Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenny Cunningham.
Hi jenny, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My love for gardening was born on my grandparents’ farm. They had a 50 acre farm in Osakis Minnesota. When we were little we would spend much of our summers on their farm. They raised dairy cows, chickens, and had many gardens. They grew enough produce to last through the winter months. My grandpa would have a massive pile of potatoes in the cellar to last through the winter. My grandma would can all the fruits and vegetables they grew.
We would help with gardening as well as care for the animals. My grandma grew hybrid tea roses, hollyhocks, zinnias and gladiolas in addition to the giant vegetable garden. We would help weed, water, and pick potato bugs off of the plants. My grandparents had multiple rain barrels for collecting water which they used to water all the plants. I have so many fond memories of that farm that I cherish.
Growing up we lived on a 5 acre hobby farm in Dayton Mn. We raised chickens, ducks, pheasants, turkeys, rabbits, bees, cats, and a horse. We also had a vegetable garden and flower gardens. My mother would can most of the fruits and vegetables we ate. Between my grandparents farm and our hobby farm, I gained so much gardening knowledge and a lifelong passion for horticulture.
My first gardening job was when I was 18. I continued to work for various garden companies for the next 23 years. Some of the places I worked were: Bloomin’ Blossoms, City of Wayzata, City of Auckland New Zealand, and the Minnesota State Fair. At the Minnesota State Fair I was the horticulture supervisor for 15 years. We grew all of the plants in the greenhouses from seeds, cuttings, and plugs. I also designed all of the gardens on the fairgrounds.
It was a very rewarding job I enjoyed, but really felt I needed to spend more time with my family and needed more work/life balance.
I originally started my business making and selling organic herbal products. Eventually I added garden design and installation.
After starting my business we bought a 15 acre hobby farm where we raise chickens , started vegetable, medicinal, and flower gardens. We also built a greenhouse and installed a small vineyard.
I named my business after my grandparents – Brees Farm Gardens
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It was definitely a huge risk leaving a very stable job that helped support our family. It was a bit scary taking that leap of faith, but one worth taking. Some other minor struggles are finding people to work seasonally, and part time. There have been some days that were very long, and it would have been helpful to have more employees.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I definitely would say I specialize in creating one of a kind garden designs. I like to contrast colors and textures to make the flowers really pop.
I am proud to work with customers to create something they are going to love for many years to come. Something that is unique, different ,and not cookie cutter. I focus on creativity, what the customer is looking to achieve, and choosing plants that are best suited to the location of the garden.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Risks are worth taking, even if they are scary. I felt for a long time a “calling” to be at home with my family more. The only way that would be possible was to quit my job and start my business.
The risk was worth it because I still get to do what I love, and have a very flexible schedule. This allows for more family time and time to focus on our hobby farm. I am so thankful I trusted this calling, It definitely required a lot of faith to get through a time of uncertainty.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Facebook: breesfarmgardens
