In this episode, Bronwyn from Seeds of Change in Darfield (Canterbury) shares her inspiring journey from health coach to innovative flower farmer and florist, emphasizing the importance of microclimate management, community support, and creative business models in sustainable farming.
Discover how she responds to “No” with “Why Not” as she navigates seasonal challenges, soil health, and market limitations with resilience and forward-thinking strategies.
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This episode offers valuable insights for small-scale farmers seeking sustainable and resilient practices, as well as creative ways to serve their community through garden-based experiences and diversified crops.
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Key Topics:•
Building resilience through diversified microclimates, tunnel houses, and community networks
Integrating organic principles with community engagement via "pick your own" and experience-based flower events
The impact of environmental factors like wind and frost on farm design and crop success
Strategies for managing hail damage and the importance of undercover infrastructure
Creating a balanced farm with both food and floral production, emphasizing the joy of creating with flowers
The cultural shift needed to foster mentorship, collaboration, and resilience among flower farmers in New Zealand
Timestamps:
00:00 - Welcome and episode overview
00:39 - Bronwyn’s background and transition from health to farming
01:43 - Overview of her two-acre, microclimate-diverse property
02:36 - Pushing boundaries with citrus in Canterbury
03:55 - Building microclimates through planting pockets of warmth and thoughtful design
04:41 - Microclimate examples: frost-free zones and house orientation
05:52 - Growing citrus, yuzu, finger limes, and managing the cold
06:37 - Focus on perennial versus annual flowers and incorporating old garden plants
08:00 - Dealing with wind, shelter belts, and the impact of irrigation
10:23 - Water management and hail event experiences
12:26 - Developing resilience through support networks and biodiversity
3:50 - The importance of microclimates and tunnel house design
16:33 - Organic certification, soil health, and reducing chemical use
18:18 - Biodiversity strategies for pest management, beneficials, and crop health
19:22 - Managing tunnel house heat and shading strategies
20:55 - Wind and shelter solutions
22:39 - Studying floristry and health risks associated with chemicals
23:51 - Moving into organic flower farming at a small scale
26:16 - Business model decisions and balancing income with personal joy
28:11 - Community engagement through pick-your-own flower events and space design
29:47 - Creating unique customer experiences and integrating creative spaces like train carriages
32:54 - Learning from challenging seasons to innovate and diversify
33:47 - Using floral experiences as part of business offerings
37:51 - The impact of social media on market competition and resilience
38:38 - Practical tools for organic gardening and weed management
39:08 - The value of woofing and knowledge exchange
40:13 - Future goals: wedding ambitions and mentorship programs
41:48 - The importance of record-keeping and season planning
42:20 - Insights on flowering timing related to seed sowing versus transplanting
44:16 - Final advice: find a real mentor, learn from failures, and stay true to your joy
New Zealand