Backyard-grown flowers from Mountainside, NJ

Hi, I'm Michelle, the curly girly, and I grow beautiful cut flowers in my very suburban backyard with my family. I am a mom of three, and a neurological physical therapist. I work to help people with disabilities re-learn how to walk, reduce falls, improve quality of life, and find access to equipment and services that enhance their independence. I love teaching and empowering people and their caregivers to return to activities that they love. I love to travel, snowboard, hike, and spend time outside with my family. I was a competitive gymnast and coached gymnastics throughout high school and college. I also love caring for my cut flower garden, perennial garden, and vegetable garden in my backyard. I love watching how amazing nature is and learning about it with my kids. Can you believe all of these beautiful flowers started out as seeds? I would love to share some of my homegrown flowers with my local community. I started growing cut flowers in my backyard in 2024. In a space that had tree stumps and weeds, I threw some cut flower seeds (heavily researched and careful not to include invasive seeds). I had no plan and no idea what would happen. That summer we had many beautiful flowers and so much fun enjoying our garden. In 2025, I started becoming more organized. I dedicated more space, set up drip irrigation, made a seed starting station in my basement, and added the support these tall flowers need to thrive. I started planning flowers that would compliment each other in bouquets, considering color schemes, types of flowers, and carefully planning to efficiently maximize my small space. Since then I have been continuing to learn more about the beautiful cut flower varieties, soil health, and perfecting the timing. I love using the flowers as a creative outlet to truly make something special. ​ Tending to my garden is a special activity that I share with my kids and a way to get us outside together. I love teaching my three mini garden helpers and watching them learn about the plants and the environment. In some ways, my family is growing with this backyard garden. We are getting bigger, learning new things, and experiencing new adventures, all while these flowers grow. My small backyard garden is a central part of my ½ acre backyard, where my family gathers, practices sports, and spends time with friends. Therefore, it is a priority to me to not use pesticides or other harmful chemicals. My gardens are fertilized with only natural ingredients that I can feel confident bringing into my home. I am also focused on reducing single-use plastics and using more sustainable methods as I am able. I am committed to leaving this land cleaner and healthier than we found it. ​ Flowers are not meant to last. Their short-lived beauty is a part of what makes them extra special. Flowers remind us to stay in the moment and celebrate the present. One of my favorite parts of growing these local flowers is being a small part of big and small moments in this amazing local community, where I raise my family. I feel honored to be part of your birthdays, promotions, anniversaries, retirements, housewarmings, engagements, new babies, graduations, dance recitals, and life transitions. I love it when you all contact me to help cheer up a friend, honor loved ones, bring a smile to a sick relative’s face, or treat yourself because you deserve it! It is truly a privilege to be a part of it all.