Evolving: Flowers, Faith and Restorative Mental Wellness

• Posted on 7 August 2022
• By Holly & Tim
• 0

Small Farms specialty crop farmers Tim and Holly Koster of north central IL find solace in transitioning their veggie CSA farm into a cut flower farm focused on aromatherapy, farm retreats and cut flower bunches as integral therapeutic wellness programs in Grand Ridge IL

Avid gardeners familiar with the calming effect of digging in the dirt can relate to the swift change of direction one local farm took in the wake of a global pandemic. For specialty crop growers Tim and Holly Koster, cultivating aromatic cut flowers eased the disparaging discord and abrupt closing of farmers markets in 2020 and '21. Aromatherapy, abundant crops and experimental biodiverse practices remain a forefront coping strategy for navigating worldwide uncertainty, food supply shortages and general lack of human compassion.

Therapeutic garden sessions and farm retreats is a natural evolution for the 6-acre farm now producing over 58 varieties of tulips, dahlia, succulents, allium and lilies to name a few. “Most of us can relate to the sure reward of calm and accomplishment that comes along with cultivating plants,” The Reverend Holly Koster consoles, “I introduce pruning, seeding, sowing and nourishing botanicals as a comparison to the cycles and rhythms of life.” The Kosters are concluding their second full season transitioning to a cut flower farm and share a combined 50 years’ experience farming barley, hops, corn, soybeans, vegetables, herbs, and now, heirloom and heritage flowers.  

Omnist High Meadows Sanctuary (OhmS), a charitable organization formed to spearhead the farm’s community outreach programs, seeks candidates interested in self-development and Spiritual awakening using the flower fields and Creekside orchard as a therapeutic playground. In the Kosters’ opinion, OhmS fills a devastating gap to safely and solemnly bring people together and grow togetherness.

To learn more about the Sanctuary and to participate in ongoing program fundraisers, visit ohms.letgrowthunite.us or call 815.249.5134 or email The Reverend Holly Koster at [email protected]