Welcome to Flowery Trail Farm
Our Story
Welcome! My name is Mandie, and with my husband Chris, we operate Flowery Trail Farm. Flowery Trail Farm is tucked under the shadow of Quartzite Mountain in Chewelah, Washington. Our cold winters and hot, dry summers are a stark contrast to the mild and wet climate of western Washington, posing unique growing challenges which we’ve enjoyed mastering over the years. There is nowhere else I would rather live than in our quiet corner in northeastern Washington State.
Chris
Chris grew up a few miles down the road on a working cattle ranch where he recalls helping his mom in her garden. I’m thankful that his mom raised a son who is so supportive of his wife’s plant addiction! We met in college where we both studied agriculture and plant sciences. Following a flying career in the Air Force, Chris now flies for a large cargo company, helps me with the dahlias, and puts up hay on our small farm. He also serves on our local conservation district's board of directors.
Mandie
I grew up on the rainy side of the state in Western Washington. For as long as I can remember, I’ve enjoyed flowers and digging in the dirt. My mom recalls being excited about the first spring bulbs, only to find all the flowers snapped at the top and gifted to her in my tiny hands. As an adult, I’m not much better, but I have grown a bit more restraint. Over the past 20 years, I’ve spent my day job working as a high school horticulture teacher, and more recently, science teacher. I love that I can work plant science into much of what I teach! Although I enjoy growing many different varieties of plants, dahlias are one of my favorites, having grown them for more than two decades. Being able to share dahlias with people all over is a dream come true!
Dahlias
My first and most fond memory of dahlias dates back to when I could barely walk. Grandma grew the most amazing flowers I had ever seen in the boldest of colors and larger than my little mind could comprehend. Walking amongst her flowers felt like a real life fairy tale. Little did she know, allowing me to help her pick dahlias had a lasting impression. More than 40 years later, I can feel that warm summer sun, recall the joy felt when she shared her beautiful dahlias with friends, and even feel the hot vinyl seats in her old Chevy Impala as we delivered bouquets. Flowers connect us uniquely to our memories and to each other. I hope that my dahlias help you and your loved ones to build equally lasting memories!