Mid-Ohio Energy is spotlighting local and/or member-owned businesses with a simple goal — to connect members with "hidden gems" in our rural territories!
For local business owner Brandy Hunsaker, a 4-H gardening project has blossomed into Farmyard 1832 — a family-owned and-operated business providing seasonally-grown fresh cut flowers for all occasions.
When the Hunsakers bought their home in 2018, they had no intention of starting a farm. However, while she was working a nurse during the COVID-19 pandemic, gardening became a perfect family activity — a way to work together while providing purpose for their property.
In 2022, Farmyard 1832 began selling flowers at the local Saturday morning farmers’ market and has continued to grow the farm’s facilities and offerings, even being featured in Keep Hardin County Beautiful’s Garden Tour last year.
“What I love most about flower farming is the people we come into contact with along the way,” Hunsaker says. “We've used so many local businesses to get ours started, and our community has been a huge supporter, too.”
From their small-scale beginnings, the business has grown to include two high tunnel greenhouse areas and Brandy and family have been involved in every aspect of the business. “My hands are never clean, which is one big downside to flower farming! I touch the seed, plants, and dirt, and harvest flowers on the farm," Brandy says. "We started small, but have enjoyed growth and opportunities as they come our way."
As cooperative members, Farmyard 1832 appreciates the reliability of their power as they grow the farm. “I am grateful to be a member of a co-op who thinks of their members as a family,” says Hunsaker. “We’ve never had issues with our power and we’ll need more as we continue to grow.” The farm depends on electric to pump water, power its coolers that hold event flowers, and inflate plastic to insulate flowers in winter months.
Farmyard 1832 caters flowers for events (including dances and weddings), provides bouquets, offers a flower subscription service, and more. With the recent addition of "U-pick" flowers, the farm has become “a place for young, high school-aged couples to come and bring their dates.” You'll want to check them out for yourself!
Farmyard 1832
13136 County Road 90
Kenton OH 43326
Phone: 419-303-2073
Website: www.Farmyard1832.com
Facebook at Facebook.com/FarmYard1832 | Instagram @Farmyard1832
Check out our spotlight features on other great local businesses located in our rural mid-Ohio territory:
Own or know of a business that you'd like to see featured as part of this program? Let us know!