We’re continually inspired by those who pour their hearts and souls into the land and the beauty it brings forth. One of those people is not only the visionary and grower behind Prosper Fields but, most importantly, our sister, Jess. Jess has not only created breathtaking beauty in the fields but has also been by Justin’s and my side, supporting us in the journey of building Salt & Acres. Prosper Fields is a testament to her dedication to sustainable farming and her love for the earth, where she combines her growing agricultural knowledge with a genuine passion for creating high-quality, sustainably nurtured blooms.
Jess’s journey has truly been one of “learning on the job,” with her devotion to the fields and her love for growing Prosper Fields blooming in sync. When we first dreamed up Salt & Acres, a cut flower farm was always part of the vision. We knew it would be a lot of work—but we couldn’t have imagined the depth of commitment it would take. For the past two years, Jess has tended to the fields every day, growing something indescribably beautiful and deepening the bonds we share through a love of flowers, a passion for bringing joy, and a shared vision of building Salt & Acres as a legacy.
In this Q&A session, I’m excited to share insights from Jess herself, diving into the values, dreams, and dedication that shape her work at Prosper Fields.
Danielle “How has growing Prosper Fields changed you personally and professionally?”
Jess “It has reinvigorated my passion to create. As most mothers to young children will tell you, you put all your energy and time into your spawn and somehow forget about all the things that gave you joy before. It came at the perfect time. I truly love being a catalyst for good in my life and this is one way I can do that. I feel like I am just a part of something bigger, being able to steward the land and spread the joy of its harvests with the people that visit Salt & Acres.
Danielle “What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from tending to the flower farm?“
Jess “That you have zero control of circumstances and rather than letting it break you, learn to pivot and take everything as a lesson. There are so many elements in nature (pests, diseases, water and weather conditions) and you can only plan so much. I have learned so much, especially letting go.”
Danielle “What has been the most challenging obstacle you’ve faced while developing the farm?”
Jess “Planning. It is not a strength for me. It’s so important to be able to plan your season in the colder months and I’m really trying to figure this part out. And if you ask anyone else I’m sure they will say asking for help. I can admit I will most likely do it the hard way than reach out to get help.”
Danielle “What is something about working with flowers that you now love but never expected to?”
Jess “I love harvesting seeds and saving them for the next season. Collecting all the dried pollinated seed heads and replanting them in the next season gives me such a joy. Being able to share them with others and hear about their gardens flourishing give me so much pride.”
Danielle “In what ways has cultivating Prosper Fields enriched or influenced other parts of your life?”
Jess “I am an introvert so being in the field, with the birds and the plants is very comfortable for me. However, asking me about anything related to the educational aspects of growing, try and shut me up. You might even catch me going out of my way to chat.”
Danielle “When you see the blooms you’ve nurtured used at events or taken home by others, what emotions or thoughts do you experience?”
Jess “It’s the best! Flowers just make people so happy and knowing I contributed to that leaves an impact on my soul. I hear a gasp from guests at the Tasting Room asking if they are real and it gives me a smirk.”
Danielle “Jess the tasting room never fully feels ready until your blooms are on the tables. They are beautiful and the idea that they are grown right around the corner is mind blowing!”
Danielle “I love how Salt & Acres has the ability to add beauty and bring joy in a multitude of ways. Creating Prosper Fields as part of Salt & Acres felt like a natural expansion of using the land and rounding out the brand. How do you feel the farm contributes to the overall experience at Salt & Acres?“
Jess “Everything at Salt & Acres comes from a place of love and community. Our joy is bring people together to enjoy the little things that we can cheat ourselves of in our everyday life. Whether it’s being able to bring flowers home, hosting a flower arranging class, walking the property and seeing what we have coming in the future, the goal is to create memories and we are just beginning.”
Danielle “What part of the flower farm or the work you’ve done are you most proud of? And by the way I am proud of all of it! You have done such an amazing job.”
Jess “I have proven to myself that I can learn and figure out anything. Doesn’t mean that things always go my way but I know I can use the resources out there and not be disheartened by a challenge. It’s the hardest thing I have ever done and one of my proudest accomplishments.”
Danielle “This question makes me laugh, as I don’t know that we would have ever been fully prepared- isn’t ignorance bliss sometimes? However, What would you say to someone considering starting their own flower farm?”
Jess “Start small, join flower groups, and whether it be a hobby or job, find what works best for you. There is no one size fits all. And I cannot understate how amazing the flower farming community is. For someone coming in with no formal experience, they have been so kind and helpful. Everyone is rooting for each other. There is room for everyone.”
Danielle “I think that is great advice, remove the pressure and start small is the perfect way to take the first step! I would also say that you have beautifully put yourself out to the local community and learned so much from people that are doing exactly what you do!”
Danielle “Now that we have a couple years under our belt, we are in the stage of- we know how to survive but how do we thrive!! How do you see Prosper Fields evolving in the next few years?”
Jess “I stay up late daydreaming about all the different avenues I would love to see us go. I don’t know what the future holds and that’s part of the excitement. Events, classes, installations, pollinator gardens, herbs and edible flowers. If you have something you like to see we are all ears.”
Danielle “Because if we don’t choose to find joy- why do we do it? I love this questions but what makes you laugh?”
Jess “Lots of things but when I’m working, Sally (one of the property cats) and her antics and the thought of anyone seeing me dancing in the field by myself. I am putting on a show.”
Danielle “Jess you alway have the little barn cats Sally & Harry hanging out with you where ever you are! Safe to say they warmed up to the property by getting closer to you!”
Photos of Harry and Jess in the Barn
I am so excited to see what 2025 has in store for Prosper Fields and for you Jess! You have hit some major strides that I can’t wait to build on! All the events coming your way with Prosper fields and Salt & Acres! Make sure you follow the Prosper Fields journey over on our IG @prosperfields
“Everything at Salt & Acres comes from a place of love and community. Our joy is bring people together to enjoy the little things that we can cheat ourselves of in our everyday life. Whether it’s being able to bring flowers home, hosting a flower arranging class, walking the property and seeing what we have coming in the future, the goal is to create memories and we are just beginning.”
Jess Caruso – Grower & Creator Prosper Fields
