Alaska flower farm offers food, flowers, and healing as part of summer series

Despite the snow on the ground, local farmer, Misty VanderWeele, already has seeds started and is looking to spread some flower love this summer with farm-to-table events at her farm in Palmer.

“Our farm events are the perfect backdrop for sharing Alaska's unexpected robust agriculture, the incredible flowers I grow, and amazing local food. I’ve learned first-hand the healing soul-moving benefits of putting yourself in the way of beauty is amplified 10 fold when experiencing it with others,” said VanderWeele.

VanderWeele started her business just after her son died as a way of finding healing down on her knees in the soil. She’s taken that healing power and wants to spread it further into the community.

“I started this business to keep my son's memory alive. Through the process I’ve become a floral wellness advocate,” said VanderWeele, who is also a certified Floral Therapy Healer. VanderWeele’s personal observation is backed by a growing field of neuroaesthetics that have found a positive correlation between mood enhancement and exposure to flowers.

“The old adage, ‘Stop and smell the roses,’ might be more embedded in who we are and how we heal. What poetry has long known, science is revealing.”

VanderWeele is not shy about telling her story, a focal point in the farm tour. In this tell-all age, there is something so delicate and heart filling as VanderWeele walks you through her flower garden and through her healing process after losing her son almost a decade ago. That gentle delicacy is reflected on her guests.

“I loved the ambience. Truly the highlight of my week! The farm tour was amazing. The farm is so beautiful. The love and story is inspiring. My favorite part was the culmination of everything Alaska. From the flower workshop, live music and delicious food.” said Sierra Hunsaker, who enjoyed a farm-to-table experience last year.

The tours offer a unique and unexpected experience for guests to dine among the breathtaking fields with mountains all around at her farm on the well-known Springer System just south of Palmer. Tour participants will learn about flower farming and then be treated with Alaska Grown food catered by local Alaskan chefs. Events include wine, live music and on-farm dining.

Tour dates and events include Happy Hours in The Flowers July 28, Flower Lovers Luncheon August 6, Summer’s Eve Dinner Tour August 19, and Dahlia Nights Dinner Tour September 9.

People interested in participating in one of VanderWeele’s 4 healing tour events being offered this summer can learn more about each tour by visiting www.mistyvanderweele.com