How do you grow flowers in a region known for long winters, short seasons, and frequent frosts?

In this episode, we are joined by Annie Amrich of Janniebird Farm, a Zone 4 flower farmer thriving in the high-altitude climate of Gunnison, Colorado. Annie shares how she forces thousands of tulips each year, grows without greenhouses, and keeps flowers blooming nearly year-round in a place where frost can arrive any month of the year.

Annie’s journey — from athletic training and medical sales back to the creativity she grew up with — is a beautiful reminder that it’s never too late to follow what feels true. She opens up about leaning into hardy crops, building community in a small mountain town, and developing a new perennial field designed for workshops, gatherings, and connection.

What You’ll Learn in Episode 79:

• How Annie grows successfully in Zone 4 without tunnels or greenhouses
• What it takes to force thousands of tulips for winter and holiday blooms
• How she markets flowers in a small town and builds loyal community support
• Lessons from rehabilitating new soil and planning a perennial-focused expansion
• Encouragement for anyone growing — or dreaming of growing in a cold climate

Connect with Annie:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janniebirdfarm/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janniebirdfarm
• Website: https://www.janniebirdfarm.com/ 

Connect with Jennifer, Host of The Backyard Bouquet Podcast:

• Website: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefloweringfarmhouse/
• Follow the Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thebackyardbouquetpodcast/

Sign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/thefloweringfarmhousenewsletter

Join Us At The Profitable Dahlia Summit

The first-ever virtual summit focused exclusively on growing dahlias for profit is here!

Whether you’re dreaming of a small side hustle, saving for your next vacation, or building a full-fledged dahlia focused business — this 2-day online virtual event will show you how.

Join us March 3–4, 2026 to learn from experienced dahlia growers who are selling bouquets, tubers, CSA shares, event tickets, and more — and doing it profitably.

You’ll walk away with real strategies to turn your passion into income, even if you're just getting started.

🎟️ Early bird tickets start at just $49 through January 11, 2026.

Save your spot here: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.mykajabi.com/profitabledahiliasummit/ 

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New episodes every week to help keep your garden blooming!