Ellen Firth, owner of Firth Flock Flower Farm in Ruthin, has spoken about the experiences and knowledge she has gained in order to diversify her farm to floristry business with support from the Welsh Government
From spawning new ideas for a floristry business to establishing a valuable network of experiences and knowledge, a Denbighshire farmer has placed health awareness at the top of her agenda for diversification.
Ellen Firth, owner of Firth Flock Flower Farm in Ruthin, has embraced the opportunity to diversify her farm alongside a flower business through support of the Welsh Government's Big Ideas Wales programme, aimed at those between the age of five and 25 who want to develop a business idea.
She combines farming with growing flowers and creating floral designs for weddings, funerals, events, alongside gift bouquets and supplying bunches of flowers to farm shops and village retailers.
Not originally from a farming background, Ms Firth said her passion for agriculture developed after moving next to a dairy farm when she was seven-years-old.
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In 2013, Ms Firth was diagnosed with autism and ever since, has wanted to support other young people by hosting immersive arranging and harvesting workshops due to the therapeutic benefits associated with flowers.
Ms Firth is passionate about providing top quality, locally-grown flowers, while educating her local community about the importance of supporting the Welsh horticultural industry.
At just 20, the Denbighshire farmer runs her own floristry enterprise alongside managing a pedigree flock of 40 Black Welsh Mountain sheep, breeding rare breed Welsh Harlequin ducks, guineafowl and heritage breed chickens.
She supplies lamb to luxury restaurants, while exhibiting prime stock at agricultural shows.
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Ms Firth said she had applied to be part of the Big Ideas Wales programme in the hope of developing her knowledge within the farming industry and to learn more about implementing sustainable and regenerative techniques, alongside her horticulture and sheep business.
After completing the programme, she said her business has demonstrated it was possible to create a profitable enterprise on a small acreage.
"I have always loved nurturing animals, so when I moved and began growing flowers too, it felt very natural to me," she added.
"Watching something grow – whether that is an animal or flower – fills you with this overwhelming sense of achievement. It also helped me to grow as a person living with autism.
"I am incredibly lucky that I found my therapy in gardening. That is why I am so keen to share it with others who are living with autism or suffering with their mental health.
"I am incredibly proud to be able to educate people as an autistic entrepreneur, that is why I want to go one step further and share my knowledge on the British flower industry."
Ms Firth said combining her passion for farming with floristry, has enabled her to find tranquillity in her life and work.
"I have found my happy place in my business," she added.
"I do as much as possible myself - such as shearing and trimming for shows, to limit the need and cost of getting other people in - which gives me more independence and flexibility.
"I grow 95 per cent of the flowers I use in my designs, these are grown organically with manure from the sheep providing the nutrients and their wool used as mulch and pathways."
She said the support and understanding since applying for the Big Ideas Wales programme was 'amazing'.
"I will take it forward into the future development of my business," she added.
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