What was once an empty, uninhabitable property in Flint has been transformed into a thriving space filled with color, creativity and community, thanks to the vision of local entrepreneur Janie Case Beuthin.
Beuthin, a Flint native and the owner of Twig End Farm, has been growing and selling specialty cut flowers with a whimsical, wildflower feel since 2018. As a woman-owned and operated small business, Twig End Farm reflects both her artistic approach to floral design and her deep roots in the Flint community.
Janie’s husband, Ryan, is the heavy gardener at Twig End Farm and helps run the Flint Crepe Company. He’s also the operations director for the Flint Freedom Schools Collaborative and works with Michigan Rehabilitation Services.
This spring marks an exciting new milestone for Beuthin and her growing business. For the first time, Twig End Farm will offer its locally grown flowers at the Flint Farmers’ Market. Opening day is set for May 9, the Saturday before Mother’s Day, with weekly appearances under the pavilion continuing each Saturday through mid-October. Customers can expect fresh-cut flowers, dried arrangements, farm merchandise and a curated selection of handmade jewelry.
But the story of Twig End Farm is as meaningful as the blooms themselves.
Through each bouquet, class and market appearance, Beuthin continues to build something rooted not only in flowers, but in place, demonstrating how small, thoughtful investments can transform a neighborhood space into something vibrant and shared.
The land where the farm now flourishes once held a condemned house next to Beuthin’s home. After the structure was removed by the Genesee County Land Bank in 2015, Beuthin adopted the lot through the Adopt-A-Lot program. She later purchased the property and began cultivating what would become Twig End Farm.
In place of what was once derelict, there is now an abundance of flowers, rows of seasonal blooms that reflect Beuthin’s vision of natural, expressive arrangements inspired by wildflowers and Michigan’s landscape.
Beyond growing flowers, Beuthin has also created opportunities for the community to engage with her work. She hosts hands-on floral classes and workshops throughout the year, offering participants a chance to learn the art of floral design in a welcoming, creative environment. During the fall, winter and spring, classes are held at Queens’ Provisions, while warmer months bring guests to the farm itself in Flint’s historic Mott Park neighborhood for tours and outdoor workshops.
Through each bouquet, class and market appearance, Beuthin continues to build something rooted not only in flowers, but in place, demonstrating how small, thoughtful investments can transform a neighborhood space into something vibrant and shared.
Twig End Farm stands as a reflection of her commitment to Flint: growing beauty where it’s planted and inviting others to be part of the experience.
Although she’s extremely busy preparing for her opening at the Flint Farmers’ Market, Janie took some time to answer My City’s 7 questions.
1. As a kid, what did you want to grow up to be?
When I was growing up, I wanted to be two things. I wanted to be a stay-at-home mom who worked every single day in her gardens. And I wanted to be a florist. So I guess you can say I’ve created the job of my dreams.
2. What is the biggest risk you ever took?
My biggest risk is not wearing safety glasses while using power tools. Please don’t tell my dad!
3. What’s a place you’ve always wanted to travel to?
I’ve always wanted to do a walking tour of England, hiking from hamlet to hamlet, village to village.
4. Who is your hero?
L. M. Montgomery, one of my very favorite authors. She wrote utterly beautiful and heartwarming stories about a world on the cusp of great change. Her words immortalized a magical place and time now beloved by millions.
5. What makes you laugh the most?
Most recently, watching old Mr. Bean episodes with my teen, my tween and my nine-year-old.
6. If you had a “WARNING” label, what would it say?
WARNING: dives deep into odd subjects and is willing to talk about them, ad nauseum.
7. If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
I’d have the ability to fly and time travel simultaneously, landing safely in faraway places and times, returning home at the end of an adventure without having disrupted the natural flow of history.
Bonus Question
What’s something people would never guess about you?
People would never guess that I delivered my third baby with my own hands, unassisted. But I did.
