Sowing Seeds of Success
Atop a hill in Frederick County, Maryland, envision a place where bursts of color sway in the wind, filling the landscape with vibrant hues of tulips, dahlias, ranunculus, and other flowering plants. This emerging flower farm is more than just rows of blooms — it’s a place where community comes together, offering locally grown, fresh-cut flowers to consumers who appreciate the beauty and sustainability of buying close to home.
Katie and Michael Stevens are the owners of Daysland Vista Blooms, a flower farm operation that evolved from Katie’s family dairy farm located in Walkersville, Maryland. Obtaining a degree in dairy science from Virginia Tech, Katie has extensive experience in animal husbandry and agricultural business development.
“My grandmother was always planting and tending to flowers. I enjoyed watching the way she cared for them,” recalls Katie. “Growing up on a dairy farm, I was taught how to work hard. The work is different but shares the same values.”
Since establishing the flower farm in 2017 and marketing their flowers in 2022, Katie and Michael’s business has sprouted. Their hard work has extended opportunities for larger growth, earning them recognition in Farm Credit’s 2024 Farmers on the Rise awards. As a recipient of the award, they received $10,000 to purchase and install irrigation lines for their high-tunnel and purchase a flower cooler.
Beyond the flowers, Katie found another opportunity to remain close to agriculture after her family retired from dairy farming. Serving in a full-time position as the director for the Frederick County Office of Agriculture, Katie knows first-hand about the challenges that come as a business owner within the ag industry. She utilizes these skills and experience to assist other farms in the community.
Katie has always been able to share that support with other agriculturalists, however, she also found herself in need of support when launching her business. Leaning on skills acquired from horticulture classes in high school, she felt the need to expand her knowledge by attending the Gardener’s Workshop, an online flower farmer school based in Newport News, Virginia.
“I came away with new skills and tools to incorporate when growing plants,” shares Katie. “I appreciate being able to attend events and classes with like-minded participants.” Katie and Michael have also found that by working with their Farm Credit Ag Relationship Manager, Kelli Wilson, they have been able to gain further knowledge of financial and business methods with her guidance.
“Farm Credit understands the needs and demands of beginning farmers,” explains Katie. “We’ve been growing rapidly, and Kelli has been able to assist with plans along the way.”
Farm Credit has a reputation for its support of agriculture and ag businesses. Kelli notes, “Our role is to share the journey alongside the families and businesses we serve. We see so many generational transitions among farmers and while the business plan may change, the incorporation of family remains steadfast. Katie and Michael are planting seeds within their children to generate growth and longevity in the business for years to come. They shared a clear goal in the beginning of this process, and Farm Credit was able to support their goal by offering planning and financial advice, and connect them with experienced mentors.”
The couple have three young daughters — a 6-year-old and 4-yearold twins — who are very much involved with the farm. “We want the kids to experience it all,” comments Michael. “We are investing in their future in more ways than one and it benefits them to see it first-hand.”
Their oldest daughter helps with arrangements and wants to set up a flower stand, just like her mom. All three girls help with toting buckets, watering flowers and even the occasional flower trimming.
The same education shared with their children is also beneficial for consumers. Teaching customers about their environmentally friendly business allows them to take an active role in their community.
“Since we still have cattle at the farm, we use their manure as compost and pack it into the flowerbeds. This cuts back on tilling the soil and allows the plants to source nutrients from the compost instead of disturbing the ground,” explains Katie.
The seeds are grown in soil blocks — eliminating plastic waste — bouquets are wrapped in paper instead of plastic, they strive to plant many perennials to source from year after year, and they even use recycled Mason jars from a local distillery for vases.
“You need to think outside of the box”, Michael shares. “It’s a process that is always evolving.”
The couple is truly compatible in many ways, oftentimes, Katie’s dream is put into action by Michael. “They work well together,” Kelli says with a smile. “Their end goal is the same and they have learned to combine their talents to make it work for them.” She is excited about the future and the journey it holds for the Stevens family.
For more information and to explore the blooms, follow Daysland Vista Blooms on Facebook and Instagram.