Meet your Growers

A brief herstory.

Fern's Farmette probably started sometime in the early '90s, when owner Ashley Hutchison gardened alongside her Grandmother Peggy and first smelled the magic that is a spring peony in full bloom in Kansas. Since then,  Fern's evolved from the first basil plant grown in Utah, to small market gardens in North Dakota and Indiana, to its new - and permanent - location in Kansas. After a spring peony or sweet pea bouquet, there is no better smell in the world than freshly worked earth, and I hope to share its gifts with you.

The move back home to Kansas has a tale, and one that's not completely our own. Click below for a preview of the history of our farm, and follow us on social media @fernsfarmette for ongoing stories and tall tales.  As I like to say, I hope you come for the flowers, and stay for the stories. 

​Part 1: The Universe Aligns
​Part 2: Love Actually
Part 3: The One with the Snakes
Part 4: Home

Our Values

Here at Fern’s Farmette, we welcome ALL friends regardless of sexual orientation, immigration status, race, ethnicity, or nationality, gender identity, and religion. Just as the flowers we grow are diverse in nature, we also value diversity in our lives. Our farm operates from an anti-racist, LGBTQIA affirmative and allied position - know that you are celebrated, valued, and belong in this space.

Our Name

Fern, better known as Momo, was Ashley's late grandmother, who instilled a sense of compassion for all beings, and general strategy of how to play Blackjack at age 8. While our place carries the name of Fern, its an homage to all the influential women, known and stories untold, culminating in our existence. We hope you’ll come to learn about our farm, and Fern, and keep her and your own loved one’s memories alive through the years.

The word Farmette means exactly what it sounds like - a little farm. We believe in keeping our operation small, so we can focus on sustainable farming practices, be creative, and live a slower paced life.

The Team

Justin

Ashley's partner and Farmette's sole handy person is Justin Stein. Justin is a skilled carpenter and contractor, which are central to Fern's logistical operations - aka keeping deer out of the flowers, general engineering, tool maintenance, and manure/mulch spreading.  He gets very excited when I ask him to take pictures with the flowers.

Christopher Robinson

Christopher Robinson, also known as just Chris or Pickles (long story), was adopted after Maggie's death in Oct '22. We didn't realize at the time how well he'd fit into farm life. Chris' favorite past time is supervising our work and watching Bridgerton. He's a social butterfly, so you can catch him down on Mass St frequently. Do say hi!

Elouise

Elouise, or El for short, joined the flower farm after Kiki's passing in 2025. What began as a foster with the Lawrence Humane Society quickly became a family member. Elouise LOVES people and is the official flower pick-up greeter.  She enjoys chasing grasshoppers and people watching, so catch her with her BFF Chris downtown too.