2021 Reflections
2021 was a lovely start to our growing seasons in the Comox Valley. Previously we were growing flowers on 1/10th of an acre in urban spaces in Vancouver, and with the move to the Comox Valley on September 2020, we expanded to a full acre in a rural setting. This was a big shift for us, but Aaron and I were moving closer to our dream lifestyle and we were excited for this challenge!
For year 1 in a new place, we focused on getting funding for infrastructure projects through Futurpreneur, Vancity Business Microloan and BC Small Farm Acceleration Program. They helped fund the construction of a Harnois 30x102ft greenhouse, a floral cooler with a coolbot and an irrigation system. We had never built a greenhouse or a shed before, so we were fortunate to have the support of our handy family, friends and neighbours. When we pulled the plastic over the greenhouse on June 20th, we were really proud of what we all had accomplished together!
With infrastructure projects underway, we also focused on meaningful collaborations with other creatives in the Comox Valley. A big game changer for us was adding an online shop to our website thanks to the help of Katrinna - Chewy Creative. The online shop was set up right before Mother’s Day Weekend, which really helped keep track of all the orders coming in. The website contributed to 50% of the revenue from 2021, so it was a really good sales outlet for us. Working with Katrinna was wonderful, because it allowed me the time to focus on growing and managing other aspects of the business. In addition to the website and media projects, we continued to collaborate with Katrinna and Melanie Orr Photography for various photoshoots focusing on locally grown flowers.
This year we were also super excited to partner with Camille - Daughter of Flowers to offer floral subscriptions as Wilder Floral Collective. We sold Spring and Summer Season Bouquets and had a great time experimenting with growing unique flowers and designing weekly bouquets together. We learned a lot together and spent more time than we would have liked problem solving the soil conditions. We were growing on beautiful soil, however the area had not been farmed for quite a while, so the weed pressure was intense and we battled macro and micro nutrient deficiencies. Regardless of the crazy heat waves that negatively affected our dahlia production or a huge crop loss of ranunculus, we got through the growing season with loads of beauties!
Other fabulous collaborations included working on a short documentary with Salmon Nation, frolicking around in linen garments by Destanne - Moss Grey photographed by Joslyn Kilborn, experimenting with dye plants and properties with Juliana - Plants are Teachers and Sylvia, providing flowers for fabulous cakes by Flourchild Vegan Bakery, working with small business like Blue Spruce Ice Cream, Tin Town Cafe, Nelson the Seagull and Tidal Cafe to offer seasonal flowers, as well as contributing to floral photoshoots with North of Esme, Sleeping Dog and Mermaid Farm, Jam and Co Luxury picnics, Golden Hour Events and more!
Every year we strive to continue learning about the soil around us, all while ensuring that the local biodiversity is maintained/enriched. We are so grateful for all the opportunities that we had this year and it’s all thanks to individuals who actively support local agriculture that help make this happen!
