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“People think, who doesn’t want to start a flower farm? Until you start one,” English says, pointing to the popularity of social media accounts of flower growers such as Floret Flowers in Washington as a common source of inspiration for people eager to enter into the industry.
During the holidays, growers and florists often work around the clock, with the flower auctions starting at 6 a.m.
“If you’re not an early bird and you’re not starting out there early, it’s tough,” English says.
There’s also an immediacy to the flower industry that doesn’t exist in many other consumer outlets. Arrangements can’t be made weeks in advance of planned demand peaks, or for large orders, due to the delicate nature of working with live flowers. The job is also physically laborious, with lots of heavy lifting. Perhaps the biggest wake-up call for new industry entrepreneurs, the seasoned veteran says, centres around just how volatile the flower industry can be.
“It’s kind of like the stock market,” English says. “And that’s kind of how it runs too, with the flower market. It’s supply and demand.”
Luckily, her lengthy experience working within the industry has helped her plan for the best and the worst of times, she says.
“I know generally when the highs and lows are going to come. And you kind of learn how to bounce back from a low season,” English says. The Bouquet Farm location in Yarrow boasts a curated collection of boutique items that are also on offer to shoppers.
Despite the ups and downs of the industry, English admits her chosen field is one she never tires of. Creating flowers for people’s celebrations — and even their sorrows — is a constant source of emotions that adds a little something special for the industry pro.
“You get to celebrate with people,” English says. “It never really gets old for me.”
