New Year, New Challenge - Cut flower farming here I come

As 2013 dawns, I'm really excited to be able to let everyone know that Plantpassion is taking on a new challenge this year. I luurve creating flower filled borders for my clients, and keeping them maintained at high standards, but moving forward Plantpassion is going to be Gardening and Growing Cut flowers in the Surrey Hills.

So here are my first photos of Hill top farm in East Clandon, which will be my base for this new venture.

The Sign will have to change to something slighly more friendly, - but at least the Neighbours look interested enough, and hopefully they'll provide me with Manure for my flowers. Isn't the view amazing - that's Southwest London out there in the distance, - you can see the planes taking off from Heathrow on a clear day.

So here before I get started i'd like to give some thank you's for those that have got me this far.

To Mr Brunning and Su  who made me jealous with their plans, and made me want to do something new.

To Helen and Paula, who had to listen to me telling them about my dream continually while we were weeding.

To my darling husband Ashley, who when I told him I had a mad idea, didn't laugh - just told me to do a business plan. Then actually made Excel work to give me figures.

To all those people who've listened to me when i've asked "Have you got an acre of land to spare?", and especially to Claire and Simon Owen, - who said, yes, we might be able to help.

To all the people i've asked questions of through Twitter, Blogs and the Flower farmers google group, - especially @higgledygarden and @flowerona and @pepperpotherbs.

Thanks for the fantastic flower farming /cut flower courses i've been on with Georgie Newbery - @theflowerfarmer, Arjun Heuse - @flowergroweruk and Sarah Raven @SRkitchengarden. I'm hoping some of what you've taught me will go in and stay in.

I'm even going to say a brief thank you to the Guildford Borough planning department, who have let me know what I can (and can't!) do.

So i'm ready to go, - after a couple of nail biting months, I've got keys and permissions. I'm really excited and also rather scared, - but i'm hoping that the residents of Clandon and Horsley will like having a Cut flower farm on their doorsteps. My dream is to create a Chemical Free, Sustainable flower farm, with Strong colour, Excellent Scent, and flowers all year round.

Will I do it? -  i'll keep you updated on here, and at my new facebook page - http://www.facebook.com/Plantpassion.

 

Comments

[Helen]

How exciting and arent you brave - wishing you lots and lots of luck
Helen

[Claire, Plantpassion]

Brave or maybe stupid? - but i'll need lots of luck, - so thanks

[The Constant Gardener]

Good luck Claire! What a fantastic project to start your new year with. Can't wait to see how you get on - I suspect really rather well ;D

[Ryan]

How exciting! I can't wait to see how the farm comes together and the wonderful produce you'll have to offer at the end.

Here's wishing you a productive 2013!

Ryan

[Julia Evans]

Go Claire go! This really is exciting & a great new challenge for you!!! Julia