MEET A LOCAL

Blooming beautiful

Lyn Bayfield’s family, the Etheridges, have been farming and working in this region since 1879. Their name is familiar – not just through the street name – but also through the family’s long community history.

After a spell in Tuchekoi growing peaches and flowers, Lyn’s father Graeme moved back to Eumundi and the property at Don Napier Rd.

Lyn joined him in 1991, after a career as a dress and upholstery designer, to form Eumundi Roses – a wonderland for growers, hospitality venues, special events and cut flower lovers.

Lyn said it is a business fraught with many difficulties such as uncooperative weather, fluctuating fashions for specific blooms and unexpected cancellations of huge orders after they are ready to go. Lyn loves weddings, but says brides often demand roses seen in magazines which are not in bloom or unavailable in Australia.

Covid severely disrupted the business, however Graeme included ‘food plants’, herbs and seedlings and the business survived. Online orders come from around the world. Lyn hopes current negotiations with a Brisbane wholesaler will help the business expand further. Christmas, Easter and Valentine's Day are extremely busy times, but Mother’s Day sees the family working nonstop for several days and nights.

Besides roses, most other flower varieties and fruit plants are available. New varieties are always arriving. Lyn is especially thrilled with the chrysanthemums. “There are some beautiful varieties now,” she said. “Some we get from WA look just like dahlias.”

Lyn creates beautiful bouquets, posies and arrangements for weddings, available directly from the farm. Granddaughter Roxy and friend Maharlia are ready to help you choose at the Saturday roadside stall at 79 Don Napier Rd.

Eumundi Roses is a 100% local family business whose future is blooming. Open 11am-3pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 8am-2pm. Phone 0402 052 558 or email eumundiroses1@gmail to book an appointment.

Lyn Bayfield and Marhalia