
What were you doing before you started Surrey Hill Flower Farm, and what inspired you to start the farm?
Before starting the flower farm, I found myself navigating a life-changing personal situation that led me to seek a way to work from home and provide for my family. I had no background in flowers but was drawn to their beauty and the idea of building something sustainable and meaningful. Starting with $2000, I took a leap, and Surrey Hill Flower Farm was born.
Can you describe a typical day on the farm for you? Do you have a team?
A typical day starts early with harvesting flowers at their peak freshness. There’s always something to tend to - whether it’s planting, weeding, washing buckets or preparing orders. I’m hands-on with every aspect of the farm. While I don’t have a full-time team, I’ve had the help of wonderful seasonal staff during busy times, and the support of family and friends has been invaluable. Most days, though, it’s just me and the flowers!
You work with so many beautiful flowers — do you have a favourite one to grow, and why?
It feels impossible to choose just one because my favourite seems to change almost weekly. Some days it’s the tulips, other days it’s dahlias or celosia. I’m not loyal to any of them - they all have their time to shine.
What’s the most challenging aspect of flower farming, and how do you tackle it?
Weather is one of the biggest challenges - it’s unpredictable and can make or break a season. To tackle this, I focus on planning, diversifying crops, and adapting as needed to protect the flowers.

Is there a flower or plant that you’ve always wanted to grow but haven’t had the chance to yet?
I’ve always wanted to grow dahlias on a much larger scale. Their stunning variety and versatility are so appealing, but they require a bit more space and more importantly attention, then I currently have available.
What’s your favourite part of the growing season — the beginning, middle, or harvest, and why?
The harvest is my favourite part and where I often get lost in a state of flow. It’s the culmination of months of hard work, and there’s nothing like seeing buckets of fresh cut blooms ready to bring joy to someone’s day.
How do you stay inspired and keep the creative juices flowing throughout the year?
I think nature itself is my greatest inspiration. There’s always something new to learn or appreciate in the garden. Connecting with other growers and seeing how customers use our flowers also keeps me motivated.
Your farm is at your home — how do you switch off and practice self-care?
It can be challenging, but I’ve learned to set boundaries. Walking my dog, spending time with loved ones, and making space for simple joys like making preserves from our homegrown fruit and veg, or even just a good cup of tea help me recharge.

What has been your biggest lesson so far with the farm?
Adaptability is key. Not everything will go as planned, but being willing to learn, pivot, and keep going has been invaluable.
What’s something people might not know about running a flower farm?
It’s not all sunshine and flowers! Behind the scenes, it’s a lot of hard physical work, planning, and problem-solving. But the rewards really do make it all worthwhile.
If someone wanted to start their own flower farm, what advice would you give them?
Start small and focus on learning the basics before expanding. Know your market and grow what works for your climate and customers. Most importantly, be patient - it takes time to build a farm and business.
Could you share more about your sustainability and chemical-free practices?
Sustainability is so important to me. I avoid chemical sprays, focus on building healthy soil through composting and crop rotation, and use natural methods to manage pests and weeds. My goal is to grow flowers in harmony with nature, making sure they’re as kind to the environment as they are beautiful.
Surrey Hill Flower Farm is in such a stunning spot, and I feel a deep responsibility to care for it. I’m committed to protecting the land so it can thrive for future generations, ensuring the only mark I leave behind is the memory of beautiful blooms and happy moments shared here.
And lastly, if you were a flower, what would you be and why?
I think I’d be a snapdragon. They’re playful, adaptable, and always bring a pop of personality to any garden. Plus, they’ve got the resilience to thrive in a variety of conditions, which is a quality I appreciate.
Is PYO something you have planned as part of your offering this year? Will you do workshops?
Yes, a Pick-Your-Own experience is in the works along with workshops to share the joy of growing and working with flowers. Keep an eye on our website for updates!
