Check out our newest homesteader-style blog post where we got to chat with Melanie and Marika from Flowers by the Fraser.
Who are you, where do you live and what do you like about homesteading or operating your farm?
We are a small, mother (Melanie) and daughter (Marika) owned flower farm in Abbotsford British Columbia Canada. We grow all of our flowers using organic, sustainable methods. We love bringing joy to people through our cut flowers!
How did you get started with homesteading or farming and what are some useful tips for those who want to get started?
Marika- I only started experimenting with growing things during covid, when I started a big garden of veggies and flowers. I later stumbled upon some flower farmers on Instagram and decided to take the Floret cut flower course using some of the money my grandparents gave me as a college graduation gift. After that I decided to just jump in and see where I could go with flower farming. My biggest tip is do what works for you- there are so many people out there flower farming, but you don’t need to do what everyone else is doing, you need to do what you want to do. I would also advise starting small by working with what you have and build up every year so you don’t get overwhelmed.
Melanie- I grew up on a dairy farm so farming runs in our blood. My mom grew a ton of vegetables and flowers when I was growing up, and my love of flowers turned into a career in floristry. It has always been a dream of mine to grow my own flowers to use in wedding design.
What are the products or services that you offer from your homestead or farm and where can people buy them?
We offer bouquet subscriptions and custom bouquets as well as wedding and event florals. We also sell bouquets at various markets throughout the spring and summer. You can find links to our subscriptions and wedding and event florals available on our website, as well as our market schedule once it is finalized for the year.
We are also part of the Little Shop Talk Coupon book run by Carey Meyers. We offer both a save 30% of a bouquet coupon and buy one get 1 50% off coupon. Visit @littleshoptalk on instagram to support local businesses and purchase a coupon book!
What are the benefits of living on a homestead or operating a farm for yourself and/or your family?
Marika- as someone who has struggled a lot with my mental health in the past couple of years, getting out and working with my hands in the garden lets me rest my mind. It is so so cool to see what can come from a tiny seed thrown into some dirt! Flowers are some of the most magical things in creation!
Melanie- I love the flexibility and the fact that I can work from home. I love growing a product from seed to see it enjoyed and loved in market bouquets or wedding florals. Flowers bring joy to the every day and make everyone happy!
Who are some homesteaders or farmers who inspire you to get better and try new things?
Marika- I have many Instagram flower farmer role models who have no idea I exist lol :). Some of my favorites are @microflowerfarm and @vailfamilyfarm. My grandma is one of the main flower-growing influences in my life- she always had a booming flower garden and a wall of sunflowers which was what made me fall in love with sunflowers.
Melanie- the Bouquet Farm in Yarrow was one of the first flower farmers I followed. Now we follow many on Instagram.
What is the one main life lesson that homesteading or farming has taught you about yourself?
Marika- Farming has taught me to grow from failure. Nothing beautiful comes without a whole lot of struggle and a whole lot of failure. I’m a perfectionist so learning to accept that some things aren’t going to be perfect has been one of the hardest learning curves in my life. Many tears have been spent over wrong decisions, but I’m getting better at learning from my mistakes.
Melanie- Farming has taught me to slow down a little and enjoy the process. I need to learn patience, and waiting on a little seed to germinate or a flower to hopefully bloom on time for an event is helping. Farming also has taught me that the work is never done! Flower farming is a year round event, with a lot of hours planning, researching and thinking about the next year while wishing you could control the weather.
Outside of homesteading or farming, what do you get up to for fun in your personal time?
Marika- I love to hike and be outdoors as much as I can. I love to read and also spend a lot of time hosting friends in my home for dinners and games.
Melanie- Hikes with my friends and dog, walks by the river, fires in the backyard, and reading a good book. I also enjoy baking and trying new dinner recipes.
Lastly, is there anything else you would like people to know about you or your homestead/farm?
Marika-I am an introvert and although I love the idea of making connections with other growers and interacting with customers at markets, it is very difficult for me to reach out. I’m getting better for sure, but I’m definitely shy when you first meet me.
Melanie-I love working outside with flowers, and hope others can see that through our product. I enjoy the markets because we meet so many interesting people and we can share our love for flowers. Ultimately I hope this little flower farm grows big enough to support the dreams we have for it.
Feel free to message us and come by for a chat or visit the farm anytime.
Flowers by the Fraser – Instagram, Facebook, and visit their website
visit their flower farm location at 35563 Gallagher Road in Abbotsford
Wild Bluebell Homestead is a charming hobby farm located in Abbotsford that offers a range of hand-made artisanal products, curated vintage furniture, sourdough bread, and other homemade items. The homestead is dedicated to creating unique and high-quality products that are beautiful, functional, and long-lasting, plus each item is carefully crafted with attention to detail. Customers can expect a warm and welcoming experience and a range of products that are perfect for adding a touch of rustic charm to any home.
Follow Us @Wildbluebell.ca
