It all began with a small red wheeled hand wagon that was gifted to me 10+ years ago by my former partner. Originally, I had planned to use at events because I loved its rustic look.

Just as I had intended, over the years we used it several times at special markets and events. It was a particularity favourable installation piece because its size made it unexpectedly easy to transport. 

Then, about seven years ago, I walked into the greenhouse to find my dear little wagon adorned in a bright blue marine boat paint !  My father-in-law had decided it needed to be brightened up...  I was totally mortified when I saw my rustic wagon painted all shiny and very, well… Blue! My father-in-law was smiling, looking oh so very proud of his efforts. 

And so, what could I say other than,

 “It looks great, thanks”. 

Despite my words, I was secretly disappointed and felt my little wagon had been stripped of its once rustic charm. Still, life went on and the wagon, now bright blue, continued to be used at at public events each year.

Fast forward to 2020 and the Covid-19 Pandemic. With the arrival of Covid, and the restrictions that accompanied it, we were left to wonder (like many Islanders) how our business would continue. We began to search for a way to sell our flowers here at the farm in a safe and convenient way. It was a conundrum, particularly because the road frontage is limited here and doesn’t allow for a safe spot to erect a flower stand on a busy road.

Then one day I thought of my ‘Blue Wagon’ and how it might just be able to offer an outdoor, self serve, no-contact way to sell our flowers. With a bit of retrofitting help from my son Dustin, we were able to attach a shade cloth canopy to protect the flowers from direct sunlight and sort out a cash box for contactless payment.

Now with the physical logistics sorted, what would we call it? There were countless name ideas tossed around before we had reached the dredges of the brainstorming process. Just as the suggestions started to get really whacky, I said I was thinking something rather simple and real…

“how about Blue Wagon?”

And so it was.

On September 7 2020 we introduced our simple little wagon to the public. We parked it conveniently in front of my flower barn so that we could keep it freshly stocked and it could be easily and safely accessed by shoppers. And then customers came! We were both surprised and delighted as more and more people began to stop in to buy a bouquet of fresh farm flowers. It has been hit ever since.

My father-in-law (Parker Jewell) passed away almost three years ago and I often think of him when I gaze at that Blue Wagon.  I’m sure he’s smiling down at me feeling very satisfied in knowing it really did need that bright blue paint! Thank you Pappy.  You were a once in a lifetime mentor and taught me more about flowers and growing them than anyone. We all miss you very much.