Dahlias hold a special place in my heart as they remind me of my nana. Each time I see one, I think of her, which inspired me to create a memorable experience for others by allowing them to pick their own bucket of dahlias. So, I shared my idea with my husband: “Next year, I’m going to plant 800 dahlias in the paddock, and people will come to pick their own!” He looked at me as if I had lost my mind—literally crazy! Now, in less than a year, we have developed a beautiful flower farm, a haven where people can immerse themselves in memories, moments, joy, and happiness.

At the beginning of my planning for the dahlia rows and preparing the soil for planting, I genuinely struggled to comprehend what I was about to create for others. It felt like a dream—my dream—but could I truly bring it to fruition?

All I've ever wished for in life is for people to find happiness. Could I be the one to bring joy to others? More than anything, I was determined to give it my best shot. Thus, I dedicated countless hours on my knees planting 800 dahlias; it truly was a labour of love and each tuber I placed into the earth felt like planting a little piece of hope. The anticipation of vibrant blooms and the smiles they would bring kept me going even on the most exhausting days. As the seasons changed, I watched over the rows, nurturing them with care, eagerly awaiting the first signs of life pushing through the soil.

When the first bud bloomed, it was like a burst of sunshine on a cloudy day, and I knew I was on the right path. Slowly, word spread about our little farm, and families began to visit, each person leaving with a bucket full of dahlias and a heart full of joy. It was magical to witness how something as simple as a flower could evoke such happiness and create lasting memories for so many.

The farm became more than just a place for picking flowers; it was a place where stories were shared, laughter echoed, and connections were forged. Watching children run between the rows, their faces lit up with delight, made every moment of hard work worthwhile. In those precious moments, I realized that happiness, much like the dahlias, needed a bit of care and nurturing but was ultimately a gift worth sharing with the world.

A quote from several visitors to Bloom Flower Farm this year has truly become my guiding principle: “We are picking a bucket of happiness.” Vanessa, do you understand how profoundly this touches our hearts? In that moment, I felt an overwhelming urge to cry, as I had just received confirmation that I had accomplished everything I ever desired—spreading joy, love, and happiness. My work felt complete.

Plans to grow my flower farm has now meant that my husband is fully engaged with my future plans, although he was sitting on the fence, he is fully proud of what I have achieved and has been my number one supporter. They say it takes a village to raise a child, well I can tell you it takes a village to setup a flower farm and the people that have helped me, by being a sounding board, offering me advice, and lending a helping hand have become an integral part of this journey. Each one of them has contributed in their own unique way, and I am deeply grateful for their unwavering support and encouragement.

As we look towards the future, I envision expanding the farm to include a wedding row, and we have already started to offer workshops and events where people can learn about the beauty and care of dahlias, fostering a deeper connection with nature.

Moreover, I dream of creating a community space where visitors can relax, enjoy the serenity of the surroundings, and perhaps even find inspiration for their own gardens and share the bounty of the farm with a wider audience, further spreading the joy that these blooms bring.

In every petal, I see a story waiting to unfold, and in every visitor, I see a new friend. This farm has become more than just a fulfillment of my dream; it has become a place of belonging, where happiness blossoms and memories are made. Together, with my husband and our incredible community, I am excited to see where this journey takes us next.