As part of our ‘From the Plot’ series over on Instagram, we’ve been talking to inspirational growers who generously share their gardening knowledge with others. Jen Howarth from @life_on_the_lot is a flower farmer who loves welcoming her local community to her allotment to pick, arrange and simply enjoy the beautiful blooms.
Read the full interview to find out how Jen and her family turned a passion for flowers into a thriving new business…
It started with windowsill chillies and tomatoes
Images courtesy of @life_on_the_lot
My gardening journey started quite simply – with trying to grow some tomatoes and chilli plants on my kitchen windowsill back in 2019. I got the keys to my allotment plot in 2020 and found a true love and passion for growing the most amazing flowers. Just a few years on and I’ve launched Wirral Flower Farm which will be open for pick-and-arrange workshops, DIY weddings and pick-your-own flowers.
I’m inspired by a desire to connect with nature
Images courtesy of @life_on_the_lot
The flower farm was sparked by a desire to create a space where people can reconnect with nature, learn something new, and slow down a little. I’m inspired by the British flower farming movement and the idea that we don’t need to rely on imports to enjoy beautiful, fresh blooms. I want to grow something that feels local, seasonal, and meaningful.
Staying seasonal is central to my style
Images courtesy of @life_on_the_lot
My style is seasonal, naturalistic, and a bit wild around the edges. I lean into what the land wants to do rather than forcing it to fit a strict design. I love the cottage garden feel – full of movement, scent, and colour – and I prioritise sustainability, wildlife-friendly practices, and flowers that look just as good in a vase as they do in the field.
My favourite flowers are dahlias
Images courtesy of @life_on_the_lot
Dahlias are my all-time favourite – especially ‘Wine Eyed Jill’ and ‘Peaches and Cream’ – but I also love growing hardy annuals like ammi, cosmos, and scabious for their ease and impact. Sweet peas are another must for their scent alone. There’s nothing better than the first fragrant harvest of the season!
My proudest achievements
Images courtesy of @life_on_the_lot
I’m so proud of starting Wirral’s first polyculture flower farm from scratch and building a community around it. I can’t wait to see people leave workshops with muddy hands, big smiles, and armfuls of flowers. Growing a business that blends creativity, education, and sustainability has been a dream realised.
This year we’ve launched a brand new garden flower growing course called Seeds to Stemsand our PYO flower patch is opening for its first season. I’m also expanding our DIY wedding flowers offering, which is proving really popular. Long-term, I’d love to introduce tulips – it’s a bigger job than it looks – and I’d also like to offer hands-on workshops all year round.
Start small
My top tip for beginners is simple: start small and grow what you love. It’s easy to get overwhelmed, but a few well-loved plants in the right spot will bring you far more joy than trying to grow everything all at once. Also – don’t be afraid to fail. Every gardener has things that don’t work out. That’s where the learning happens.
For me, gardening is about so much more than flowers – it’s about wellbeing, community and creativity. I believe anyone can grow something beautiful, no matter the size of their space or experience. And if I can help inspire that spark in someone else, then I know I’m on the right path.
I always make space for tomatoes
Images courtesy of @life_on_the_lot
If there’s one crop that I’d willingly sacrifice flower-growing space for, it’s TOMATOES! Nothing beats a homegrown tomato!
Grow like Jen
This colourful array of blooms with oversized flowerheads are perfect for cut flowers
Image: Dahlia ‘Delightful Dinner Plate Collection’ from Suttons (© Thompson & Morgan)
You can follow Jen over at @life_on_the_lot . And if you want to read about other inspirational growers, check out everyone featured in our ‘From the Plot’ series for a wealth of practical advice.
