The Flower Farmer

I'm Josie, the heart and hands behind High Country Flowery. From an early age, my family's love for growing flowers and food deeply influenced me, planting seeds of passion that have grown throughout my life. But it was in 2021, when I became a mother, that my connection to flower farming truly blossomed. I sought an outdoor activity to share with my little one and a creative outlet for myself—and found both in the joy of cultivating flowers.

For me, flowers are more than just beautiful—they’re a source of comfort, they are about appreciating the small things in life and a way to spread happiness. I lost my mum in 2013 and my dad in 2023, growing flowers and food has become an important tool through the journey of grief.

The phrase “busy hands, quiet mind” resonates deeply with me. Whether I’m planning, sowing seeds, weeding, planting seedlings, watering, harvesting, or creating and sharing the beauty of flowers, I find calmness and purpose in every step. This is my happy place.

Every flower stem that leaves the farm is infused with love and passion ready to be shared with you!

‘Take time to stop and smell the flowers’

Something I have been doing for a very long time and I encourage you to do the same. Life is all about appreciating the small wonders of the world!

 

The Flower Farm

Established in 2021, what began as a hobby is blossoming into something truly special. Our flower farm is located on a sheep and beef station in the Hakataramea Valley, South Canterbury. The climate here is challenging, with long, cold winters and dry, hot summers, we focus on cultivating hardy annuals that can handle freezing temperatures and be overwintered, along with bulbs and perennials. We also grow a select variety of heat-loving flowers. Our growing season is shorter compared to our North Island or coastal friends, meaning we prioritise plants that can thrive in these tough conditions mimicking nature.

We grow a huge variety of flowers ensuring that there is something for everyone! We are a seasonal company therefore do not sell any out of season flowers. Our fresh flowers are available from October through to the end of April or early May.

At High Country Flowery, we are committed to sustainability. Our flowers are grown without the use of synthetic chemicals or sprays, and we’re proud to be completely free of single-use plastics. We employ alternative methods in our floral arrangements to ensure that our values of sustainability are upheld in everything we do.

Our values

  • Fresh

    We only harvest our flowers during the cooler parts of the day, then allow them to condition in water for at least 12 hours to fully hydrate. This process ensures that the flowers you receive are as fresh and vibrant as the high country environment where they’re grown.

    To help you enjoy your flowers for as long as possible, each bouquet comes with care instructions designed to extend their vase life in your home or at your event.

  • Seasonal

    We believe in honouring the natural life cycle of plants, which is why we only offer seasonal flowers grown right here on our farm or sourced from nearby flower farms.

    This approach not only keeps our environmental footprint low but also ensures our flowers haven’t passed through many hands before reaching yours. When you purchase out-of-season flowers in New Zealand, they’ve likely travelled a long way (usually from overseas) or been forced to grow in unnatural conditions.

  • Natural

    Our commitment to the environment is reflected in our practices. We avoid single-use plastics, and our flowers are grown without any chemicals or synthetic fertilisers.

    In our arrangements, we use sustainable alternatives like chicken wire, flower frogs, wool, and natural elements such as branches, ensuring that no floral foam is involved.

  • Unique

    Our flowers are as unique as the ever-changing landscape they grow in. Each bouquet is designed with what’s blooming on the farm that day, so no two bunches are fully the same. This approach allows us to create one-of-a-kind colour palettes and styles for floral arrangements, installations, and wedding flowers.

  • Love

    Every flower stem is nurtured from seed, bulb, or tuber, and cared for every step of the way until it reaches your hands. The process is slow, making the fleeting beauty of flowers all the more special. I pour my love for flowers into each and every stem, and I hope you feel that love when you receive them!