Our Story
It all begins with a seed. In the midst of a dark season of hardship a seed was planted in our hearts. We are the Gafkens. Neither of us grew up on a farm and frankly had no desire to have a farm. Yet here we are with cats, dogs, chickens, pigs, bees, and a flower farm. In 2021 we received some devastating news about our expected baby. She was going to need immediate medical surgeries and she would have some severe genetic disabilities. Devastated and treading water we began to search for next steps. Those next steps led us to Michigan where our daughter would be born and undergo medical surgeries and treatments.
It was during that dark season of life that God gave us the gift of hope and a dream. The dream to bring more beauty into a world that struggles to see the light and beauty in the business of every day life. We began to think and dream about having a farm. A flower farm. A place where people could come and step out of the cares of the world, the bustle of work, and faded mundane of our broken world. What would that look like? Where could that be? How would that be possible?
Fast-forward two years and we found ourselves on the back patio of our brand new house on our wedding anniversary. As we sat and drank wine and ate bread and cheese, we thanked God for the gift he had just given us. And we asked that it would be used to bring people together in beauty.
That is the goal of Lamppost Farm & Flowers. To bring people together to see and experience the beauty of God’s creation. From the pigs to the chickens to the bees that weave their way through the rows of flowers to collect as much pollen as their bodies can hold. All of it works in synchrony according to the way their Creator designed it. We want to share that with you. Whether that is in a bouquet you purchased at a farmer’s market or subscription, or personally cutting a flower bunch from our fields, or a specially curated event with friends and family at the farm. We want you to experience the beauty of this world that is so easily lost in hurry and worry. Come join us and experience that at Lamppost Farm & Flowers
Why Lamppost?
I’m glad you asked. The idea of Lamppost Farm & Flowers stemmed from some of our favorite books, The Chronicles of Narnia. In Narnia the lamppost marks the boundaries between the magical world and normal world. It is a symbol of light. It represents hope and guidance. It stands as a beacon in a world that is full of darkness and danger. Light often represents hope in dark times. The lamppost provides a source of light in the otherwise dark and wintry landscape of Narnia under the White Witch’s rule. It serves as a reminder that even in the bleakest situations, there is always a flicker of hope.
That is why we chose to call our farm Lamppost. Going through a very dark season there was always that glimmer of Hope. A beacon of light reminding us that because of Jesus, we can have hope no matter the circumstance or outcome.
So welcome to Lamppost Farm and Flowers. We trust that you find your time here full of beauty, truth, hope and light.