Open Flower Network: Starting up & scaling
Sustainability for flower farmers
Nov 11, 2025
How do we define ‘sustainable flowers’? This is an essential question to ask, for growers, wholesale hubs, and florists alike.
In this video, Theresa Schumilas of Garden Party Flower Farms discusses how to define sustainable flowers in an authentic way, arguing that sustainability must start with the soil. She also walks you through an audit of sustainable practices on her own farm, highlighting successes and areas for improvement.
Nobody can give you a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer on sustainability. I think a better question to ask a farmer is ‘Tell me about your soil building practices.’
~ Theresa Schumilas, Garden Party Flower Farm
More resources for
Starting up & scaling
Season Reflection for Flower Farmers
Learn how to conduct a seasonal crops reflection to lower your work, stress and make your farm more profitable.
Financial support was provided under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
