Frequently Asked Questions

About the Patch

What's your one-sentence description of the farm?

A charming little pick-your-own flower patch, set in picturesque Mountain River, which invites you to slow down, reconnect and pick your own bouquet of flower to take home.

How did you start the farm?

Matt has always loved gardening and his passion for it got me interested in it too, and as he planted more things around our property, I suggested that we should open our garden to the public to share it all with others.

Why did you choose this location?

We built our house here in 2019 and started planting flowers and then decided to plant more and share them with the public.

What do you grow and how do you choose varieties?

We grow a variety of different flowers – dahlias, roses, peonies, sunflowers, cosmos, zinnias, carnations, and sweet peas just to name a few. We choose flowers that we like the appearance of and will last as cut flowers in bunches.

What’s your growing philosophy or ethos?

We know that caring for a garden starts by caring for the soil. We add layers of locally sourced organic materials to our flower beds and use the no-till method to care for soil structure. Our healthy soil then produces healthy plants with abundant blooms which in turn increases biodiversity.

Which flowers or scenes define the patch?

The dahlias are a focal point, as well as the large rows of sunflowers. And the mountain backdrop!

Who’s involved day-to-day?

Both Matt and Alice, and our children also help with planting seeds, weeding and of course picking the flowers into little posies for the bench or kitchen table.

What makes your flowers different?

We have carefully selected flowers that have a longer vase life, so the picking guests can get the most out of their bunch.

What sustainability practices do you follow?

Composting, no chemicals used, we use water wisely and focus on soil health.

How do you manage pests and weeds without chemicals?

We hand weed all the patches, and mulch some areas, and use organic pest repellents.

What happens to flowers that aren’t picked?

Most of the flowers get picked, however if some are left on the bushes, we remove them to encourage more growth and they go to the compost or our children play with them in their outdoor kitchen.

How do you handle waste and composting?

All the green waste from our flower beds goes into our hot compost, which is then added back onto the beds a few months later.

The Experience

Is picking flowers the main or only thing you want visitors to do on the site?

Picking flowers and photo shoots are the main activities this year. In future we may offer workshops etc.

What three words describe the experience here?

Beauty, peacefulness, connection.

How do you want people to feel when they visit?

Rested and peaceful.

Can I take photos while I’m there?

Casual photos can be taken during flower picking sessions but photoshoots must be booked separately.

Do you allow professional or commercial photography sessions?

Yes.

Can I bring a picnic or refreshments?

Yes.

Can I leave and come back on the same day?

You may leave and come back within the assigned picking session.

Do you run workshops or guided tours?

Not this year but plans for future.

Are flowers priced by vase, stem, or weight?

Price for picking customers includes one standard size vase of flowers to pick.

How long does a typical picking session last?

3hrs.

Can I refill my vase or pick extra blooms?

Yes – you may request a second vase to fill at the cost of $30.

Are evening sessions lit or do we need to bring torches?

Evening sessions are in daylight hours.

Planning Your Visit

Will January to April be the only open months or season dates?

Yes.

What’s included (buckets, tools, guidance)?

Use of vase and clippers on site and picking demonstration included.

What should guests wear or bring?

Comfortable clothing, appropriate shoes and sunhat. It is suggested that visitors bring a bucket to transport their bunch of flowers home in.

Are kids and dogs welcome?

Children yes, dogs no.

Any food or drink on-site policies?

No alcohol.

Any house rules?

No smoking, no swearing, no standing on flower beds.

Are bees a concern for guests with allergies?

Being a flower patch there are many bees around. We will have an epi-pen available on site if needed.

Is parking available on-site?

Limited parking available at this stage. Car-pooling is appreciated where possible.

Is the patch wheelchair or pram accessible?

Parts of the patch are accessible, other areas have softer, sloping ground so may not be suitable for wheelchairs.

Are there toilets on-site?

Yes.

Can we pay on arrival, or is it pre-booked tickets only?

Pre-booked tickets only.

Tickets & Booking

Do you want to sell a season subscription?

Not this year – maybe in future.

Can florists or stylists book early-morning picking?

Any options outside set picking sessions will need to be co-ordinated via email.

Do you want to host school groups, community groups, or team-building days?

See above.

Is there a discount or special process for large groups?

See above as would depend on size of group for parking etc.

Private Events

Do you host private events or elopements?

Yes (private booking option).

Can we celebrate birthdays, proposals, or anniversaries at the patch?

Yes (private booking option).

Can I bring my own photographer, decorations, or catering for a private session?

Yes.

Is there a minimum number of guests for private bookings?

Minimum of 5 picking guests.

How much time do we get for private events?

3hrs.

Families & Kids

Are kids and families welcome?

Yes.

Are there any activities for kids besides picking?

For kids there will be a pre-picked bucket of flowers which they are welcome to make their own posy from.

Are children under 16 free?

Yes.

Do kids need to be accompanied by an adult?

Yes.

Is the patch suitable for prams or small children?

Yes as long as under supervision.

Policies & Weather

What’s the bad-weather or cancellation policy?

We would go ahead unless heavily raining on day of booking, then we would cancel a session. Cancellations 48hrs before a session will be fully refunded.

What happens if it rains heavily?

Cancellation of session and notification sent out on the day.

Do you offer refunds or reschedules?

If we have cancelled a session, then either will be offered.

What if I can’t make my booked session?

For public sessions - Tickets can be transferred to friend or family member, or if notified 48hrs before we can refund or reschedule. For private sessions – If a single guest must cancel 48hrs before, they will be refunded, but minimum of 5 picking tickets has to be maintained. If whole event is cancelled by guest co-ordinator 48hr before, entire amount will be refunded. If less than 48hrs notice, minimum 5 picking tickets will still need to be paid.

Are there any limits or rules that might surprise guests?

No – not that we are aware of.

What do you wish people knew before visiting?

The flower patch is part of our home property so please be respectful and follow instruction of where to pick.

Do you have any safety guidelines?

Wear appropriate shoes, be mindful of where you are walking and follow any spoken and written instructions indicating areas that are not for public access (i.e. veggie garden, beehive, orchard).

Getting in Touch

How do you prefer to be contacted?

Via email.

What questions do people already ask most?

When do you open?

What’s the best way to stay updated on open days or events?

Email list (to be started soon). Social media (facebook, Instagram).

Charm & Personality

What do you love most about flower season?

The beauty surrounding us.

Do you have a favourite bloom or variety each year?

Too hard to choose just one.

What’s something people are always surprised to learn about the patch?

That its only new.

How would guests hopefully describe their visit afterward?

Peaceful and enjoyable.