success

📘 You’ll Take Home:

• A printed handout of all materials covered

• A list of recommended Southern-friendly peony varieties

• A printable Peony Planting & Care Calendar

❓ FAQs

Q: Is this class beginner-friendly?
Yes! This class is designed for gardeners of all experience levels.

Q: Will peony roots be available for purchase?
No — this isn’t the right season for planting. However, we may have fresh-cut peony blooms available, depending on what Mother Nature has in store.

Q: What’s the refund policy?
All sales are final, but if you can’t make it, you’re welcome to transfer your seat to a friend. In case of severe weather or illness, we may reschedule or cancel the class — full refunds will be provided if Purple Tuteur Farm initiates a cancellation.

Q: Is there an age requirement?
Yes, all attendees must be 18 or older.

A Look at January on the Farm

We hope your 2025 is off to a great start! After some much-needed rest with friends and family, we're back at it, ready for the exciting year ahead.

This time of year, crop planning and seed starting take center stage. Still, I've learned to pace myself—otherwise, I end up planning for double the space we have! So, I'm also clearing closets and attic spaces, tackling tasks we don't have time for once the season ramps up.

Outside

Things are quiet in the field now, at least above ground. Underground, the root systems are extending and strengthening. Even above ground, in the hoop house, we’re seeing buds form on the poppies and blooms on the pansies. The lone bloomers outside are the hellebores and they are a welcome sight.

 Despite the record cold we’re experiencing this week, it won’t be long until we see the early bloomers. The Persephone period, when daylight lasts fewer than 10 hours and plant growth slows, ended for us on January 6th. With more light and warmth coming, the early bloomers will soon make their debut. We can't wait!

Source : https://aa.usno.navy.mil/calculated/durdaydark?year=2025&task=0&lat=34.01&lon=-81&label=Columbia%2C+SC&tz=5&tz_sign=-1&submit=Get+Data

Inside

Farmhouse repairs are progressing after a water pipe burst last fall. With plumbing, drywall, and flooring replaced, we're adding a new back door and bathroom vanity top next. Painting and final plumbing are next, and we're optimistic about finishing before flower season gets busy.

Bouquet Subscription Season is Coming Up!

Looking for a Valentine’s Day gift or a little joy for yourself? A bouquet subscription might be just the thing! New this year, we’re offering Friday pick-ups at Molly Creek Company in Ridgeway.

We look forward to serving you in 2025.

Best,

Linda

Our 2025 Bouquet Subscriptions: Fresh Flowers Delivered to Your Door

Looking to brighten your week? Our farm-fresh bouquet subscription delivers vibrant, seasonal blooms right to your doorstep. Choose from weekly or bi-weekly deliveries throughout the season, and enjoy the beauty of locally grown, handpicked flowers. Select Tuesday or Friday as your preferred delivery day, and receive a thoughtfully curated bouquet featuring the best of our harvest.

How It Works We make it easy and contactless: simply leave a vase or a bucket of fresh water outside, and we’ll take care of the rest, delivering your flowers right to your door. Each bouquet is unique, as we choose the best available flowers for the season, so you can look forward to something new with every delivery.

Perfect for Gifting Looking for the ideal gift? A bouquet subscription is a thoughtful and ongoing present. When you order as a gift, just provide the recipient's name and delivery address within our service area. Let us know in the comments if you'd like us to announce your gift via email, or if you'd prefer to let the recipient know personally.

Flexible Scheduling Worried about missing a delivery while on vacation? No problem! We can easily reschedule your deliveries to accommodate your schedule. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we guarantee it!

Service Areas We offer delivery to the following zip codes: 29201, 29204, 29205, 29206, 29209, 29016, 29045, 29169, 29223, 29229.

Are You in the Ridgeway Area?

We’re thrilled to announce a new partnership with The Molly Creek Company! As a small farm, we’ve had some limitations on where we can deliver, but thanks to this collaboration, we’re excited to expand our reach. Starting with our 2025 subscriptions, you can now sign up for a Friday bouquet subscription and pick up your flowers at The Molly Creek Company.

Molly Creek Company will be opening in January 2025 at 1051 Hwy 21 South in Ridgeway, 29130, just 5 miles north of Blythewood. They’ll be open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm, giving you plenty of time to visit before we begin deliveries in March!

While you’re there, be sure to explore a fantastic selection of locally made products, including food, art, refinished furniture, and the amazing Molly Creek soaps. Don’t forget to follow @MollyCreekCompany2025 on Instagram for updates on their progress as they prepare to open!

Limited Availability Our subscriptions are available in limited quantities and may sell out for the season. Be sure to place your order soon before they're gone. We also reserve the right to limit deliveries to certain areas.

 Click the link for more information and to sign up : Subscription Information

Last Call for Holiday Bulbs!

We still have a few amaryllis and paperwhites available for you on our website. Our last pick up date is Friday, 12/14. Our final delivery date is Tuesday, 12/19/24.

Thank you so much to all of you who have supported our farm in some way this year. We are grateful for your interest in our flowers. We look forward to more flower fun in 2025!

Wishing you a happy holiday season,

Linda

About our 2025 Subscriptions

For those of you who are familiar with out bouquet subscription service, the 2025 subscriptions are available to order here. Thank you all so much for allowing us to bring farm fresh flowers to you!

For those who may not be familiar with this service, here is the scoop:

Enjoy Fresh, Seasonal Blooms Delivered to Your Door!

Imagine having farm-fresh, hand-picked flowers brightening your home every week or bi-weekly throughout three seasons. With our flower subscription, you can enjoy the best of each harvest in beautifully crafted bouquets, delivered contact-free right to your doorstep!

A Perfect Gift

Looking for a thoughtful gift? Our flower subscriptions are a lovely, lasting way to show someone you care. Gift Subscription Order: Place the order and provide the recipient's name and address (within our service area). Let us know in the comments if you’ll be notifying them or if you’d like us to share the news with a special email announcement.

Seasonal Offerings

Early Spring Blooms

Our Early Spring offering includes an enchanting mix of tulips, anemones, ranunculus, hellebores, and hardy annuals like nigella, bachelor buttons, agrostemma, and orlaya. These vibrant blooms mark the start of the season, which begins on or near March 1 and runs through April 30. (Mother Nature has the final word on the start date!)

Spring to Summer Blooms

Our Spring to Summer offering transitions to a stunning array of heat-loving blooms, including lisianthus, sunflowers, zinnias, calla lilies, and more. This season begins on or after May 2 and extends through June.

Late Summer to Fall Blooms

Celebrate the changing season with our Late Summer to Fall offering, which brings you the vibrant colors of fall. This season’s bouquets feature dahlias, sunflowers, marigolds, and more, with late-season heirloom mums adding a pop of color and elegance to each arrangement. With a dahlia’s 4-5 day vase life, a weekly delivery will keep your home full of fresh beauty all season long. This season runs from mid-August to mid-October, with no deliveries on Labor Day weekend (August 29 and September 2).

 Subscription Options

Choose between Tuesday or Friday delivery, and select either a 4-week subscription (biweekly) or an 8-week subscription:

• 4 Weeks: $180

• 8 Weeks: $320

 Flexible Scheduling

Planning a vacation? No worries – we’re happy to adjust deliveries around your schedule, and customer satisfaction is guaranteed!

Service Availability
Our delivery area includes the following zip codes: 29201, 29204, 29205, 29206, 29209, 29016, 29045, 29169, 29223, and 29229.

Please note, subscriptions are limited and will close once we’re sold out for the season. We may also reserve the right to decline certain delivery locations.

Order now to secure your spot and enjoy the best flowers of each season, delivered right to you!

Best wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season,

Linda

Important Updates for the Holiday Season

The Bulb Shop Is Open!

We’re thrilled to announce that our bulb shop is officially open at www.purpletuteur.com! Browse our curated selection of beautiful amaryllis, paperwhites, daffodils, tulips, and peonies, all chosen to bring vibrant color and fragrance to your home and garden this season. Whether you’re looking for holiday blooms or planning ahead for spring, we have something special for everyone. PLEASE NOTE: Local delivery and pick up only for these items. Deliveries are made on Tuesdays and Fridays. Deliveries will begin on 11/15, assuming everything in your order has arrived by then. (Everything is due in the week of 11/11). Farm pick up is available on the following dates from 10:30-12:30. November 20,23,27 and December 4,7,14. If these dates don’t work, please contact us and we will try to accommodate you.

For both pick up and delivery, we will notify you when your order is ready.

Come See Us at the Blythewood Farmers Market Holiday Market!

On another note, we unfortunately have to cancel our Holiday Open House due to a recent water pipe burst in the farmhouse. With repairs underway and water being turned off periodically, it’s best to hold off on hosting events at the farm for now. However, we will still offer pick-up for online orders—just plan accordingly around the bathroom limitations!

We’re excited to announce that we’ll be at the Blythewood Farmers Market Holiday Artisan Market on November 23rd from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm. instead. Come by and see us there to pick up some of your holiday favorites!

Visit www.purpletuteur.com now to explore our full collection and place your orders before they sell out.

2025 Subscriptions

Our 2025 Subscriptions will be available for purchase starting 11/11/2024. Get your holiday gift shopping done or give yourself the gift of wellness with fresh flowers. Watch for our email update!

Thank you for all your support of our small farm. We are grateful and honored to serve you.

Best,

Linda