Furrow & Flour: Family stories, life lessons, and inspiration from the garden and for the home

Author Biography

Beth Syphers is the third oldest in the family lineup, the quiet one tucked behind her mother's skirt peering out in caution. Found most days in the limbs of a tree, watching clouds and birds, or playing beneath the raspberry vines, it's clear that Beth's childhood happy place is outdoors in the flower garden. Her childhood imaginations have accompanied her to an adulthood filled with equal wonderment. Beth and her husband Jason have two beautiful children and they live at Crowley House Flower Farm outside McMinnville, Oregon. Their home and garden gates are always open, as they share their country lifestyle with neighbors, customers, and frequent guests. Beth knows how special it is to earn one's living from her own land, and she cherishes the sensory pleasures of the garden. Moment of joy are found in nature, seasonal changes, a breathtaking dawn or dazzling sunset on the farm, surrounded by flora, fauna, and gifts from the garden. Sarah Kuenzi is the second oldest of twelve children known for dodging babysitting duties to pull weeds, tag along behind her father as he tilled rows of vegetables in the family garden, and harvest lettuce greens, sun-warmed tomatoes and crisp snap peas for the table. She lives in Silverton, Oregon, is married to a grass seed farmer and proud mother to two teenage sons.  When not working her "day job" in the medical field, Sarah fills her evenings and weekends caring for her home and family. She is happiest in the kitchen braising a fabulous cut of meat, concocting a zesty salad, and sipping a glass of wine, opening her arms and home for whomever may happen to be included in the circle of her home for a meal. Emma May Dixon is an Oregon-based flower farmer and designer who has a love for photography. Through her lens, Emma captures the visual language of the garden, the home, and everyday moments of life as it unfolds. These are the moments she chases as she works with her family and helps tell their stories. Emma explains, "There are many moments that people are too busy to notice, especially in nature, but those are the moments for which I feel grateful, especially if I am the only observer."