Flower farming for wellbeing
University-stressed and soul-searching Jaz Rule looked to nature for a spark during lockdowns. Instead, she found everything she’d ever needed to overcome anxiety and the pressures flooding her. Metropol Deputy Editor Nina Tucker finds out why.
Lost and confused, deep into a degree in human services and sociology, Jaz pondered her purpose. Online flower arranging tutorials and curb side stems plucked on daily walks, flowers fast became a distraction from assignments and anxiety. When lockdown lifted, Jaz jumped into the industry with excitement. Investing in her creativity, Jaz began her business, Fragile Florals. The happiness that followed seemed ethereal. It was just the flowers at work.
Studies on the benefits of blooms have long been produced by top universities and public health research clinics globally, including Harvard and Rutgers. Linked to reductions in anxiety, depression, and agitation, and a stimulus for creativity, compassion, enjoyment, and energy, flowers generate these emotional responses, both immediate and long-term. Whether it’s their captivating colours, or the connotations they carry as gifts of love and loss, the benefits of flowers on wellbeing are tried and true.
Growth and business orders followed, and with an extremely supportive mother, Jaz pursued floristry study. “I couldn’t have done it without Mum. She has been the biggest support during this journey.” A juggle of full-time university, floristry classes and placements, part-time jobs, and growing a flower farm ensued, to lead Jaz to the place she sits now. “I put the growth of my soul down to the special connection I have with flowers. They have really shaped me to the person I am now.”
She labels the shift to her mental health as “profound”. It’s being completely present, Jaz explains. “Stopping to listen to the birds, getting covered in dirt while planting seedlings. It’s about getting wet from the sprinkler, enjoying the sunshine, experiencing joy from planning what to plant next season and then experiencing that joy all over again when you get to pick what you’ve grown.”
Connecting with nature, grounding, and peace all come with flower farming. “Being in the garden helps me slow down and appreciate the now. I don’t think when I’m in the garden, I’m just present. It’s this beautiful silence,” Jaz notes.
A passion that blends seamlessly with other aspects of her life, Jaz uses her knowledge and experience where she works within the wellbeing sector, supporting youth that face complex mental health challenges. Hanging herb baskets, planting sunflowers and seedlings in the company garden, and utilising community gardens, to boost their wellbeing through blooms.
A once shy, reserved person, now embracing the completely unexpected satisfaction that comes with her flower farm. “When life throws me challenges that feel heavy, I return to my garden to be present, and this brings me back to who I am.”
Jaz’s tips for aspiring florists or flower lovers:
- Find your style niche. Consider your passions and what you want to be known for.
- Just start! A few garden plots, pots, and passion are all you need.
- Engage with the floristry community and embrace outside knowledge, online and in-person.
