Do you dream of being a flower farmer?

Georgie has been selling flowers from her seven-acre plot between Bruton and Wincanton in sunny Somerset since 2010, and has always believed that the skills and strategies she’s developed during that time are worth sharing with others who’d like to make a living doing something similar.

And so, we have a programme of workshops and demos on various topics, which take place at the farm and online, where Georgie shares all her experience and knowledge in the hope that more and more people will grow cut flowers, whether for profit or pleasure.

Whilst the majority of the workshops and demos Georgie teaches are relevant to a wide range of people, there are several which are particularly aimed at aspiring or existing flower farmers.

Ways to work with Georgie…..

Before I explain what workshops we offer, we hope the free content we share on Substack and on YouTube is an enormous help to aspiring (and existing) flower farmers. For a small annual fee (or you can choose to pay monthly) then becoming a paid subscriber on Substack will give you access to even more information, which Georgie shares in her paywalled posts and videos, in the chat and in her regular Live At Five Q&A sessions. And of course, becoming a paid subscriber - or clubber as we call you - also gives you 10% discount on any of our workshops, which could be well worth doing if you’re interested in any of the following sessions.

Career Change Flower Farming Workshop

This workshop is for anyone who is exploring the idea of turning their love of flower growing into a business or maybe you are just starting out and want a little more guidance on how to establish your new business.

This workshop is available online or at the farm. We have just a handful of sessions left on the ‘at the farm’ session, which takes place in Somerset towards the end of this month.

Full details are on the website, but in summary:

• You’ll chat about what kind of flower farmer you want to be and translate this into how you will grow flowers for sale and profit

• You’ll talk about designing (or improving) the layout of your plot and discuss how to plan your flower farming year

• You’ll learn about pricing, and marketing your flowers, and how you can use social media to your advantage without it taking over your work and life!

"I joined Georgie for her marvellous Career Change Flower Farmers workshop yesterday and it was as informative, inspiring and energising as I had hoped it would be! I've come away with so much to take forward and action, to give my business and flowers the best start possible. Georgie is so open and honest in her teaching and I've learned so much in just one day." Review from a recent student who came to the farm for this workshop.

"I found Georgie’s ‘Career Change Flower Farming’ a really insightful & balanced course. I really enjoyed the mix of knowledge, support, realism, humour & encouragement. The course has given me plenty of answers to questions I had and also sent me away with further questions for myself and things to research and think about constructively. Would highly recommend." Review from a recent student who did the workshop online.

Flower Farming Intensive Workshop

This is another workshop that takes place at the farm in Somerset and the aim of it is to help you grow your flower farming business. This one, two or three day workshop takes place in October - some time away, but we mention it now so you can plan your time to attend (and arrange a payment plan with us if needed).

This workshop is aimed at people who’ve some experience of growing flowers for sale, but who want to refine their processes, strategise to optimise their time and their crop growing, make more of their land, and make sure they are taking advantage of many different possibilities for earning which flower farming offers.

Do take a look at the website for much more detail but here’s an overview of what to expect on each day of this workshop.

• Day one: land management and growing practice for a flower and foliage crop you can rely on

• Day two: business planning and marketing

• Day three: cutting and conditioning your crop, and floristry

Each day can be bought separately if you’d like to focus on one or two specific areas for your business.

Here's what some recent students had to say about this workshop:

"Just completed the Flower Farming Intensive Workshop. Georgie's wealth of knowledge and experience made the workshop invaluable. I am beginning my flower farming journey, but my fellow 'learners' have developed businesses and Georgie encompassed our, very diverse, knowledge with consummate aplomb. I left feeling empowered with much food for thought... onwards and upwards!!"

"Brilliant 3 days at the farm with the team visiting and revisiting the nuts & bolts of running a real flower farming and artisan floristry business. Good pace, enormous amounts of practical information shared and the right amount of ‘doing’ to bring home key points on organisation & budgeting of both time and resources. Plenty of individual inspiration & support. Excellent number of students in group & what a lovely bunch! Delicious no faff lunches from a local farm shop. Not my first workshop and likely not my last."

Mentoring - 1-1 sessions with Georgie

Georgie has a number of 1-1 slots available, where she can work with you in a tailored way to address any particular flower farming (or small business) challenges you are facing. Whether you are starting out or years in and need some help seeing the wood from the trees, these sessions are another option to consider.

“Mentorship from a professional and experienced no nonsense grower and florist like Georgie has been my joy and my relief to find. It’s so reassuring to know she won’t let you get distracted and keeps you focussed. Georgie has kept me on target to make the best changes in my life ever. I am now a landowner, a business woman and on track to get my dream come true, thanks to her support, suggestions and practical thoughts, I won’t waste half the time and none of the money, invaluable! Can not recommend highly enough and her club is essential if one is starting a cut flower patch of note, Somerset is better off with Common Farm Flowers being the successful hub of knowledge and creativity it is, marvellous.”

Finally, a very quick (because this has ended up a lengthy newsletter!) mention for our Eco Floristry Retreat. Not just for flower farmers, this 1, 2 or 3 day workshop attracts enthusiastic amateur florists, professionals who want to refine their sustainable floristry skills and flower farmers alike (as well as people from all over the world!) and it is a GLORIOUS workshop which takes place at the farm in June.

I hope this is a helpful overview of the many ways in which we can support you in your flower farming career. Do ask if you’ve any questions about anything mentioned here - always happy to help and to clarify.

Have a lovely weekend

Nicola