Needles and petals

A colorful new farm has popped up in Eddy County, but it's not your typical North Dakota cornfield.

That's right, The Pink Pistil Flower Boutique is providing locally grown flowers from its own vibrant farm. New Rockford native Brenda Bachmeier opened her business in May of this year, taking her passion for flowers to the next level, and providing another opportunity for residents to invest locally.

Bachmeier got her certification in floral design online from the floral design institute in Portland, Oregon, where she discovered her love for flower farming.

"It was there that I learned there's such a thing as flower farming, and I just knew that's what I had to do," she said. "I know we have a short growing season here, and I've had a few people tell me that it can't be done, but I believe it can."

Bachmeier, who has worked in the medical department at 4th Corporation for 26 years, has had a passion for flowers and floral design for decades, and had the idea to start her own business 15 years ago. Luckily for residents of Eddy County, the COVID-19 pandemic gave Bachmeier the perfect opportunity to finally pull the trigger on her business idea.

"It was during COVID time that the world kind of stopped, and I had time to reflect and I thought '15 years ago I tabled this idea,'" Bachmeier explained. "So during COVID I decided 'you know what you need to do that.' So I found the best online school and I became a certified florist in May, and I grew my first crop this past summer and I loved it."

This growing season, Bachmeier grew a number of flowers from her own farm, including zinnias, ornamental sunflowers, cinnamon basil, daisies, marigolds and much more. Next summer, she intends to expand her flower farm considerably, including flowers not typically found in this region.

Unbeknownst to many, the pandemic also shutdown much of the floral industry in 2020, and it still struggles with supply issues to this day. "Everything shut down ... and that includes flowers," said Bachmeier.

With flowers hard to come by, and with the desire to invest locally increasing around the country, Bachmeier believes now is the perfect time to buy locally- grown flowers and special arrangements for the holiday season.

"A lot of flowers are grown in other countries. ... and I feel it's important now, more than ever, to buy products from the United States - I'm a big supporter of that," she said.

The Pink Pistil Flower Boutique has a Facebook page where you can stay informed on special offers, pop-up sales and more. Bachmeier also offers community classes, and she can often be found at farmer markets or craft fairs throughout the region.

"I look forward to offering some classes for people," Bachmeier said. "I do have a few already in the works for the holidays, and I look forward to offering more things to the community."

The growing season may be coming to an end, but The Pink Pistol Flower Boutique offers flowers all year long. Customers can enjoy homemade evergreen arrangements for the holidays, custom flower arrangements for special occasions, and much more.

To place an order or to discover what's available, call (701) 302-0347 or email [email protected].