Thousands of Blooms and a Garden Full of Stories
- Diana Pierce
- Aug 13
- 3 min read
A year in the life of Bloom With Me
Diana Pierce, Aug. 13, 2025
Imagine a single seed, pressed into the soil with hope, breaking through the earth to become a riot of color and community.
That’s our journey together—one year, thousands of blooms, endless stories.
On August 14, 2024, I clicked send on the very first Blooming newsletter—just hoping a few people out there loved flowers and gardens as much as I do. That seed has grown into Bloom With Me and Fresh Cuttings. Whether you’ve been here since the first sprout or just joined, I’m so glad you’re part of this garden.
One year. 52 newsletters. 480 flower lovers. 18 regions. And countless petals drifting through our shared stories.
We began with 30 subscribers. Today—just one year later—we’re 480 strong, blooming across Minnesota, 14 other states, and four international cities. I’m amazed by how far we’ve blossomed.
Over the past year, we’ve followed petals, pollinators, and people. We’ve looked closer, asked deeper questions, and shared the joy of nature together. Here are just a few favorite moments from year one:
Behind the Blooms
We met Duane Otto, the garden guru behind the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum’s iconic tulip displays. That tulip story? It became our most-read post of the year.
Bloom Meets Brushstroke
We stepped into a different kind of garden during the Flowers in Art tour at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, seeing blooms on canvas in a whole new light.
A Bloom Worth Waiting For
We marveled at the Showy Lady’s Slipper—our rare and elegant state flower—and explored why it stirs such wonder.
A Golden Moment
This summer, Bloom With Me received the Golden Laurel Award from GardenComm International—its top honor—recognizing excellence in garden writing and storytelling.
New Paths in the Garden
From koi ponds to backyard waterfalls, I photographed lush escapes during the Minnesota Water Garden Society Tour—each one a dreamy, peaceful retreat.
Conversations That Grow
We even spent a summer morning in the garden with Elizabeth Ries of Twin Cities Live, talking herbs, harvesting, and the joy of raising chickens with her daughter and two sons.
What’s Next?
Year two is already sprouting ideas. You can look forward to:
• Deep dives into garden folklore and myth
• Conversations with people who help flowers, bees, and birds thrive
• And a few surprises I can’t wait to share
Your Turn
This February, I featured Bloom With Me subscriber Danlye Jones and her bold decision to grow dahlias from seed. She wrote back with the happiest news—they bloomed!
I always love to hear what you’ve discovered. So, to celebrate this milestone, I’d love to know:
What story from Bloom With Me stayed with you the longest—or made you see nature in a new way?
Hit reply and share—I read every note.
Anniversary Giveaway
If you’ve already ordered a 2025 calendar, you’re entered to win a second one free — perfect for gifting!
If you have not yet ordered a calendar, reply to this email and I’ll get you the details.
And before I close, two heartfelt shout-outs.
To Michael Helmke, The Digital Concierge, who has been with me from the very first issue—double-checking every word, polishing every image, and helping shape each newsletter into its final form.
And to my rock, Scott Bemman, who has a gift for making the rough days smoother and reminding me why this work matters.
I couldn’t do this without either of you.
With gratitude in my heart, dirt under my nails, and excitement for another year of Bloom With Me,
Diana
P.S. If you’ve enjoyed Bloom With Me, forward this to a friend who loves flowers or storytelling. Let’s keep growing together.
P.P.S. All photos credit Diana Pierce except where noted.
© 2025 Diana Pierce
11330 57th Ave. N., Plymouth, MN 55442