Life & Work with Hannah Marcellino of Hartsville Tennessee

Today we’d like to introduce you to Hannah Marcellino.

Hannah, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Hello, my name is Hannah and Whimsical Flower Farm has been a call in my life. I’ve always had a passion for gardening and to beautify my surroundings, filled with vegetables, herbs, berries and flowers intertwined throughout.

In 2018, I had a dream to begin a flower farm, I was approaching my 60th year and thought this would be a great year for a new beginning. I prepared the land and took online courses from both Floret flower farm and the Gardeners workshop.

Truly, I thought I will try for one year and see how things would go. I purchased seeds, grow mats and overhead lights for growing seedlings.

Life is like a garden, plowing the soil, planting the seeds, watering the earth and God willing reaping the harvest.

In May of that year, my daughter had open heart surgery and we were in the hospital for nine days. When we got home I was amazed as both my daughter and my garden had been given new life, flowers blooming everywhere! I could see the Lords plan unfolding before my very eyes that there was hope and a future.

Here I am six years later, growing at least 25 or more varieties of flowers and foliage. All are grown sustainably with no use of chemicals, and fresh spring water, bringing forward the most vibrant flowers. In addition we now have three greenhouses and a refurbished flower cooler.

What a joy it has been to become both a Flower Farmer and a Florist designing for weddings, events and sometimes just a gift of a beautiful bouquet.

This path that I am on has brought me great fulfillment. I feel blessed to be able to bring these flowers to others for their most memorable times, for beauty, joy and for comfort.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I wish I could say these six years has been a smooth road but truly it has been a learning process. Every year I have faced new challenges, and many obstacles to overcome. Let me share a few with you.

My number one challenge has been managing the huge weed problem that I face here in Tennessee. Sometimes I say I feel like I’m growing rocks and weeds! I have used Landscape paper that I burn holes in to plant the seedlings, I have used mulch around the plants and the bottom line is I find it’s easiest to be on my hands and knees pulling the weeds. It feels so satisfying though to see a clean weedless row of soil!

Finding balance to my life is another challenge as I could be out in the gardens morning to night every day. But my first priority is my family, I’m a wife, a mother and a grandmother of 15.. I want this flower endeavor to bring joy to us all so I’m always checking in with my time and priorities.

Lastly I’m always learning from what works or doesn’t work from year to year and making the changes for the following season. I have learned amending the soil each year is one of the most important tasks.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Work: I am a flower farmer, a master gardener and a beekeeper living in Hartsville Tennessee . I grow flowers, lavender, herbs, vegetables and berries. I farm on 1-2 acres of land, including 60 raised garden beds, 3 unheated greenhouses and over 15,000 square feet of farmland .

Work and specialty :
I grow in cultivated soil from seed to harvest, specializing in growing and selling cut flowers..

Known for:
Vibrant unique and whimsical flowers. If I’m selling at an outside market people are always saying are those real!?? They look like they’re from another world.!

I have been most excited about my wedding designs and the joy and happiness they bring to the brides.

I believe what sets me apart begins with my name, Whimsical Flower Farm. It gives me the creative edge to be an artisan with organic practices.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I have a lovely team of young women who I work with and am so thankful for their creativity and time, Hannah C, Hillary, Michaela, Rosie, Kristina, Alyssa, Eden and Elly. And of course my husband who is with me helping at every event!

Contact Info:

• Website: WhimsicalFlowerFarm.com
• Instagram: Whimsical Flower Farm
• Facebook: whimsicalflowerfarm