Building Our Roadside Flower Stand: A Family Project on the Farm
The seedlings were in the ground last spring, and I had big dreams of selling asparagus and tulips early in the season—but there was just one problem. My "stand" was nothing more than an uncovered table by the road. During the first brutal heat wave of what would eventually be a terrible drought of a summer, I decided it was time to build something real, something sturdy, something that wouldn’t leave my bouquets at the mercy of the wind. Or at the mercy of speeding trucks & cars. My goodness, the natural disasters caused by traffic jetstreams are impressive.
I’ve always loved making things, and I have that special gene that convinces me, With enough research, I can do anything. So, naturally, I found a set of building plans on Etsy from Kroma Acres Plans and convinced my two boys (15 & 10 at the time) that this would be a fun family project. There we were—standing in a pile of sawdust, surrounded by tools, and holding a nail gun. What could possibly go wrong?
Choosing the Plans & Gathering Supplies
When we decided to build a stand for Flowers on 29, I knew I wanted something that looked good, was sturdy enough to withstand Pennsylvania weather, shield the flowers from the midday sun and, most importantly, was within my limited woodworking skill set. Enter Kroma Acres Plans—a simple but charming design that even a first-time builder (with two enthusiastic assistants) could handle.
Thankfully, my family has a long history of tool-hoarding, so we didn’t have to buy much beyond the wood and paint. This saved us money but also meant digging through generations of tools, some of which probably (most definitely) belong in a museum. My youngest and I, being the fearless (or reckless) ones, quickly claimed the power tools. There’s a certain thrill in realizing you’re trusted with a nail gun, and let’s just say my 10-year-old was living his best life.
Building with My Boys
Like any great DIY project, things didn’t always go smoothly. We measured, we cut, we measured again, and somehow still had pieces that didn’t quite fit. My oldest took a more methodical approach, while my youngest and I were all about speed and enthusiasm (hence why we may or may not have fired a few rogue nails).
Despite a few hiccups, it was incredible to see the stand take shape. Watching my boys work together (not really at the same time - let’s not go bananas) was one of the best parts of the experience. They were invested in the project—not just because it was for our farm, but because they could already see their favorite part coming: checking the cash box each day.
Painting, Signage & Finishing Touches
Once the structure was up, it was time to make it our own. We painted it by hand, which means every brushstroke has a little extra character (read: imperfections). The signage was also homemade—no fancy vinyl or professional lettering here. Just a lot of love, a bit of trial and error, and enough paint on our clothes to prove we are hard-working folk.
I still have big dreams of adding more art and signs to the stand, but flower farming takes priority, so those ideas keep simmering on the back burner. Every time I pass by, I think, I should really add another sign or two. Then I remember I need to weed the field, harvest flowers, and, you know, sleep, work, tidy, work some more, have fun with my people, exercise, pile up laundry and feed those boys.
The First Day Open & The Joy of the Cash Box
The day we set up the stand for the first time was a mix of pride and nervousness. Would people stop? Would they like the flowers? Would the stand fall apart under the weight of a full bucket? (Spoiler: It held up just fine. We all tested it as a hidey hole more than once.) Would I be able to roll it up the driveway by myself? (Also a yes, ma’am…I’m sure it is a sight to see. Entertainment is free here.)
The real highlight for my boys, though, was the cash box. The excitement of opening it to find money inside never gets old. They check it with the same enthusiasm every single time, like tiny business moguls in training.
What’s Next? Upgrades & Expanding the Stand
Flower farming is an ever-growing adventure, and this year we have more blooms to sell. That means the stand needs an upgrade! This weekend, we’re (I may need to leave Calvin to it on his own. He is quite the Carpenter in training) adding shelves to make more room for bouquets. The boys are already dreaming up ways to “optimize” (aka maximize cash box potential), and I’m just hoping we don’t end up with too many extra nail gun mishaps.
Final Thoughts
Building this stand wasn’t just about having a place to sell flowers—it was about creating something as a family. It was messy, imperfect, and filled with power tool chaos, but it’s ours. And every time we set out fresh bouquets, I’m reminded of the laughter, teamwork, and occasional misfired nails that built it.
If you’re ever passing by Flowers on 29, stop and take a look—maybe even grab a bouquet. And if the signage looks a little sparse, just know that I’m still dreaming up the perfect finishing touches. Right after I finish planting more flowers.
(And yes, the cash box is still the boys’ favorite part.)
