Consulting

In 2021 I’m offering consults to aspiring & established micro flower farmers / farmer-florists as well as to home gardeners who want their cutting garden to jump to the next level of flowery amazingness.

My hope is that by sharing the knowledge and experience I've gained from my 18 years of flower growing / urban micro farming / running a small business, I can help turn on some lights for you so you can solve problems and gain confidence.

I've taught, mentored and given advice to many people over the years and it’s always thrilling to see someone’s confidence and ability increase as they gain an understanding of what steps and mindset they can take to create a thriving urban flower farm or cutting garden.

In this time of isolation, grief and uncertainty, flowers have become deeply appreciated. So many of us are extra motivated these days to make choices that move the world in the direction of love, equality, generosity and unity. It’s in this spirit that many of us plant gardens, grow urban farms and midwife flowers into this world. It is in this spirit I'm offering these consultations.

I believe in the urban farming movement. When I began my project in 2002 the idea was preposterous. Farms were for rural areas only. And there was no such title as farmer-florist. Now in 2021 people all over the world are embracing this model. I love seeing lawns turned into places for plant life, biodiversity and beauty. I love seeing urbanites and suburbanites falling for the idea of transforming sod into oases of flowers and buying these uber local flowers for themselves and loved ones. And I love that flowers don't need to be flown in from across the world to our towns. There are so many benefits to this growing model.

By growing organically and with intelligent care, we steward the soil, we support systems that bring food directly and indirectly to microorganisms, fungi, earthworms, insects, pollinators, birds and animals. We fill yards and cities with plants that grow and bloom, connecting all the humans who pass by with the cycles of nature writ large. And finally, flowers are harvested and sent to homes, workplaces and celebrations offering beauty, joy and poignancy to those around them. This work can be nourishing and it can make a living when done thoughtfully.

I'm offering 1-1 phone or zoom sessions.

For an hour+ of personal guidance I'm asking CAD$95+ hst (about USD$75). We can talk about any aspect of the process: yard acquisition, site preparation, planning, growing, design, business strategies - anything that you like!

For BIPOC folks I'm offering free consults.

Or if you are not able to afford the fee and are growing as a form of income I'm also offering free consults. Please be in touch. No questions asked.

Testimonials

“I so appreciated my consult with Sarah and think it would be helpful to so many!! As I scale down from growing on an acreages to produce on a city lot, talking with a grower who has experience in an urban setting was beyond helpful to inform the decisions I need to make and form my plans. I found the insight Sarah had about partnering with neighbors to grow in their spaces invaluable. Everything we talked about gave me food for thought, helped to calm the fears of this new unknown, and gave me the confidence to develop my strategy for 2021 and beyond. Also, I am excited to try some of the plant varieties that we discussed!!!”

-Kathryn Vontz, Prairie Wild, Cheyenne WY, Instagram @PrairieWild

“Our conversation was very impactful for me. I have been following Sarah and her urban gardens and business for many years. When I started up my own business, I was thrilled to get the chance to chat with her and get some advice. We spent an unhurried time that went straight into her desire to know what is at the heart of what I do and why I do it. The conversation that followed was less a typical advice-filled conversation with an expert, and more a friend giving perspective. With that, I had some surprising revelations that were invaluable to some key business decisions. I know this transformation came from her ability to ask really great questions of me and of listening well. It brought out a vulnerability that shone light on some of the issues I was having at their core and allowed me to make empowered new decisions moving forward.”

-Kate Punnet, City Love Flowers, Ottawa ON, www.cityloveflowers.ca, Instagram @CityLoveFlowers

“The consultation I had with Sarah gave me the confidence to move forward with my ideas and plans. Sarah also brought to light important topics that I hadn’t given consideration to - things that I may not have seen on my own. Her suggestions were practical and honest and at the same time spoke to what was in my heart. I’m in my second year of growing, and as I develop and expand my knowledge and experience, I feel a sense of relief that I have Sarah in my corner, cheering me on.

-Laura Vernoy, Hockley ON, Instagram @finding.enchantment

“I’m new to growing flowers and Sarah gave me great advice as well as courage to dive in. She pointed out all the things I had already on my side and pointed me in the right direction to obtain the rest. One of the best things she did is ask important questions. The ones you might not have asked yourself!”

-Cathy Balmer, Cobourg, ON

“I was drawn to Sarah's business model of urban flower farming and her story helped inspire the business I am building on the opposite side of the country. I learned from her from afar, and that influenced my big picture plan, but when I got the opportunity to have a 1 on 1 consultation, I could finally ask the little detail questions that I had been generating. With Sarah's support I sent my first garden request letter, and I'm so excited to expand my business in this way. Not only did we tackle my list of questions in the consultation, but she has made herself available to my follow-up queries with kindness and grace. I look forward to booking another consultation when I reach my next stage of development. Thank you Sarah!”

-Moira MacKinnon, Love & Fantasy Flowers, Edmonton AB, www.loveandfantasyflowers.com, instagram @love.and.fantasy.flowers

“I am so grateful to have had the chance to get a consultation with Sarah. She truly has a passion for urban farming—and one that is working towards being more inclusive, joyful, and supportive. Our hour was spent with me talking about my specific project and she carefully catered me actionable advice. Other than her technical expertise, it was inspiring to hear her story and the impact she's had on urban farming in Toronto. I would highly recommend getting in touch with Sarah for any urban farming endeavours, big or small.”

- Joanne Magbitang, Toronto, ON

“When I started my small urban flower business, I was looking for a mentor, someone who was in the same business. Sarah’s website came up in my search and I was astounded that she has so much experience in urban flower farming! She is definitely an expert in flower farming and in floral arrangements. Her choice of flowers are unique and simply stunning! I’m so glad we were able to connect and I got to pick her brain for her multitude of experiences - from farming, floral arrangement, to the business models. She’s definitely a talented woman in the floral business and ahead of her game!”

-Winse Lam, Garden Ardent, Markham, ON, www.gardenardent.ca, Instagram @GardenArdent

Email me: mylusciousbackyard@gmail.com to book a time.

Yours in Flowers, Sarah