The Flower Farmer’s Year (growing for pleasure or profit)
The Flower Farmer’s Year is a beautiful book, to switch from that boring job to the career of your dreams – growing organic flowers and then selling them for profit. Scented local and seasonal flowers are adored by everyone, and you can help your community, and work outdoors.
In this book, an artisan flower farmer and teacher shares how to start a cut-flower patch, optimise the bed layout and choose what to grow. Then how to cut, condition and arrange your flowers. The book includes a year planner, to keep your land productive all year.
Read more on no-dig gardening and humane slug/snail deterrents. If you live with animal friends, read up on pet-friendly gardens (many bulbs and wildflowers are not safe). Avoid facing indoor foliage to outdoor gardens, to help stop birds flying into windows.
You can of course use this book simply as education. But if you find your garden overflowing with organic flowers, you may see it as a good opportunity to make some income. The book includes down-to-earth business advice on how to make a profit from cut flowers and market your business.
Whether you dream of armfuls of sustainable homegrown flowers for your home or a family wedding, or your objective is to earn a living doing something you love, this is the book for you.
Other good books on growing flowers
Flower Philosophy is a book of seasonal flower projects to inspire. Find 25 combinations of stems and foliage, with tips for budget-conscious choices (buds, weeds, foliage, fruits and vegetables). Includes an index of often-forgotten blooms.
Floramama is an inspiring and practical guide to running a successful cut-flower business, from an author who makes a six-figure income on just 1.5 acres of land. Ideal for those who wish to provide their communities with affordable and seasonal organic blooms.
In this book, the author merges marketing gardening principles with her experience of the ecological flower-growing movement, inspired by the ‘slow flower’ philosophy. it covers:
- An overview of flowers: annuals, biennials, perennials, bulbs and wildflowers
- Cultivation techniques for healthy blooms, including site selection, soil, seed-starting and harvesting
- Planting schedules and business tips (including in challenging climates)
- Crafting visually stunning boutiques
This book is ideal for market gardeners or aspiring flower farmers (or simply those who are interested in growing sustainable blooms). Chloé Roy is an ecological flower grower and flower farm instructor, who runs a thriving flower business in Quebec.
