What It Takes to be a Flower Farmer: Lessons from the First Year

What It Takes to be a Flower Farmer: Lessons from the First Year

Nine months ago, if you had told me I’d be planning a two acre flower farm on our 20 acre property in Charlie Lake, British Columbia, I probably would have laughed in disbelief. Yet, here I am, knee deep in spreadsheets, floriculture (the study and practice of growing flowers and ornamental plants for human enjoyment) learning, cut flower farm planning and farm building. It’s been a whirlwind journey, one filled with challenges, learning curves, and moments of deep joy (and a fair amount of self doubt). Today, I want to share what I’ve learned are essential attributes to being a flower farmer. Without these attributes I am afraid I would have quit before I even started. 

The Spark: Searching for Vitality and Meaning

Before the thought of flower farming ever crossed my mind, I was on a personal journey to find ways to live a longer, healthier, and more fulfilling life. As I’ve grown older, my priorities have shifted. Life feels more precious, and I’ve become intentional about how I spend my time and energy. I wasn’t just searching for longevity; I was seeking vitality, purpose, and joy.

In my research, I stumbled upon the connection between gardening and longevity. Studies suggested that gardeners tend to live longer, healthier, and less stressful lives. Intrigued, I decided to start a vegetable garden, which felt like the responsible thing to do. But here’s the truth: I wasn’t passionate about vegetables. They didn’t spark joy. Then one day, while tending to my little vegetable patch, I noticed bees buzzing around an evening scented stock plant my mom had given me. That plant ignited something in me. Flowers, I realized, were what truly inspired me.

That moment planted the seed of an idea that quickly grew into a full fledged plan to build a cut flower farm, a thought that would morph into a dream bigger than we ever imagined. 

The Learning Curve: Diving into the Unknown

I’ll be honest. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Flower farming is so much more than planting seeds and watching them bloom. It’s a complex blend of agriculture, business, and artistry. Over the past nine months, I’ve learned lessons that have shaped both the farm and myself.

Here are ten attributes I’ve discovered to be essential for flower farming:

1. Resilience and Adaptability

Flower farming is full of unpredictability. Weather changes, supply chain issues, and soil surprises are just a few examples. I’ve had to pivot countless times and we haven't even planted our first seed. A flower I planned to grow might suddenly become unavailable, or a field I thought was ideal might need to be reassessed changing my entire crop plan. I am currently on crop draft plan version 12. Resilience and adaptability have been crucial from the start, and I know they’ll become even more important as we move into planting and harvesting seasons.

2. Attention to Detail

If there’s one skill I’m grateful for, it’s my attention to detail. Whether it’s keeping meticulous records of expenses, setting up our corporation, or designing the look and feel of our farm, this skill has been indispensable. Flower farming is as much about numbers and logistics as it is about beauty, and success requires balancing both. We knew from the beginning that inviting people to our farm would be a priority so every detail was planned with the hope that each guest would be a lifelong visitor to the farm. 

3. Strong Business Skills

Flower farming is a business. Without a clear plan for profitability, it’s just an expensive hobby. My husband and I both have business backgrounds, and this has been invaluable. From setting up corporations to creating revenue streams, understanding budgeting, and tracking expenses, our business experience has given us a strong foundation to build on. If you want to start a flower farm and you don't have business skills, don't let that stop you! You can learn these skills as you go, but know they will be an important part of your journey.

4. A Willingness to Learn Floriculture and Horticulture

Here’s the funny thing: A year ago, I didn’t even know what horticulture was. But I believe everything is figure-out-able if you’re willing to put in the effort. Over the past year, I’ve devoured blog posts, joined Facebook groups, and soaked up as much knowledge as possible. Flower farming isn’t just about tossing seeds into the ground; it’s a science and an art, and I’m still learning every day. I am currently enrolled in Floret's Online Workshop with the amazing and truly flower farming genius, Erin Benzakein. The information I have learned so far has been invaluable. 

5. Passion and Creativity

Passion is the fuel that keeps me going. Without it, I wouldn’t have made it this far. Flower farming allows me to tap into a creativity that had been dormant for years. From envisioning designing bouquets to planning the layout of our fields, this work has brought new vibrancy to my life. If you’re passionate about something, you’ll find the energy to overcome obstacles and your life will light up in ways you only imagined.

6. Effective Time Management

My years as a nurse taught me how to juggle multiple tasks on tight timelines. Those skills have been invaluable in flower farming. With so many moving parts; seed starting, planting, watering and marketing, time management is essential. Planning and prioritization have become my best friends.

7. Marketing Skills

You can grow the most beautiful flowers in the world, but if no one knows about them, what’s the point? Marketing is a crucial part of flower farming. I want to bring happiness to my community through flowers, and that means being bold about sharing our story. Social media, newsletters, and community engagement have been key to building excitement around the farm.

8. Physical and Mental Stamina

From day one, we’ve been committed to making our farm as sustainable as possible. This has meant evaluating every practice and choosing methods that align with our values. Sustainability isn’t just good for the planet; it’s essential for the long term health of our farm.

10. Community Engagement

Without community, our farm wouldn’t exist. One of my greatest joys is imagining our flowers bringing happiness to others. We’ve made it a priority to engage with our community, from collaborating with local florists to connecting with other flower farmers. We want our farm to be a place of beauty and connection for everyone who visits.

Reflecting on the Journey So Far

As I look back on the past nine months, I’m overwhelmed by how much I’ve learned and how far we’ve come. I have done a lot of things in my life, however starting a flower farm has been one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences this far. It’s not just about growing flowers; it’s about growing myself and a deep connection to the outdoors. Each day brings new lessons, and while the road ahead is long, I’m excited for whats ahead.

Our field is still covered in snow and we are taking down the last of our trees, but the vision I have for our property is strong. When I close my eyes I can see our flower field in full bloom and I can hear the laughter of our visitors enjoying their time on our farm.  

To anyone dreaming of starting a flower farm or pursuing any big, bold goal, I’ll leave you with this: Passion, resilience, and a willingness to learn can take you farther than you ever imagined. This journey has just begun, and I can’t wait to see where it leads.

- Cory