Our Story

We’re just as in love with this farm today as we were when we first stepped foot on it 15 years ago. Once sprawling over 100 acres, the Hoyer farm now sits on 5 ½ acres but still holds all the charm we fell for—its beautifully preserved late-1800s barn, the old outbuildings, and the two-story granite fieldstone house, built from stones gathered right here on the land. The moment we saw it, we were smitten.

After moving in, we quickly realized just how much this farm means to our community. Mention the Hoyer farm, and someone always seems to have a story about working here, visiting, or knowing Mary and Maynard Hoyer, who once poured their hearts into this land. Those early years were filled with unexpected visits from people wanting to share their memories, often ending with a property tour and stories told around the bonfire.

The Hoyers’ dedication to this farm inspires us daily. It’s an honor to continue their legacy by sharing this beautiful space with others while practicing sustainable farming to nourish the soil for future generations.

MEET YOUR ARTIST AND GROWER

Hi there! I’m Laura Gillespie, the heart behind Circus Seed Flowers. My path to this moment has been anything but a straight line—graphic designer, office manager, butterfly farm owner, and a fulfilling role at the Racine Art Museum, where I was surrounded by incredible artwork crafted by master artisans.

My time at the museum shaped the way I see the world, immersing me in creativity, texture, color, and design. But it wasn’t until I took a paper flower workshop with artist Tiffanie Turner that everything clicked. Creating a single paper peony that afternoon brought me a clarity I hadn’t felt before—flowers, in all their forms, had a hold on me.

Then came 2020, a year that changed everything. Spending more time at home gave me space to slow down, focus on the seasons, and pour my energy into gardening and family dinners. That time sparked something in me. Eventually, I couldn’t ignore the pull to make a change.

So, I took a leap—and Circus Seed Flowers was born. For you, I’m a new grower and artist. For me, it feels like slipping into a pair of well-worn shoes, comfortable yet entirely new.

WHY “CIRCUS SEED FLOWERS?”

It’s a nod to my three passions: quality, fresh food, beautiful flowers, and inspiring design—all rooted in a simple, unpretentious, rural life. Together, this my trinity of inspiration, where creativity and possibilities bloom endlessly. I hope you’ll join me on this journey—a space where the old feels new, where slowing down is a gift, and where art can be whatever you imagine it to be.