The McGraw's at The Never Ending Flower Farm
STROLL GP: You are settled into your Grove Park Home now ~ is there another house chapter yet to be written?
Jessica: When we first got married, Patrick and I fully renovated our 1940s home in Raleigh, and fell in love with older homes. Now that we have 2 young kids, we’re so thankful that the previous owner renovated our home in Asheville! We moved in 2 weeks before our youngest was born. That said, there’s always a new project with an older home, and we enjoy slowly making it our own.
STROLL GP: This photoshoot at Never Ending Flower Farm– was the day before your 10 year anniversary, congratulations Jessica and Patrick! Do you have any anniversary traditions?
Jessica: Honestly, each anniversary has looked a little different based on our stage of life, which has become a tradition in its own way. We honeymooned in Greece and Southern Italy and know we’ll make it back to Ravello for a future anniversary. Early in our marriage, we spent two anniversaries in the middle of DIY home renovations and landscaping projects - those are core memories for us. Patrick has also given me David Austin roses for our garden to mark milestones over the years, and I love seeing them bloom each season. This year, we celebrated in Islamorada, a place that is incredibly special to us and now to our children as well. Looking back, the common thread is that we’ve always found a way to celebrate wherever life has us at the moment.
STROLL GP: Travel is a part of your life, professionally and recreationally. Is there a bucket list trip in your future?
Patrick: Japan
Jessica: African Safari
We love traveling with our kids and would like them to be a little older before these adventures, but both are at the top of our bucket list.
STROLL GP: Your littles, James and Isla are clearly being raised with love, they are as charming as they are well-mannered. Do you have a parenting approach for raising confident and joyful children?
Jessica: That’s a big question. One of the best pieces of parenting advice we received early on was that our job is to raise resilient children, and that idea has really stayed with us. We want James and Isla to know they are deeply loved, while also learning the confidence that comes from working through challenges. We also hope they’re learning to lead with empathy, be kind to others, and find joy in the little things. Like most parents, we’re figuring it out as we go, but those are the values that matter most to us.
STROLL GP: You must have a 100 stories about your wonderful dog Indiana, what is one memory you can never forget?
Patrick: Indiana turns 10 this July 4! But with his thick Aussie coat, he’s more of a winter dog - we’ll never forget his first time playing in the snow as a puppy. We also love taking him hiking with us in the fall, and to waterfalls in the summer.
STROLL GP: What “boxes” does living in Asheville check for you?
Patrick: Family, hiking, and community. I grew up in Asheville and always hoped we could raise our family here one day.