In Bloom

The daily routine of managing Timberview Flower Farm can be daunting for longtime owners Mary Ellen, 81, and Floyd Damm, 84. But it’s one the Damms look forward to every morning.

“It gives you a reason to get up every day,” says Mary Ellen. “A lot of people don’t have a reason.”

The Damms have operated the 20-acre farm in German Township on Evansville’s West Side since the 1980s. Timberview was formerly a retail store at 2708 Lincoln Ave., which was in business for nearly 20 years and closed around 2004 before focusing more on selling flowers fresh.

Timberview grows around 15 to 20 different types of flowers on a couple acres and sells its fresh-cut flowers, bouquets, and dried arrangements at local farmers markets, at all the area Schnucks, and for weddings and social events.

The Damms also participate in shows and host classes for participants to make their own arrangements. The farm was one of the first shops to set up at The Bitterman Mini Shoppes & Farmer’s Market, 204 Main St., when it opened in October.

“It is always a highlight of my week to see Mary Ellen’s sweet face stopping in to check on things,” says Chandra Maxheimer, manager at The Bitterman. “Her floral arrangements bring about a great amount of admirers who are always pleased with their purchase.”

The couple, married for 61 years, begins work for the season in January by ordering seeds. The seeds are started in February, and early March, and the tuberose bulbs, which are their specialty, also are planted in late April. By mid-February, the seeds are started in trays and transplanted. The Damms, with help from longtime friend Judy Mossberger, their grandchildren, and others water, fertilize, and care for the flowers until mid-April to early May.

Weed control is in full force in the summer months, and in August and September, they devote their time to picking and delivering fresh flowers. By the end of September and into October, the Damms are picking and drying flowers for winter use in bouquets and arrangements.

Mary Ellen says timing for cutting and drying differs for each flower and an important piece of knowledge learned over time.

“We don’t want to be a huge operation,” says Mary Ellen. “It’s what started off as a hobby and something to keep us busy at this point in our lives.”

For more information about Timberview Flower Farm, call 812-963-3241 or visit timberviewflowerfarm.com.

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