When you first set foot onto the enchanting grounds of
Hope Flower Farm and Winery in Waterford, Virginia, a sense of serenity washes over you. It’s a place where joy, hope, and the beauty of nature come together in perfect harmony.
Owner and floral designer Holly Heider Chapple envisioned this haven as a place to nurture, inspire, and uplift people through the power of flowers. For Chapple, flowers have always held a special place in her heart, stemming from her upbringing on a 100-acre farm in Loudoun County, where her parents owned Heider’s Nursery.
The Story
The story of Hope Flower Farm took root when Holly and her late husband, Evan, decided to take a leap of faith and purchase this 25-acre property in 2015. It marked a significant change in their lives, as they transformed the 1820s Quaker residence and dairy farm into a sanctuary for flower enthusiasts and those seeking solace in nature.
Holly Heider Chapple, a renowned wedding and event florist and founder of the Chapel Designers floral community, aimed to create an environment where floral designers could flourish. Now, Hope Flower Farm serves as a hub for educational workshops, public visits, flower picking, weddings, floral design classes, and even yoga sessions.
The farm’s success is a testament to Holly’s vision and dedication, with her husband Evan playing a pivotal role in bringing that vision to life before his passing in 2022. His contribution included the construction of the processing room, a hub for flower storage, arrangement creation, and workshops.
The Power of Healing
But, Hope Flower Farm’s significance extends beyond aesthetics. Holly firmly believes in the healing power of flowers, a belief reinforced during the COVID-19 pandemic and her journey of grief. And, she emphasizes the importance of being outdoors and the positive impact of having flowers indoors, especially during challenging times.
One of the farm’s special features is Sunflower Alley, a field of thousands of sunflowers created in memory of Ryan Hurley, the late niece of Hope Flower Farms’ Chief Operating Officer Megan Hurley. This vibrant sunflower patch offers a space for healing and rejuvenation, reminding us to follow the positivity, just as sunflowers follow the sun.
More than Just Flowers
Hope Flower Farm is more than just flowers. It’s also home to a pot-bellied pig, chickens, donkeys, and the friendly resident farm cat, Jack. Visitors can extend their stay at the charming bed-and-breakfast cottage, explore the gift shop, and savor a variety of wines, including the locally crafted Jack Cat Hard Cider.
Hope Flower Farm is a place where nature, community, and healing converge. It’s a testament to the profound impact that flowers can have on our lives and a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is hope, joy, and the enduring beauty of nature. Make it a point to visit Hope Flower Farm and let the blossoms inspire and uplift your spirit.
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