Bloomin' Lovely

Sandy McKinley @acreofroses Renowned for its warm summers and cool winters, picturesque landscapes, fertile soils, good rainfall, mineral springs, farmers' markets, café and arts culture, agriculture and a fine foodie scene, Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges region has been busy sowing another feather (or should that be ‘flower’) into its cap.

Over the past five or so years, a veritable floral renaissance has blossomed throughout the region. Small-scale flower farms with a focus on growing seasonal, chemical-free, sustainable botanics (known as ‘slow flowers’) have been popping up all over. In fact, the Daylesford and Macedon Ranges region is now home to the highest concentration of ‘slow-flower’ farmers in Victoria.

From dahlias to peonies, daffodils to hellebores, lavender to Queen Anne’s lace and ranunculus to roses, flowers are grown for the fresh cut-flower market and as dried and edible-flowers.

While most of us are familiar with the slow-food movement, sustainability, provenance and ethics apply to the flower industry too. It often surprises people to learn that a large percentage of flowers are imported into Australia and often bring significant issues with them; including, residual chemicals, pests, diseases, ‘flower miles’ and use cheap labour. The true cost of these so-called ‘fast-flowers’ is hidden. Not to mention the toll they take on small-scale Australian floriculture and our appreciation of what is produced locally and seasonally.

Rather than produce clone-like flowers, farmers in our region celebrate the beauty and quirks of Mother Nature. This also helps reduce waste; we refuse to discard hundreds of flowers because the stems are not exactly to some unrealistic ‘spec’. We’re proud to say that we grow real flowers for real folks.

Uniquely collaborating to put ‘grown-not-flown’ ethical florals on the map next to food and wine, we’re all working hard to satisfy an increasing demand for locally-grown, bee-friendly, chemical-free blooms.

In a region already recognised for hosting exquisite year-round destination weddings, elopements and all manner of love celebrations, receptions and ceremonies, our local flower farms are proving to be the perfect match!

So, we’ve put together a list of just some of the wonderful local eco-conscious flower farms and how to source their blooms; from road side stalls, to farmers' markets, bricks and mortar florist stores as well as via freelance floral designers. Scan the QR code to see the full list.

Each farmer or artisan offers their own unique visitor experience; from accommodation, to floral workshops, bespoke gatherings, elopements, weddings, directto-public flower sales for DIY weddings and events, pick-your-own picnic days, plant sales, full floral design services as well as charming road-side flower stalls. And, it helps to remember that each variety of flower has its own peak season, so be sure to check the farm’s website or socials for details to help you plan your visit.

Freshly-harvested, healthy, perfumed florals enhance wellness and lift spirits. They’re food for the soul!

Photo: Acre of Roses. Photograph by Marnie Hawson.

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