Petal Passion Expands to Family Farm

A backyard hobby growing flowers blossomed into a thriving business for Chelsey Bean-Anderson. Now in its fourth season, Beanstalk Flower Farm grows dozens of cut flower varieties - from snapdragons to lisianthus - and crafts them into charming bouquets.

"I want them to look like something your grandma picked from her garden," she said. "They can be for special occasions, but they can be for every day, too."

The grab-and-go bouquets are available from a repurposed pop cooler at Hansen's Unlimited Artists & Grafters Mall. Beanstalk Flower Farm also offers custom arrangements and bouquet subscriptions.

As demand grew, Bean-Anderson expanded the operation from her in-town garden to her family's fourth generation farm, 20 miles east of Williston. A major leap came last year with the addition of a high tunnel, thanks to a Natural Resources Conservation Service grant.  

The greenhouse-like structure shields crops from the wind and regulates the temperature with MWEC-powered panels that automatically raise and lower.
The upgrade is also making it possible to add vegetables to the lineup.

Though Beanstalk Flower Farm is mostly a solo venture, it's fueled by family support. Her wheat-farming father, Lowell, husband, Chad, sisters, mom and even her two children pitch
in regularly to help, making it a true family-operated effort.

"It's a full-circle moment," Bean-Anderson said. "When I was a teen, working on the farm felt like torture. Now, 20 years later, I'm out there dragging my kids along."

Turning her passion into a business hasn't dulled the joy for Bean-Anderson. 

"I feel so fortunate to be out there walking amongst all these flowers," she said.

To read this story and more, check out the July issue at mwec.com/north-dakota-living

_{*Pictured:
Top: Chelsey Bean-Anderson, owner of Beanstalk Flower Farm
Bottom Right: Crops flourish in a high tunnel located on the family's fourth-generation farm}