In December five years ago, we moved to Birch Farm. At the time, the land was just a paddock with knee-high grass and not a single plant or shrub.
In early January, eager to get out into our new space, we created 4 1m x 3m beds and, in early spring, started sowing our first seeds. That first year, we grew mainly vegetables. I was bitten by the growing bug but soon realised that heaps of courgettes and beans weren’t making my heart sing—but the Sweet Peas and Cosmos did.
The seeds of Birch Farm Flowers were sown, and the next year, the plot became full of cut flowers. We added more beds and I haven’t looked back since.
I’ve found that growing flowers has been one of the most calming and uplifting parts of my life. Whether I’m out in the garden on a sunny day or sowing seeds on a rainy afternoon, there’s something about the whole process that helps me find balance. It’s not just about the flowers themselves (although they are beautiful)—it’s about what they do for my mind and well-being.
When life feels overwhelming, heading outside and getting my hands into the soil has a way of calming me down. There’s something grounding about it—quite literally. Planting, watering, weeding… these small, mindful tasks help me focus on the moment and let go of the worries swirling in my head.
Studies have shown that spending time in nature can lower stress hormones like cortisol, and honestly, it feels like that’s true. I always come away feeling a little lighter. There’s plenty of research showing that flowers can have a powerful impact on mental health. Having a vase of fresh flowers in the house can improve your mood, reduce anxiety, and even increase feelings of compassion and happiness. They brighten the space and act as a visual reminder to pause and appreciate the beauty around us.
For me, those small moments of joy really add up.
There’s a special feeling that comes from watching something you’ve planted start to grow. When the first seedlings pop up or when a flower finally blooms - for me, a big part of the happiness is in the anticipation. The excitement of planning and imagining what the garden will look like, the thrill of seeing those first green shoots—it’s all so rewarding -a cycle of hope and joy.
I am a planner and I love a list, growing flowers gives me endless opportunities to indulge. Choosing seeds, sketching out planting schemes, making notes on what worked well last year—all satisfy my need to organise. It’s like creating a roadmap for beauty, and it’s incredibly satisfying to see those plans come to life over the seasons.
Flowers have taught me patience. Seeds don’t sprout overnight, and not every plant thrives, but that’s okay. It’s a reminder that growth takes time and that setbacks are just part of the process.
These lessons have stayed with me in other parts of life, helping me to approach challenges with a bit more calm and optimism
There are also the physical benefits, whether it’s digging, carrying watering cans, or crouching to plant seeds, growing flowers keeps me active without it feeling like a chore. It feels good to know that my physical effort is going into creating something beautiful.
Being surrounded by flowers, the sound of birds, insects and the wind through the trees, brings such a sense of peace. Even if I’m just tending the kitchen door pots, it feels like I’m reconnecting with the natural world. It’s a small thing, but it makes such a difference—especially on days when everything else feels a bit too much.
Seeing nature thrive in the plot has been one of the most rewarding aspects of this journey. Watching a wide variety of insects and birds make their home here brings a real sense of peace and achievement. It’s a reminder that even small spaces can become havens for wildlife, and that connection to the natural world is deeply grounding.
When life feels a little too much, I’ve found that going out to the garden can help me feel more optimistic. Caring for plants gives me a sense of purpose, even when other parts of life and the world at large, feel uncertain. Watching something grow as a result of my care— it’s a reminder that I’m capable of nurturing and creating.
Over time, I’ve realised that growing flowers isn’t just a solitary activity. It’s something I can share. As the hobby has evolved into a business, I’ve found such pleasure in sharing the beauty of being amongst and growing flowers. From our Pick Your Own sessions and Seed Sowing Workshops to providing flowers for weddings, sharing the story and beauty of sustainable flowers has become a very important and meaningful aspect of what I do. I’m looking forward to developing this further in the coming seasons as we create workshops for wellness and mindfulness.
Having flowers in the garden or a vase of fresh blooms on the table makes such a difference to how I feel. It’s a simple kind of beauty that brightens up the everyday and brings a sense of calm to my home. Those small moments of joy can really add and I love sharing this simple pleasure.
You don’t need a big garden or lots of experience to enjoy the benefits of growing flowers. A few pots of cosmos or sweet peas can be a great place to start. If you’re feeling unsure or want a bit of guidance, we run Seed Sowing Workshops in spring, which give you everything you need to begin your journey.
For me, growing flowers is a way of taking care of myself physically and mentally.
It’s a reminder to slow down, appreciate the small things, and find joy in the simple act of nurturing something beautiful.
I hope it can do the same for you.
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