built three small hoop houses for seeding and helping to
protect small plants from harsh weather until ready to go
into the ground. They received their “high tunnel,” which is
a permanent “unheated greenhouse,” through a government
grant from the Natural Resources Conservation Service
(NRCS). At the first of October, Rita got word that WilMor
58 Toombs County Magazine
During the height of the season, the Williamses
assemble bouquets each week in the old barn that
belonged to Rita's grandfather (below). On Saturdays,
they take the bouquets to sell at three different markets
(above). Friends and neighbors often come to the farm
markets.
Farms had just been awarded another grant for a deep well
and irrigation system.
At the height of flower production (spring and summer),
WilMor Farms will sell flowers at three markets. During this
time, Rita and the children can cut flowers throughout the
week because of the cooler. She squinted against the sun as
she pointed back toward the barn. “We got the cooler from
an old Subway restaurant, and Mike just bought the panels
and insulated it good.” They will have cut about 2,000
flowers by Thursday evening.
“The zinnias can’t be gathered until the last minute
because they don’t like the cold,” said Rita. “On Thursday
evening, neighbors and family show up and grab a pair of
clippers for the ‘zinnia party.’ They come out of the goodness
of their hearts just to help out. It takes about four hours of
cutting with eight people.”
Early Friday morning, two long tables are set up in the
barn that once held Rita’s Grandfather’s cow feed and horse
tackle. On this particular Friday, two extras are here to help:
a cousin from down the road and Rita’s longtime friend,
Meredith Brodnax. Of course, Mike’s mother Renée is on
hand. “It takes about six hours to make the 120 to 130 big
bouquets,” said Rita.
A chalkboard stood high on a shelf against the wall with
instructions on the number of each variety for each size
bouquet. “The children like to be creative and make their
own combination,” said Rita. Even with no name to identify