A Brief Herstory
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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 |
Land Acknowledgement
We grow on Kiikaapoi (Kickapoo) and Kaw/Kansa tribal lands just outside Eudora, KS. Farmette is committed to engaging in socially just systems-level change in addressing our country's food shortage and inequity in food and land access. To that end, we encourage people to engage in work to end local food insecurity in their community, and engage in active anti-racism, prejudice, and discrimination movements in the small farming and floral event industry by supporting organizations such as the North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems (NATIFS), the reparations project led by Soul Fire Farm, or the Wedding and Event Vendor Alliance. We welcome ALL customers regardless of sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, or nationality, gender identity, religion, or any other background.
Our Name
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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.
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 Farmette's existence. |
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The Team
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Elouise, or El for short, joined the flower farm after Kiki's passing in 2025. What began as another foster with the Lawrence Humane Society quickly became a permanent family member. Elouise LOVES people and is the official flower pick-up greeter. She enjoys chasing grasshoppers and people watching, so you'll catch her with her BFF Chris downtown too.
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RIP Dexter
Our 12 year old Boston, who was the largest farm dog trapped in a small dog's body, passed away in August '21. He had a habit of sleeping on the job and his garden antics - like eating all my strawberries straight off the plant - are sorely missed. |
