The word harvest usually conjures images of farms with fields of corn, soybeans, wheat, vegetables, and fruit, all grown to feed people and animals. But there’s another crop that nourishes the senses and, essentially, feeds the soul – flowers.
Anna Mroz’s venture into flower farming came after growing up in the city and then working in municipal government. While she, her husband, and two children were living in Cayuga she recalls, “I kinda needed a lifestyle change. The kids needed to be outside more…. We re-examined things post-pandemic and wanted a change.”
That desire for change is how Roosts and Roots Flower Farm came to fruition. Having worked as a floral assistant when she was 19, Anna says, “It was my most favourite thing ever to do.”
She researched flower farming with a vision to be on her own land without having to invest in a large acreage. She says, “Flower farming can be done on a smaller property with a good return on investment.”
The family got their property in Hagersville in June 2024. With just under two acres, Anna planted perennials, including peonies and lilacs. She started seeding annuals in the house using racks made by Michael, which were planted outside after the May long weekend. The annuals include cosmos, marigolds, sunflowers, bachelor buttons, and rudbeckia. Gladiolas are grown from bulbs from a supplier in Norwich and dahlia bulbs come from Creekside Growers in Delhi.
Zucchini, garlic, and other vegetables are also grown, while pasture range chickens and ducks add to the diversity of the farm. The animals freely roam the property and provide an ample supply of eggs to eat and to sell at the farm’s roadside stand alongside their other offerings. The chickens also provide manure that is used for fertilizer.
Flowers are also available at the Caledonia Farmers Market and through flower subscriptions.
Weddings are becoming a big part of the business as well, although Anna doesn’t consider herself a traditional floral designer. She says, “I try to make flower arrangements reflect the personality of the people involved.”
Anna’s style of planting does not always follow convention. She explains, “I call it chaos planting. I throw something down to see if it works.”
She has also learned what works from others. She is grateful for the support and guidance of established growers in Norfolk County like Creekside Growers and Petit Flower Farm. Since joining the Haldimand Horticultural Society, she enjoys learning from fellow members as well.
Anna’s greatest support comes from her family. Her children, Murphy, 9, and Finley, 6, thrive on the outdoor experience she desired for them. Husband Michael works for the City of Hamilton, but has a key role on the farm. Anna calls him the “Director of Operations and Maintenance”. Michael laughs and states, “We turn dreams into reality with realistic expectations.”
Those expectations include installing a greenhouse this fall to allow for year-round growing and expanding some of the flower beds for next year. Anna has started the next planting in the house so there will be flowers for the winter. One thousand bulbs – tulips, daffodils, corms (ranunculus), and gladiolas – will soon arrive to be planted this fall.
Growing flowers is her business, but it means so much more to Anna. She says, “Flower farming is therapeutic for me.”
She would eventually like to share that experience by offering workshops that combine and focus on wellness and creativity.
With the goodness of farm grown vegetables and eggs; the contented sounds of chickens and ducks; hovering pollinators like butterflies and bees; stunning views of neighbouring fields; and, of course, fragrant floral blooms, Roosts and Roots Flower Farm is indeed a harvest for the senses.
For more information visit them online at roostsandroots.ca.
