Bloom With Me: A Look Back and a Look Forward
- Diana Pierce
- Dec 31, 2025
- 3 min read
Your most-loved stories of 2025 + plants to watch in 2026
By Diana Pierce, December 31, 2025
On this last day of 2025, I keep thinking about unexpected moments — the ones that arrive without announcement and change everything that follows.
Within moments of standing near this peony, with my camera in hand, Keith Swenson, owner of Swenson Peony Gardens, turned to me and said, “We should name it Angelic Diana.” He said it was because my shirt matched the color of this new bloom.
It hadn’t had a name before that day.
That spontaneous moment captures so much of what Bloom With Me became in 2025. It was my curiosity leading to connection, and stories growing in real time.
When I launched Bloom With Me in August 2024, I hoped it would become a warm corner of beauty and discovery each week. Today, it’s become something even better. It’s a shared space connected by a love of flowers, nature, and the small moments that brighten our days.
Bloom With Me in 2025
· A community across 31 states and 10 countries
· 1 GardenComm Golden Laurel Award
· 1 peony named
· Countless porch pots, garden questions, and shared moments
Your notes, photos, and Arboretum visits this year reminded me: Bloom With Me isn’t just a newsletter. It’s something we’ve built together.
None of this would be possible without Michael Helmke, who has been with me from the very first newsletter. From that initial launch in August 2024 through every technical challenge and development decision since, Michael has been my guide and problem-solver. His expertise helped turn Bloom With Me from an idea into the community it is today. If you’re building something of your own and need someone who truly gets it, I can’t recommend him enough: michaelhelmke.com
Also, one of the highlights of the year was receiving the GardenComm Golden Laurel Award for Best Writing in the Blog Category. That honor reflects your encouragement, engagement, and the joy of sharing these stories with you.
Your Most-Loved Stories of 2025
These were the pieces you read, shared, forwarded, bookmarked, and returned to throughout the seasons.
Our biggest post of the year — proof that creativity doesn’t hibernate.
A fall favorite filled with curiosity, color, and a whole lot of pumpkins.
Plants to Watch for in 2026
Ring in 2026 with first access: Swenson Peony Gardens launches tomorrow (12:01 a.m., January 01). While “Angelic Diana” is sold out, you’ll have first look at their full 2026 collection.
From Bailey Nurseries → 2026 New Varieties
From Proven Winners (Minnesota zones: 3a-5a):
Coming January 7th
Winter Houseplant Survival Guide: What Indoor Plant Parents Need to Know
Kalanchoe houseplants at a garden center. Photo: Diana Pierce
Featuring expert insights from Laura Irish-Hanson, U of M Extension Horticulture Educator.
A perfect way to start the new year, especially here in Minnesota where Laura says when the holidays are over, it officially becomes Houseplant Season.
Thank You for Being Part of This Community
What began as a small idea has grown into something deep, joyful, and beautifully connected.
I’m grateful for every reader, every reply, and every moment you’ve shared. And to Scott, for patiently supporting every creative idea that blooms along the way.
Here’s to blooming together in 2026.
Diana
© 2025 Diana Pierce
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