About Me
I'm Emily Murphy, the founder, grower, and heart behind Bailey Botanicals.
The business began unexpectedly in 2022 after I graduated from Smackover High School. Initially, I was selling succulents to save money for college textbooks. Over the past few years, the farm has blossomed significantly beyond those potted plants. My current focus is providing high-quality cut flowers and vegetables to our local community.
Education
My work at Bailey Botanicals is directly rooted in my education and experience.
I am currently a Plant Science major at Southern Arkansas University (SAU), slated to graduate in December 2026. My coursework is focused on applying scientific principles to real-world agricultural settings, specializing in soil health, plant physiology, and crop management.
My passion for agriculture is long-standing. I was deeply involved in 4-H and FFA from age 9 to 19, spending countless hours in the barn raising and showing championship lambs at the county and district levels. This background established the work ethic and dedication I bring to the farm every day!
Crops
Bailey Botanicals is a diversified cut flower and vegetable farm in Louann, Arkansas. I use all natural growing methods and absolutely no synthetic fertilizers or pesticides.
As a diversified operation, there's always something in the works. Here's what to expect seasonally from Bailey Botanicals.
Spring
Early Blooms: Cool season favorites.
Garden Ready: Vegetable and flower transplants (starters) free of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.
Greens & Roots: Tender spring greens, radishes, and early root vegetables.
Potted Plants: Houseplants and succulents in the proper soil mix.
Farm Share registration.
Bouquets & Blooms: Hand-wrapped market bouquets with favorites such as sunflowers, zinnia, celosia and more.
Signature Tomatoes: Heirloom Tomatoes (plus a few choice modern and open-pollinated varieties).
Summer Harvest: Peppers, cucumbers, and summer squash, okra and more.
Farm Share fulfillment.
Autumn Decor: Unique floral pumpkins.
Everlastings: Dried flowers and bundles from our summer harvest.
Southern Staples: Hearty turnips, collards, and other cool season greens.
Fall Flowers: Zinnias, sunflowers, and more in fall colors.
- Wreaths: Handmade fresh evergreen wreaths.
- Winter Produce: Cold hearty greens available till the first ice storm.
- Stained Glass: Hand-crafted stained glass suncatchers, ornaments, and plant stakes.
What's next?
My resolution for the upcoming year is simple: Full Throttle.
Why? I graduate with my Plant Science degree in December of 2026, which means this coming summer is my final opportunity to prove viability before deciding to continue to farming full-time or scaling back and pursuing a traditional job in my field.
This transition year is a big one. I cleared the front half-acre of our property this past spring, and there’s still tractor work to be done and no greenhouse yet! I can fit a surprising amount of seedlings in my office, though.
I couldn't have gotten this far without my amazing customers. Your support, your encouragement, and your shares truly matter. I'd love for you to be part of the journey as I push Bailey Botanicals to its fullest potential.
So, full throttle it is! Keep up with the latest farm developments on social media
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Emily's Earlier Years
I grew up on the Upper White Oak Lake in Chidester, Arkansas. I spent most of my childhood outdoors, whether it was fishing, swimming, or working in the garden. Summers consisted of never-ending green bean picking, bream fishing, and swimming.
My mom is a special education teacher. Even though it was a drive, we all switched schools to Smackover, where my siblings and I all graduated from. Mom's my best friend. She's never told me I couldn't do something. In her eyes, if I put my mind to it, I could make it happen. She helped me gain the courage to start at markets. She's always pushing me to do more. I was involved in 4H or FFA from the ages of 9 to 19! I spent many hours in the barn tending to my show lambs. Over the years, I earned multiple champion titles on the county and district level, and high placings on the state level. Outside of the barn, I also competed in various leadership development events. Mainly public speaking, but I never got anywhere with it in high school.
I've worked in some form or fashion since the age of 16. I spent a year carhopping at Sonic to fund my barn antics. Mom never questioned me spending most of my free time in the barn or spending insane amounts of money on sheep. They ate better than I did!
I met my now husband in high school. Wesley and I have been together since our junior year! He also has never questioned my antics. Whether it was him keeping me company in the barn, or turning a blind eye to new plants, he's always been there for me. He didn't even question it when I had the front half acre cleared. I would have never made it this far without him.
I was originally dead set on going to Oklahoma State University to major in animal science. The daunting tuition bill wound up convincing me to change plans and establish residency in Oklahoma while attending an agricultural community college. Jokes on me though, I graduated high school and decided nope! A career in the animal science field wasn't it for me anymore. I wanted a simple life.
Wesley proposed the spring after graduation. I decided I should grow the flowers for our wedding! That's how I started flower farming. I brought them to market all summer leading up to our wedding to help offset expenses. I fell in love with bringing beauty to the market.
We got married on my family's property on White Oak Lake.
Our life is far from simple, but I couldn't be happier. I wound up transferring schools to Southern Arkansas University, where I'll graduate from in the fall of 2026. I'm busier now than ever before. Since I'm a plant science major, none of my classes are offered online and just about everything has a lab. I drive to and from Magnolia 5 days a week. Still, I love my education.
The addition of vegetables to Bailey Botanicals came from observing a clear need. After a summer of watching my local market struggle to find reliable produce vendors, I knew I could help fill that gap. Having been raised with a large home garden, vegetables didn't seem much different than my flowers. I had a strong foundational skill set, and many of my growing techniques transferred without a hiccup.
I decided to officially add the vegetable operation as an extension project linked to my plant science education. Paired with my scientific learning and the steady, unwavering encouragement from my mother, I was equipped to tackle the steep learning curves that every new crop brings.
Though I’m certainly no vegetable expert yet, I am looking forward to seeing what I can accomplish in 2026.
Fun fact: about half of my heirloom tomato seeds came from a seed trade in a group I found on Facebook. Stamps and trades are the currency, and people just send seeds they've saved through the mail.
