An Ode to August Flowers

There’s a moment in the evening - just before the sun slips behind the ridge - when the garden glows in that perfect, soft light. The shadows stretch, the air cools just a touch, and everything feels alive. Late summer flowers are at their peak, but fall is whispering its arrival. As August fades into September, the summer flowers fade, too, providing space for August flowers with their rich, earthy hues and soft colors. Each bloom is a reminder to pay attention, to enjoy this moment while it lasts.

August in Full Bloom

The dahlias are actually, finally hitting their stride. My dahlia besties and I have been talking about how weirdly late the flowers seem to be this year (rain? cool temperatures? who knows), but the wait is always worth it. Petals are opening in shades of cream, bronze, deep purple, red, and gold, just begging to be added to August bouquets. These are the first blooms from varieties I ordered last fall (** side note: being a flower farmer is really weird because you're constantly planning one or two seasons - or even years - ahead. I literally just made a note for myself to do something in 2027. Anyway - back to dahlias) and it's so amazing to be surprised by all the gorgeous colors and shapes that 2024-me had the foresight to order.

Another exciting addition to the 2025 fall flower festivities is chrysanthemums. They're super old fashioned, but they're making a comeback all across the flower world. They're basically a huge version of garden center mums, but come in incredible shapes and colors.  They've begun their late-summer debut in hues of burnt amber, marigold gold, deep red, and peachy bronze. One variety, Homecoming, feels like a gentle reminder of the season’s shift - the time to gather, share, and savor those around us.

Rudbeckia ‘Cherry Brandy’ was added this year as well. (Okay, another random aside - almost every flower is a "new to 2025!" variety because that's what happens when you plan flowers like crops and actually get yourself together in January). It adds a deep pop of plum, especially when paired with lighter dahlias and African blue basil, or eucalyptus and bunches of cream pincushion flower. For anyone stopping by the flower farm stand in Mills River, this is the kind of late summer bloom you won’t want to miss.

First Touches of Fall:

From the upper field I can see the lone maple in the trees below the house that is always the first to start changing. Its leaves glow in shades of rose, gold, and soft copper and remind me of a lantern flickering in the dark. Yellow poplar leaves are dusting the field walkways, and sunflowers in the u-pick flowers area are catching the late afternoon light. Pollinators buzz from bloom to bloom, and the garden is alive with subtle shifts that announce the arrival of autumn.

I can even feel it in the air. There's a smell in late summer that is unmistakable as one of the first signs of the changing season. There's something about stepping out in the early morning when fog clings to the dips and hollows in the fields, the ground still wet from afternoon thunderstorms of the previous day. It's the smell of slowing growth, of early season plants letting go of spent leaves, of layers of plant material settling into the ground as it begins its autumnal decay to provide nourishment for next years growth. The smell is indescribable, but one of the first changes I notice. It's the "feeling" in the air.

The Season’s Edge

The first frost in Asheville arrives around October 26 on average. That means there’s a limited window to enjoy these late summer and fall flowers. Each year, I try to extend the season by covering what I can with massive frost cloths the afternoon before a predicted freeze. You'll find us out (usually in the wind, usually when it's almost dark) with huge sheets acting like sails, trying to secure them without crushing the flowers we're trying to save. It’s a little chaotic, a little frantic, but completely worth it. Especially when that's the only frost for weeks and I can keep the flowers coming and the farm stand stocked.

It's a reminder of the fluidity and constantly changing nature of the seasons. It's also a reminder that we are never in complete control. Mother Nature will always have the last word and the best we can do is prepare for the day when fall releases it's hold to the cold, short days of winter.

Experiencing the Full Arc of the Season

For members of the Flower CSA, the next five weeks are a chance to watch the garden evolve in all its splendor. Goldenrod will appear as a staple of fall. Dahlias continue to bloom, orange and yellow cosmos brighten the mix, and late summer yarrow adds texture. A second flush of sunflowers is also gearing up to bloom toward the end of the CSA.

Each week offers something slightly different - a new color, a new texture, a subtle shift in the flower fields. The beauty is in the progression, and CSA members experience the full arc of the season, seeing the fall flowers transform over time.

Sweet Notes from the Farm

A honey sampler was offered as a CSA add-on this season. This week, CSA members are enjoying Sourwood Honey as the first of the honey samplers. Sourwood trees bloom in mid-to-late summer in Western North Carolina, producing nectar that’s incredibly important for the bees after the heat of July. It’s a short, intense run of flowers, so the honey itself is rare and highly prized. The flavor? Think rich, buttery sweetness with delicate caramel notes, a little floral hint, and the kind of complexity that makes you pause mid-toast to appreciate it. Following that is wildflower honey, a sweet blend from multiple blooms, then hot honey infused with habanero peppers (yes, chaos in a jar, but surprisingly mild. I am a self proclaimed "medium salsa" enjoyer and I find the spice just right), and finally, creamed clover honey in flavors like lavender, blackberry, and lemon -

all made from dried botanicals sourced directly from plants, nothing artificial.

All of this comes from Bee Masters Honey in Hendersonville, owned by David Stallings. David is active in the Henderson County Beekeepers Association and a past board member. His honey and poured beeswax candles will soon be available at the farm stand, a little local taste of summer and fall for anyone visiting the Grey Dog Flowers Farm Stand.

One Last Look

As the days shorten and the light softens, the garden slows in its own rhythm. Flowers, trees, and pollinators continue their work, changing each day in subtle ways.

Remember to take a breath. Watch the bees in the flowers. Notice the sunflowers turning with the light. Step lightly through the leaves and enjoy this fleeting moment before the season fully shifts. As afternoon fades into dusk and that golden light is so shimmery you can almost touch it, remember to enjoy the golden hours of the year and the fleeting beauty that August offers before the brisk bite of fall and the frost-covered fields chase us inside to cozy candlelight, crackling fires, and family.

Frequently Asked Questions: Sourwood Honey

What is sourwood honey?

Sourwood honey is a rare, small-batch honey made from the blossoms of the sourwood tree, which blooms briefly in midsummer in the Appalachian mountains. It has a smooth, buttery flavor with notes of caramel, spice, or anise, and is highly prized for its unique taste.

Why is sourwood honey special to North Carolina?

North Carolina’s Appalachian mountains provide ideal conditions for sourwood trees. The short bloom period and limited production make this honey a treasured local delicacy.

What does sourwood honey taste like?

It’s smooth and rich, with buttery caramel notes, hints of spice, and a subtle anise finish. Unlike other honeys, it isn’t overwhelmingly sweet, making it perfect for both cooking and snacking.

How can I use sourwood honey?

Drizzle it over cheeses, charcuterie, or biscuits, stir into tea, or use it in glazes, marinades, and desserts. Its complex flavor works beautifully in both sweet and savory dishes.

Where can I buy sourwood honey near me?

Small-batch jars of sourwood honey are available at Grey Dog Flowers, harvested by local beekeeper David Stalling. Quantities are limited and available while supplies last.

How should I store sourwood honey?

Keep it at room temperature in a sealed jar, away from direct sunlight. Though sourwood honey is less prone to crystallization, if it happens, gently warm the jar in a bowl of hot water to return it to a smooth consistency.