Aizel’s Story
Aizel Finch, was born in Manila, the Philippines from very humble beginnings in exceptionally urban, non-farming surroundings, and a corporate and commercial work background.
She lived in Whitchurch, Hampshire, for more than 10 years, where she learned the importance and significance of community spirit. There she volunteered in parish fete committees, and a welfare trust, and raised funds for various charitable causes.
The Finches moved to Somerset in 2017, in a barn conversion home set in three acres of land – their dream home! Since then, for personal growth, community relevance and with Brexit looming, Aizel found there are strong business prospects in growing and selling flowers. With her passion for gardening, she pursued flower farming as a livelihood.
She re-trained and immersed herself in horticulture. She went to intense flower growing workshops with experienced growers and grower florists across the country including places like Norfolk, Oxfordshire, and Chichester. She has a certificate in Horticulture (RHS L2) and is studying RHS L3.
Because she knew she lacked experience in growing and running a farm, she looked for an opportunity to work on a farm and soon found herself absorbed in ‘permaculture’ at Apricot Centre, Devon, where she is now also studying as an apprentice for a permaculture diploma.
Her journey in learning permaculture principles has – to say the least – given Aizel a better understanding of designing her flower farm, the systems, and elements within it, and applying natural approaches to growing.
She also gets huge support from being a member of ‘Flowers From the Farm’, a cooperative with a growing membership of 700 small flower farmers in the UK.
Aizel says: “We hope, as a flowers and foliage farm, that we offer our customers good quality produce which are reasonably priced, on trend, different, and inspiring.
“We want to be relevant to our florist partners, farm shops, and varied retail customers by intentionally understanding how our business can complement our customers’ and meet their expectations.
Our farm practices will always be ethical and we will always respect the land we farm, the creatures in it and above it.”