Yvonne Gahagan is the owner and flower extraordinaire of Gahagan Farms LLC, a beautiful haven for flowers, butterflies, and multiple species of bees. Her farm is located in Williamsburg, PA, and is surrounded by corn fields and a small dairy farm. Gahagan Farms has been in business since 1999 and has been a vendor at the downtown Cumberland Farmers Market for almost 13 seasons.
As I stood in the field at Gahagan Farms, I was struck with amazement at the beauty that is sewn into the fields. Rows of plants were brimming with color, as bees and butterflies bounced from dahlias, zinnias, sunflowers, millet, and many more savoring the sweet nectar from each carefully planted flower. Gahagan Farm is located on a now re-purposed dairy farm. The barn that once housed dairy cattle and tanks now is home to walk-in coolers, dried flowers, seedlings, starter trays, and carefully hand crafted floral wreaths.
The process begins in early spring. Yvonne transforms her barn walk-in coolers to seedling incubators. As the seedlings begin to emerge, she prepares her field for transplanting. She uses local manure to enhance the nutrient in her soil. She separates her fields into three separate gardens: annuals, perennials, and a sunflower patch. Recently, she has learned to color coordinate the plants to allow for easier harvesting. We walked through her garden as Yvonne pointed out each variety of flower and spoke to their beauty. Yvonne grabbed her clippers, and her true passion began to show. She walked through the field and began arranging the most beautiful bouquet I have ever had the pleasure of holding. Yvonne started Gahagan Farm to fulfill a niche market. However, it is easy to see that her business is showcase for her talents and passion.
In addition to being a long-time vendor of Allegany Farmers Market, she arranges flowers for weddings, funerals, and other occasions. She invites guests to her farm or to the market and allows for creative freedom in each bouquet that she arranges. If you would like to learn more about Gahagan Farms. Visit Yvonne in downtown, Cumberland on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Follow them on Facebook at Gahagan Farms LLC for more information.
Written by: Clare Buckle
Edited by: Lisa Blubaugh
As I stood in the field at Gahagan Farms, I was struck with amazement at the beauty that is sewn into the fields. Rows of plants were brimming with color, as bees and butterflies bounced from dahlias, zinnias, sunflowers, millet, and many more savoring the sweet nectar from each carefully planted flower. Gahagan Farm is located on a now re-purposed dairy farm. The barn that once housed dairy cattle and tanks now is home to walk-in coolers, dried flowers, seedlings, starter trays, and carefully hand crafted floral wreaths.
The process begins in early spring. Yvonne transforms her barn walk-in coolers to seedling incubators. As the seedlings begin to emerge, she prepares her field for transplanting. She uses local manure to enhance the nutrient in her soil. She separates her fields into three separate gardens: annuals, perennials, and a sunflower patch. Recently, she has learned to color coordinate the plants to allow for easier harvesting. We walked through her garden as Yvonne pointed out each variety of flower and spoke to their beauty. Yvonne grabbed her clippers, and her true passion began to show. She walked through the field and began arranging the most beautiful bouquet I have ever had the pleasure of holding. Yvonne started Gahagan Farm to fulfill a niche market. However, it is easy to see that her business is showcase for her talents and passion.
In addition to being a long-time vendor of Allegany Farmers Market, she arranges flowers for weddings, funerals, and other occasions. She invites guests to her farm or to the market and allows for creative freedom in each bouquet that she arranges. If you would like to learn more about Gahagan Farms. Visit Yvonne in downtown, Cumberland on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Follow them on Facebook at Gahagan Farms LLC for more information.
Written by: Clare Buckle
Edited by: Lisa Blubaugh