Who we are
In October 2024, Carmen and Ayla purchased the parcel of land that was formerly Harvest Moon Flower Farm from their employer-mentor-dear friend and began to sow the seeds (and corms and bulbs) for a new era of farming on this well loved land. Born from this succession is Butterfly Hill Flower Farm, a small 2.5 acre farm nestled in the lush hills of Owen County between Ellettsville and Spencer, Indiana. We are a women owned and operated business with an avid appreciation for pollinators and a dedication to high quality, sustainably grown flowers.
Carmen Sheppard
Carmen’s journey in the flower farming industry began early in life, deeply rooted in her family’s connection to Harvest Moon Flower Farm (HMFF). Her mother, Gay, worked for Linda Chapman, the owner of HMFF, and when Carmen was just four years old, her family moved to a cabin down the road from the farm. Homeschooled throughout her childhood, Carmen spent much of her time learning and working at HMFF.
At the age of seven, Carmen began assisting with small tasks, such as sweeping floors and washing buckets. Over the years, her responsibilities grew alongside her passion for working outdoors and cultivating flowers. This early exposure instilled in her a deep appreciation for the hard work and dedication required to succeed in agriculture.
Carmen’s connection to the flower farm remained constant throughout her life. She celebrated many significant milestones there, including birthdays, wedding to her husband, Daniel, and a baby shower. Today, Carmen enjoys being able to work alongside her two sons, Jasper and Henry, on the farm. Her dream of owning her own flower farm has been realized, a goal she attributes to the strong work ethic instilled by her parents, the mentorship and knowledge imparted by Linda Chapman, and the unwavering support of her husband, Daniel.
Ayla Dollar
Ayla first started growing cut flowers through the community gardening program in Bloomington, IN where she was a member for nearly a decade. After the confinement and isolation of Covid-19 and becoming a new mama in 2020 she set her eyes on bigger growing spaces and landed a position at Harvest Moon Flower Farm with owner Linda Chapman and her team. Her 3 years at HMFF proved to be nothing short of life changing as she learned all the ins and outs of flower farming, developed deep and nurturing relationships with her fellow female farmers, and discovered her place in the world.
Ayla’s flower inspiration originates from her family members, both her maternal Grandfather and paternal Grandmother, who were and are avid flower growers. To this day she can’t smell a marigold without thinking of her Grandpa Ed whose backyard was teaming with marigolds every summer. And, lastly from her own Mama, who to this day plants an impressive flower and vegetable garden every summer, making sure to plant the varieties of flowers that will best decorate a beautiful and delicious summer birthday cake!
Nala
Nala, affectionately known as the “neighborhood dog.” Originally adopted from a local shelter by Carmen and her husband in 2014, when she was 10 months old, Nala quickly found her true home with Gay and her husband, Ron. It became clear that Nala was not suited for life in town—she was meant to roam free in the countryside.
Now enjoying the freedom of over 15+ acres, Nala has become a familiar and cherished presence at the farm. Intelligent and spirited, she can be both stubborn and protective, though at heart, she’s a gentle and affectionate companion.