In the dark winter days of 2022, I caught a glimpse of fresh tulips at a winter farmers market in Maine and my curiosity led me to the Tulip Workshop. I thought if folks can grow tulips and have fresh flowers throughout the winter in New England, surely we can do that in Alaska too.

On a whim, I signed up for the Tulip Workshop, an amazing course developed and taught by Linda D’Arco of Little Farmhouse Flowers (NY) and Emily von Trapp of von Trapp Flowers (VT). Their course provided all the information I needed, and while following along in the lessons, I grew my first 800 tulips between January and April.

Originally from Maine, I now call Alaska home. Cordova is a small coastal community, accessible only by boat or plane. What we lack in easily available amenities, we make up for in pristine waters, high peaks, a generous community, and incredible seafood. While the rivers and bays provide the world’s best salmon, we do fall short in fresh produce. Finally having a reason to try to develop a green thumb that I hopingly inherited from my talented gardening parents, I started Kicker Room Blooms.

With a seasonal hoop-house built from old cannery conduit, I was also able to grow marigolds, calendula, nasturtiums, cosmos, strawflower, and stock in the summer. Tulip fever took over quickly, and I’m exciting to be growing almost 7,000 bulbs from 26 varieties this winter season. Continually inspired by flowers, I’m excited to learn and grow more varieties over time.

-Ashley