MIAMI COUNTY — A flower farm nestled between U.S. 24 and U.S. Business 24 in rural Miami County has big dreams for future growth.

Phoenix Petals & Pies offers a patch of self-serve annuals and perennials, dried flowers, floral arrangements, and five-inch pies made by owner Jayme Arthur. Located at 5615 E. 200 N. in Peru, the farm’s rural location is quiet and serene.

Jayme and her husband purchased their property three years ago, and Jayme planted the flower garden last year. When the flowers thrived, she knew she wanted to continue expanding and open to the public.

“Well, this is perfect for us because we love this place. We feel like it’s a little bit of heaven, so we like people to come and visit,” Jayme said.

Jayme works as an administrative assistant at Maconaquah Middle School, but plans to retire within the next three years. Tending to the flower garden is a peaceful activity for the couple, who love spending their evenings outdoors.

“This is my happy place. It’s kind of something we can do it together, but also this is just something that I really enjoy. I love being outside. I don’t like being indoors – I like hot weather,” Jayme said.

The couple divides many of the chores. Jayme loves to weed, and Mike doesn’t mind being the “grunt” and doing some of the less enjoyable chores.

“We love to be outside and work with our hands, and you know, it’s peaceful. It’s quiet out here, and it’s therapeutic for us. You know, we have music on most of the time and it’s just like it’s medicine for the soul really,” Mike said.

The name of the business is particularly meaningful to the Arthurs. The couple went through a tragic loss several years prior, and said they’re grateful for how they were supported through it.

“We had a devastating house fire about three or four years ago, and through God’s grace and the grace of the community, we came up out of the ashes and we were able to get this place, and we feel like it’s a piece of heaven. So that’s where phoenix came from,” Jayme said.

Jayme is planning to expand her perennial garden, plant pumpkins and gourds, build a greenhouse, start flowers from seed, and begin promoting her business more widely. She’s done floral arrangements for baby showers and funerals, and hopes to continue working with new clients.

When she retires, Jayme looks forward to sharing her “piece of heaven” with more customers.

“We’re just so happy with it though,” Jayme said. “Everyone that has came has been really kind and very supportive.”