What happens when flower farming and painting come together? In this episode of The Backyard Bouquet Podcast, host Jennifer Gulizia sits down with artist and flower farmer Valerie Miller of Steel Cow Lavender Farm in Iowa. Valerie is a gifted painter and the founder of Art Garden Therapy, a monthly painting membership that invites people of all skill levels to discover the joy of creativity through simple, step-by-step lessons.

Valerie shares how her journey began with painting cows, evolved into creating vibrant flower and farm-inspired art, and how her lavender farm continues to inspire her work. She opens up about the story behind Art Garden Therapy, why flowers—especially lavender, peonies, and dahlias—show up so often in her art, and how farming and painting both create powerful spaces for connection and creativity.

🌿 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Valerie and her family built Steel Cow Lavender Farm
• What inspired her transition from animals to flower paintings
• The vision behind Art Garden Therapy and how it helps beginners paint with confidence
• Why flowers play such a central role in her art and teaching
• How farming and painting both serve as pathways to creativity and joy

🌸 Connect with Valerie Miller:

• Steel Cow Lavender Farm: https://www.steelcowlavenderfarm.com
• Art Garden Therapy Membership: https://artgardentherapy.com
• Steel Cow Art & Paintings: https://www.steelcow.com

If you love flowers, painting, and stories of creativity rooted in nature, this conversation will inspire you to pick up a brush—or plant a seed.

📌 Subscribe to The Backyard Bouquet Podcast for more flower farming insights!

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