A Flower Farming Lesson

  I came to Flower Farming as a life-long home Gardener. I loved discovering new flowers, learning how to grow them. My particular interest was always traditional Cottage Garden flowers, many of which are great for cutting. ⁠
  And I grew a LOT of flowers - how luxurious to cut generous bunches to fill my home & gift to friends…⁠
  Over the years, I’ve realised gardening for pleasure & flower farming as a business are very different. Of course, charging the right price to cover costs & make an essential profit to pay bills, like any other job, is the first crucial lesson.⁠
  But the hardest lesson for me might sound obvious; plant in the best available space, where there is a space. Even if the flower/leaf colour screams next to it's neighbours! ⁠
  Yes, colours must work in an arrangement, but when growing, it’s not important. The idea of a Cutting Patch is to CUT flowers!⁠
In my planting plans for the year ahead, my love of harmonious sweeps of colour still creeps in…⁠ It makes sense where a lot of similar flowers are together (such as my hundreds of Dahlias or Sweet Peas) - cutting is quicker.
  Otherwise, it's not the best use of space.⁠
  Probably my unique, weird little lesson about creating a productive cutting patch. At least I know I'm doing it now! Just part of my transition in mindset from home garden to business.