Elise is a flower farmer and florist growing at Jersey Flower Farm (formally Forge Farm) in the parish of St John. Elise’s flowers are grown without sprays, using the natural biodiversity of smaller plantings of pollen rich garden flowers to ensure that there is always something to pick during the summer.

“What I am trying to achieve is a natural abundant eco system on the field that will serve both florist and wildlife so that both work and support each other. Simply, if I make habitat friendly spaces for the insects they will help keep the pests at bay, if I grow types of flowers and foliage that are beautiful and useful to wildlife I can help feed the wildlife before I harvest. My farm has a small niche market allowing me to harvest in a smaller more mindful way. By working with nature I am not reliant on anything other than my time, skill and what the seasons bring ensuring that there is always something to harvest for my customers each week during the summer.”

Elise’s flowers are sold as a seasonal mix of flowers and foliage to arrange at home, either as a simple wrap enough for a kitchen jug to buckets for family events. Bouquets can also be ordered and come arranged in plastic free biodegradable wrappings. Providing a local sustainable option for the island.

Although my income from events during 2020 vanished overnight what I had a strong feeling for was how my field kept growing through all the disruption of the year my little field kept giving back to me the feeling of stability of nature carrying on as normal, a sustainable supply of beauty which kept me brimming with relief when all around was being turned upside down. During lockdown I made a positive commitment to complete a permaculture course which has deepened my knowledge of working with nature and during the winter of 2021 I completed a world renowned organic flower growers course to further connect my two passions. Elise is also a member of Flowers from The Farm UK which is committed to bringing part of the cut flower business back to Britain.

During her recent visit to the island HRH The Princess Royal was presented with a beautiful bouquet of seasonal Jersey Flower Farm flowers while at Government House. “It was such an honour to be asked to make this bouquet and show case what can be grown locally.”