Do what you love!

Feeder Flower Farm

Heather Kent is the Niagara farmer-florist behind Feeder Flower Farm.  I met Heather earlier this year when she popped into shed with a friend after she had been out to visit her horse.  We connected immediately; in a former life I spent my days living at a barn riding horses, they were some of the best days of my life.

I believe there is an immediate kinship amongst horse lovers, so I knew after meeting Heather that day, that her and I were only going to become better friends as time goes on.

When I invited Heather to join the rest of us at the Open House and to help decorate the shed space for Christmas, I was over the moon when she said, "yes!" Her flowers are some of the brightest and biggest I have ever seen! They are wild and beautiful, much like Heather herself.  

I interviewed Heather, and was brought to tears by her story. You will need a quiet place to read this interview.  

Thank you Heather for joining us; for being vulnerable, courageous, and a true inspiration. I am so glad to know you.  

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An interview with Feeder Flower Farm:

When and why did you start your business? 
I have followed my Mom around in the garden since I could walk - she always inspired me to “do what I love”. In 2015 I was diagnosed with a gene mutation called CDH1, which determined that I had a very high chance of getting a rare form of stomach cancer that is very hard to catch in pre-screening. I could do nothing, take the risk & hope I didn’t get it, or totally remove my stomach, and with that, removing all chances of getting the cancer. So, in May of 2016 I underwent a total gastrectomy - removing my entire stomach - this seems crazy, but believe it or not this is what the doctors recommended. It turns out I had stage 1 stomach cancer that was NOT caught on any of my many pre-screens. The surgery saved my life. Going through such a hard recovery really reminded me to take my moms advice and, “do what I love.” After I recovered, I quit doing graphic design work and started planting as much as I could, I joined the Port Colborne Farmers Market, and started a “Build Your Own Bouquet” stand - which was a hit! Unfortunately, I lost my mom to gastric cancer last year, but I look forward to making her proud by working hard and taking full advantage of the gift of life that I have been given, and the great advice that she has given me.

What do you grow? 
We grow a very large variety of things...peonies, tulips, iris, sweet peas, snapdragons, bachelor button, calendula, daffodils, lilacs, gooseneck loosestrife, hostas, sunflowers, lilies, zinnia, dahlia, ammi, celosia, amaranthus, lisianthus, daisies, cosmos, scabiosa, sedum, curly willow, fantail willow, hydrangea, strawflower, dogwood, miscanthus grass, millet, broomcorn, kale, aster, pussy willow, a variety of evergreens, ilex berries. We also have a wide variety of greenery and foliage (blackberry, ferns etc.) ...and whatever other seeds I end up throwing in!

Are all of your flowers & plants homegrown? How big is your farm? 
Mostly everything is homegrown. If someone specifically wants something that I do not grow, I do my best to locally source it with another sustainable grower. We have a 15 acre farm, but we only grow flowers on about 5 acres. We succession plant and crop rotate, so our bed are always filled with different annual crops, as the seasons change. Perennial plants (peonies, iris, etc.) stay in their homes all year. 

What challenges do you face as a flower farmer? 
Most of the challenges that I face as a flower farmer are physical ones. I have to eat very often and if I forget to eat (happens alllll the time since I no longer have a hunger sensation). I get really tired, and I am not able to work as hard as my mind wants me to. Thankfully, I have my husband by my side throwing snacks in my mouth, reminding me to take it easy, and to not work like a horse when I am not feeling great. 

How do you see yourself fitting into the agricultural community of Niagara?
​We are really striving to support as many other local Niagara farmers as possible. We are part of the Port Colborne farmers market currently and are hoping to be part of more next year. Promoting permaculture and sustainable farming by being part of markets is really important to us!

What do you enjoy most about your line of work?
I enjoy everything about being a farmer-florist!! Most of all I enjoy getting my hands dirty everyday, and the feeling of growing something amazingly beautiful from a tiny little seed, bulb, tuber cutting, or corn!

How do you plan to grow (very punny, I know!) your business?
I have applied for a scholarship program from Floret Flowers and will be taking their online courses to further my skills in farming and floristry in 2018, wish me luck! We will be joining more markets, and our farm-stand in Wainfleet will be opening - its all very exciting!

Do you host workshops? How can people find out about upcoming events?
I do host workshops - upcoming ones are all in the Niagara Region and will be announced on Facebook and Instagram - you can contact me through either, or call me to sign up.
​{Contact information listed at the end of this interview.}

Can people pre-order wreaths, or other Christmas arrangements from you and pick-up at the shed & Friends Christmas Open House? If yes, how should they contact you?
I will not have pre orders before the shed open house, but I will be taking orders for wreaths and garland and will be able to deliver within the Niagara region the following week. I will also have pre-made wreaths and door swag to shop the day of! 

Any final words for the folks who will be visiting you at the shed & Friends Christmas Open House?
I am so excited to see you all at the 2nd shed Christmas open house! We are going to have a blast! Thank you so much for supporting local small business. ♡

Click the links to
​connect with Feeder Flower Farm ☛

FFF on Facebook

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FFF on INstagram

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Thank you for taking the time to read the first artist interview for the 2nd Annual shed and Friends Christmas Open House. 

We would love to hear your thoughts.  Please comment below or share on Facebook with your friends and family.  

Let the OPEN HOUSE countdown begin!! 31 days to go!