Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Kutz
Hi Jessica, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
We opened in the summer of 2023 after moving back to the area. We like to joke that one of the main motivations for starting the farm was to avoid mowing four acres of grass, but over the past couple of years we have discovered that it means so much more. Sustainable farming, conservation of land and wildlife and sharing our space with others has brought us so much joy and has become our main focus. I can remember loving flowers from a young age and even had a job at a flower shop as a teen. My husband and I visited several flower farms in Virginia where we lived for a few years and we brought that inspiration back with us to Marine. Even though I grew up in the area I never dreamed I would own a tractor and a farm, but it really has come full circle and now I cannot imagine any other way.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The decision to start the fields was easy, but to say it has been a smooth road would vastly undermine the thought and time we put into planning and building the spaces. Our first obstacle was finding a tractor. At first we borrowed one from family, but quickly learned we wanted a tractor of our own to achieve our goals. Once we had the tractor preparing the fields was easy, but deciding where, when and how to put things proved more challenging. One of our goals is to farm as sustainably as possible and use no pesticides. This proved very challenging when we planted a plot of pumpkins and gourds and were soon plagued with a multitude of pests that loved to eat them. In year two we studied some permaculture methods and decided to companion plant the pumpkin plot to reduce those bugs. While it didn’t completely eliminate the bugs it did help a lot and reminded us why we do it with no chemicals. Another big challenge for me was being pregnant throughout the entire second season. Harvesting flowers in 90 degree weather while being 7 months pregnant is not for the faint of heart. Our third boy was born in October 2024 and this year I am more eager than ever to take on the new challenges while chasing our third season goals.
As you know, we’re big fans of Marine Meadows. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Marine Meadows is a u-pick flower farm located in Marine, IL. We are situated on four acres and have wildflower fields, sunflowers, zinnias and several flower varieties in our self serve u-pick field. We offer our space to photographers for a small fee and once blooms start we have daily hours. We prepare fresh flower arrangements and bouquets on our farm stand and at a weekly farmers market. We also fulfill special order requests and bouquet bars for events. All of our flowers are chemical and pesticide free. We are most known for our beautiful wildflower fields, which have been photographed hundreds of times by local photographers and their clients. We are so proud to be a part of so many family memories in our favorite space. The wildflower fields are a space of beauty and serenity for us as well as a testament to sustainably and conservation. Even if picking flowers isn’t your thing we are worth the visit to spot all of the different bugs, bees, butterflies and birds that dance among the wildflowers.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Networking and finding your people is so important in any business. Being involved in the community through farmers markets and sponsorships has proved vital for us. We were also invited into a local group made up of several other flower farmers in the area. The wealth of knowledge and fellowship in the group has been incredible for us. I have found in all of my career paths, especially among other small business owners, that there are people willing and happy to share knowledge and support.
Pricing:
- $15 u-pick jars or $1/stem
- $25/hour photography fee
- Free to visit the fields- Donations welcome to help maintain the space.
- Bouquet bars and specialty bouquets pricing upon request
- $500+- private wedding ceremony space for up to 50 guests
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marine.meadows.62061?igsh=MTU0aDFscnd3OWJh&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1KU14ruFwy/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@marine.meadows?_t=ZT-8u6dnFwkUZe&_r=1
