There are many ways to diversify income streams on a farm and many ways to obtain an income from a piece of land. This case study shows my preliminary concept design for a portion of a property in Georgia where the clients wish to develop a commercial flower farm, expanding an existing business.
Diverse Flower Farm Design
On undulating terrain, this plan shows how a practical and commercial scheme can be set up, with biodiverse planting schemes combining non-native flowers of high commercial value and plenty of attractive native species.
It aims to provide for good workflow and enable the clients to scale up their business, while moving beyond the flowers-in-rows-for-cutting typical flower farm model to something far more integrated and biodiverse, that can not only diversify and increase revenues but also benefit pollinators and other local wildlife, and the local community who can visit for workshops and floral artistry events.
Holistic, Ecologically Complex Systems
While, for wholesale, polytunnels and traditional row-growing will be involved, my design also promotes holistic planting schemes that are complex habitats that can evolve ecological complexity and harmony – from floral forest garden type planting schemes, to wildflower meadows…
The different schemes are developed with reference to the topography, aspect, and, of course, to the patterns of light and shade on this undulating terrain.
Patterns and Flow in Permaculture Design
Patterns of sunlight, wind and water are, as always, crucial to this initial concept design, as of course are the patterns of human movement across the site.
The design aims to take full advantage of the different conditions created by the topography of the site and to overcome some of the challenges of this hilly property while ensuring that day-to-day work on the flower farm can go smoothly and tasks can be accomplished as easily as possible.
While this is a unique and fascinating project, it contains a number of key concepts that can be applied in a wide range of different settings.
If you would like to diversify on your farm or at home, and are looking to meet financial needs while also adhering to permaculture ethics and principles, please do get in touch to discuss how I can help.
EWSP Consultancy 