Michelle Mitchell: Laboratory scientist by education and training with a B.S in Neurobiology, Physiology & Behavior and a M.S in Genetics spent years behind the lab bench preforming experiments and writing research papers.
Though after graduating Michelle reflects she should have gotten a degree in plant science as her daily thoughts are surrounded by plants, plant breeding and soil ecology. As well as her day job (co-owner of Must Machining & Fabrication LLC) primarily caters to the wine industry and is deeply imbedded in the surrounding agriculture and farming practices. At MUST workflow is strongly dictated by the ebb and flow of grape farming and growing seasons, which then dictates when wineries can harvest, and production schedules are at the weather and harvest gods. At home Michelle and family spend their evenings and weekends working the little farm continuing to improve soil health and soil microbial life post Glass Fire. Without soil, you have nothing, you must feed the soil and get it healthy before. you can ask the soil to produce for you.
Michelle also a dedicated equestrian who spent her college and graduate years managing top notch boarding and competition barns. Mental and physical hard work are no stranger to her. After the birth of their first son, Michelle left research science and her 2hr commute behind to join her husband in growing their business and time to be more present with their growing family
In 2018 the seeds of Workhorse Flowers and Farms were born by signing up for Floret's cut flower workshop in early 2019. Following the workshop Michelle and family put the wheels in motion to find a plot of land to farm. But, life happened; Michelle and husband had the opportunity acquire a second business in town and expand. They also purchased a home with enough land to play with, followed by COVID, and then the Glass Fire leveled their whole neighborhood and set back the timeline an additional 3 years. But, we are here and with a stronger motivation to improve our soils, provide forage, and revitalize the area while with an eye on fire resiliency and share the bounty of our efforts
We love sharing our captured sunshine through our flowers, seasonal produce and plant starts.
Nestled in the Napa Valley, our micro-farm is a haven for nature and community
Revitalizing the Land, Nurturing the Soil
At Work Horse Flowers and Farm, we are a family-fun micro-farm nestled in the burn scar of the Glass Fire in the Napa Valley cultivating seasonal flowers, fruit and eggs while bringing life back into the charred land. We are passionately committed to improving our soils and providing forage for birds and pollinators while enhancing soil microbial life. Our focus on sustainable, regenerative practices ensures that our little corner of the Napa Valley flourishes, even in the wake of the Glass Fire.
Specialty Blooms and Bountiful Harvests
From our vibrant cut flower garden to the juicy fruits of our orchard and berry patches, we take great pride in sharing the abundance of our land. Our pasture-raised chickens and their goat companions provide essential manure for our compost and graze our oak and grassland pasture and provide healthy and rich eggs to share.
A Farmstand Cultivating Connection
We foster community by offering a self-service farmstand inviting everyone to share our harvest. Experience the joy of fresh, locally-grown produce. We also offer handcrafted dried flower bouquets and artwork, showcasing the beauty of our farm.
We Are Growing Sunshine
How can we brighten your day? At Workhorse Flowers and Farm, we are dedicated to brightening your day with our vibrant blooms and delicious fruits. Whether you’re looking for the perfect bouquet to lift someone’s spirits or seeking fresh flavorful fruits for your family, we’re here to help. Let us add a touch of sunshine to your life.