Ah, spring—the season of new beginnings, fresh blooms, and an ambitious checklist of farm projects. With the excitement of setting up our farm beds in time for planting, I envisioned rows of vibrant zinnias, cheerful sunflowers, and delicate cosmos soon swaying in the breeze. It was a vision of perfection, a hopeful start for Fox & Folly Farm's first official growing season. I started to prep the beds for planting....
But, as life on a farm often reminds us, nature and reality have their own plans. Just as we meticulously measured, tilled, and prepared the beds for planting, we encountered a rather unglamorous curveball: the unexpected, unavoidable need to replace our septic tank. Yes, you read that right—septic tank issues decided to steal the spotlight! Oh Poop! (pun intended)
Shifting Gears and Rebuilding Plans
There’s nothing like the words “septic tank replacement” to make you pause and reassess your to-do list. We had to temporarily halt the planting process, redirect our energy (and budget), and figure out how to manage this very necessary, albeit unromantic, part of running a farm.
The replacement involved a team of experts, heavy machinery, and a big patch of torn-up earth that looked more like a lunar landscape than a flower farmer’s dream.
Watching the carefully planned landscape become a construction zone was tough, but it also served as a humbling reminder of adaptability—the unsung hero of farming and life.
Finding Silver Linings in the Trenches
Through the mess, there were lessons to be learned and even some unexpected silver linings. While waiting for the ground to settle (and dry out from the rain), I took the time to reassess and refine my strategy. In true form, I decided to make lemons out of lemonade (yes, I know its backwards, inside joke. lol) and I designed what will be our new deck and pergola where we can enjoy the beauty of the blooms under shade from the HOT Oklahoma Summers! I also discovered that setbacks, while inconvenient, create moments to build resilience and gratitude. After all, I’d much rather deal with septic tank drama now than during peak flower season!
With the septic system sorted and a fresh perspective in hand, I’m excited to get back to the joy of planting. The blooms may arrive slightly later than planned, but they’ll be all the more cherished for the challenges overcome.
Ever had your carefully laid plans uprooted by an unglamorous necessity? Did you find a silver lining? Leave a comment and tell us about it! :-)
With Love and Blooms,
2 comments
Shantal, so sorry you encountered this unpleasant detour! If I know anything about you, my friend, it is that you are resilient and have the ability to always make lemons out of lemonade!! I can’t wait to see the beautiful flowers…even if they are a few weeks later than planned!! 😊
Great writing skills my dear!!