Bri and I spoke in Augusta, Maine in the park near the capital. She had come from the Togus VA Medical Center where her dad had passed away in 2018. It was a long overdue visit for her, but something she needed to fulfill, both emotionally and with gratitude. She had given some of her first tulips of the season to the hospice staff at the hospital to recognize they are some of the greatest at Togus. 

Brianne York: My name is Brianne York. My pronouns are she/her, and I own and operate the Borrowed Flower Farm in Brunswick, Maine.

Maine Vibes Magazine: Can you talk about how you got started with the Borrowed Flower Farm and the backstory of your business? 

BY: I had chickens and they had a lot of eggs, so many they were piling up! One day I said to my partner, I'm going to start selling eggs at the end of the road. This was in 2019…Now there are five people on our road selling eggs and I don't have chickens anymore! I kept selling out [of the eggs] and at first, I had them for $3.00, then I decided to increase them to $5.00 and they kept selling like crazy. Unfortunately, the chickens died off slowly and then I thought maybe I’ll put out some posey-type flowers for $5.00. Then I felt like I should start a farm and go all in and expand, so I did! 

MVM: What was the driving force behind starting a flower stand? 

BY: I enjoy growing flowers. I know a lot of people get excited about flowers and enjoy them for what they are. For me, it’s all about growing them and I want to make it affordable for people to enjoy flowers. Flowers are considered a luxury and can be very expensive. I want to try and keep them as affordable and accessible as possible because I feel that’s important. 

MVM: Were you growing when you were also selling eggs? 

BY: Yeah, in a raised bed behind my house, on a very small scale. 

MVM: How did your current farm come to fruition? 

BY: In 2019 I came up with the idea of operating a flower farm. A family friend, Allen Higgins, his stage name is Allen Foster, he’s a musician, he called me one day and told me he wanted to help make my dreams come true. He offered the use of some of his land; when that happened, it was so beautiful, I started crying. This was around when COVID hit, so things got delayed, but I ended up starting my farm there, which is part of a forever tree farm in Brunswick. I'm indebted to him, there's so much love. It's the most beautiful thing. 

MVM: That is incredible. Have you been able to scale with the use of this land? 

BY: Yes! I think I’ve more than quadrupled the number of flowers I grow. I was standing there today looking around at the farm and things that are broken and felt like what am I doing? It’s a lot. I used to work a full-time job and got comfortable but I realized I could leave and find something more fulfilling. 

MVM: It’s easy to become complacent. I think a lot of sticking around is based on fear of the unknown. 

BY: The time has flown by just beautifully. Now I tell everyone I meet that if you don’t like your job or your situation, you can change it. It’s so important for people to not only hear that but to practice it. There’s so much to experience in life and so many beautiful things we can do. 

MVM: Right, once you make a move that’s aligned, amazing things can happen. Can you tell me what is a typical day like for you? 

BY: On a typical day in the gardens, if I hadn't watered the night before, I'll start watering, which is an interesting process. I don't have a well system so I have to use a point system. I have to pump water with a gas-powered machine, which isn't ideal. So I might water, I might do a little bit of weeding if I have orders, or if I'm going to restock the stand I will cut flowers. Typically, someone will stop in for a visit. All of that is mostly what my days consist of. 

MVM: This will be your second season, how are you feeling about growing this year?

BY: Last year I considered it my trial run, this year I feel like I need to make more connections.

MVM: Are you feeling more comfortable with your business? 

BY: Yes and no. I’m still starting out. Sometimes I stand in the dirt and think about what I’m doing. I do question myself and ask, can I handle this? It’s a back and forth type of thing. 

MVM: I understand, I battle with imposter syndrome weekly. Growth in all forms, life, and business, isn’t linear. Can you tell me more about your business name, The Borrowed Flower Farm? 

BY: I think last September I was in a meditative-like state where I am laying in the middle of flowers or dirt, whatever it may be. It dawned on me, I don’t own the flowers, we don’t really own anything, everything is borrowed. Borrowed time, love, pretty much everything we do. With the flowers, I’m borrowing them because I only grow and cut them and then the next person gets them, it’s a trickle effect.

MVM: I love that so much, and you are a one-woman operation?! What has that experience been like for you?

BY: It’s a shit show, sometimes!! Haha! Some days I feel like giving up and I’m sitting there asking myself what the hell I’m doing, other days it’s amazing and I cry pure happy tears in a bed full of flowers. It’s a balance, it’s life. I’m here for it!  

MVM: How has your experience been working by yourself?

BY: It’s something I'm really trying to figure out because I think it can be really lonely at times, but other times I don't mind it. I guess it depends on the day! I’m not sure that I always want to work by myself, but I do have people around that help me on occasion and that’s lovely. 

MVM: I hear you, again, it’s a balance. I read that you give away dahlias in honor of your friend, Nick. Can you talk about the importance of taking care of your mental health? I am a big advocate for this as well and would love to talk more about it.

BY: Nick struggled with depression and finding his identity.  He was gay but also possibly bisexual, not everyone was accepting of this…It’s hard for me to talk about it. I was accepting and so were all of our closest friends who are like family, but others not so much. It’s part of my mission here on earth to continue to be accepting of everyone no matter who you are, what color your skin or hair is, regardless of gender!  When it comes to flowers, I want people to know that I am very open and accepting. I want couples and people of all walks of life to feel comfortable getting flowers from me (weddings, events, just because, etc.)  I too struggle with depression, which is hard to talk about. Society has created this unrealistic expectation that, women, in particular, we always need to be smiling and positive, and happy. That is not healthy, in fact, it’s toxic positivity. As a society and community, we need to find ways to work together. I think we’re headed in a good direction… depression and mental illness will always exist, it’s all in how we respond to it. While I’m here, it’s my goal and hopes to share my passion through flowers. 

MVM: Thank you for sharing. You are keeping his memory alive and sharing him and his flowers with other people. I know that you donate a percentage of proceeds from your flower stand to local nonprofits. Giving back is such a rewarding experience and has been proven to increase happiness levels. Can you talk about what organizations you work with and what it means to you to be able to give back?

BY: In the 2020-2021 season, I donated to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), in memory of Nick. I chose NAMI of Hallowell, Maine because I feel the organization is active within the state of Maine in helping and assisting those who suffer from mental illness and also those who have suffered a loss due to mental illness.    

Last season, I also supported A Paw in The Door based in Bath, Maine. In fact, some of the tulips and daffodils from Spring 2021 were bulbs purchased from their spring bulb fundraiser!! Other spring bulbs were purchased through the Bath Rotary Club of Bath, Maine. The rotary club does so much for the community, they organize events, raise food and funds and so much more! 

A couple of times last season, proceeds from the stand were donated to the Midcoast Youth Center of Bath, Maine. The center is dedicated to ensuring the youth of our community have a safe space so that kids know someone cares about them. The center was started after a young adult from Bath died by suicide and there was a call for action. 

Last season, I did a random social media post on World Gratitude Day and asked my followers to comment on what they were grateful for. In return, I’d pick someone at random and they would choose a local nonprofit for me to donate to. Chosen was Madeline’s Mission of Maine. Honestly, they couldn’t have chosen a more deserving organization. They provide help and healing for those who have experienced the loss of a child. This hit home for me because a family member of mine had experienced child loss numerous times.

My cousin, Jude who is transgender, and who we/I LOVE SO MUCH helped out at the farm one day. I matched his paid hours with a donation, upon his request, to the Sylvia Rivera Law Project of New York City. Their goal is to ensure BIPOC, Transgender, nonconforming, and intersex people who may otherwise not be able to afford legal assistance, are provided with legal aid and have an opportunity to express who they are without harassment and violence… it’s my hope that my cousin and all people feel safe, loved, and accepted. 

So far this year, 10% of tulip sales this spring went to a new organization, Harpswell Heritage Land Trust of Harpswell, Maine! I realized how much the trails and all the preserved land we have here in Maine meant to me and to so many others. It goes hand-in-hand with my thoughts on mental wellness… the trails in Harpswell helped me so much this winter as I battled really bad seasonal depression, it was probably one of my toughest winters. I’m glad I made it through and really glad to be here today. I’m forever indebted to all this land around me.  

MVM: That is amazing, Bri. I’m sure it means the world to a lot of people that you don’t know, but you are making a difference. I am also so happy you are here. With flowers, what do you think it is about them that brings people so much joy? I love the fact that you enjoy growing because that process is long and you are caring for the flowers before giving them away. 

BY: I don't know that it's actually a joy, but appreciation. Growing is definitely is a process. It’s not a single flower stem, there's so much more to it. It’s the earth that it comes from, the person who put it into the ground and either cared for it or the rain that watered it and then it’s the harvesting of it. Then there’s the presentation of them. I think flowers are almost a type of language, in a way.

MVM: So true! How does it feel to have your own business? I mean I think it’s amazing and such a privilege.

BY: It's a lot of work, it’s overwhelming and can be really stressful, but also very rewarding. I like that I can be flexible and do my own thing. I love coming up with ideas for the future too. I want to create a place for people to come and immerse themselves in the flowers. I want people to get outside, in the sun, in the dirt, with the flowers.

MVM: That sounds amazing and so fun.

BY: It would be physical work, but I want people to embrace how they're feeling in the moment and have it be something for their mental health. How does the flower make you feel? What's your favorite part about the flower? What do you think when you see this color? This morning I was admiring this tulip that had purple in it, it was so shimmery. I took the time to admire and appreciate it, and I do this more often now. Normally I would have pulled it out of the ground and put it in water, and sent it on its way. But it's those little moments that you take to really appreciate the beauty around us and I want everybody to be able to do that.

MVM: Recognizing that you have to slow down and admire the world around you is so important, it’s so hard to do these days.

BY: Absolutely. 

MVM: Can you provide a few mentions of BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and/or women-owned businesses and creatives that you want to support? 

Steel House Oven of Pittston, Maine. Serving up the best wood-fired gourmet pizza known to Maine, in my opinion. Haha! It’s also my cousin. I’m not biased, she’s really good at what she does. I’ve always looked up to Stacy!  This summer we are planning some type of special pizza that will include my edible flowers! Stay tuned! 

Cafe Creme of Bath, Maine… honestly, they are one of many local food establishments that fuel me while I work hard at growing flowers. I’ve been going there since high school. The staff are always really nice. They work hard and the quality of food, especially their hand pies,  and the amazing almond joyous lattes keep me running! Seriously so glad they exist.

East of Eden Flower Farm of Bowdoinham, Maine. I bought my first dahlia tuber from them at the Brunswick farmers market. I remember seeing the tuber and was like, “What?! This thing grows that flower?!” Then, I was hooked. That was in 2018 or 2019. I can’t recall exactly but it doesn’t really matter. They are my number one source for my dahlia supply. The quality is superb and I’ve sent many people their way for their own tubers.  

Skin By Cara of Topsham, Maine is a well-known woman-owned medical skin care facility, employs all women, and takes good care of them, with a focus on helping people to feel the best they can about their skin. My long-time friend and employee of the facility, Amanda, helped arrange to have my bouquets available at her Topsham office for this summer!

I think you also deserve a shout-out, Mercedes! You’re seriously working so hard! 5 jobs?! All while trying to promote and be loud and proud about the women and LGBTQ+ people here in our great state of Maine. Thank you for doing what you do. I hope you continue to pursue what makes you happy and be a voice for people. It means more than you’ll ever know.

MVM: Would you like to share anything else that we haven’t talked about? 

BY: It’s my goal to supply pretty much all of my seeds and dahlia tubers from local Maine farmers/seed companies. The only exception to this; a couple of times friends and family have given me gift cards to out-of-state companies. However, I think it’s important to source locally.  

I also want to offer some advice. Do whatever it is that lights you up, moves you, and sets your soul on fire. I mean, REALLY moves you. Take the path of least resistance… remember to breathe. I forget time and time again to rest but then I center myself back on the present…. Life is beautiful and it can also be just as painful… thankfully, there are flowers! 

 “I don’t grow flowers. Flowers grow me.” - Bri York

Thank you to Brianne York for taking the time to talk with Maine Vibes Magazine! You are incredible!

Visit The Borrowed Flower Farm stand at:

343 State Road, West Bath, Maine

Web: https://www.borrowedflowerfarm.com/

Instagram: @borrowedflowerfarm

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