About Hummingbee Flower Co
Hummingbee Flower Co was founded with a vision to create a joyful, beautiful sustainable and inclusive space for all people. Starting from a blank canvas in 2020, we've transformed our farm into a beloved floral destination in Red Deer County.
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It's important to know who you're partnering with. Learn about the passionate individuals behind the scenes who are dedicated to crafting stunning floral arrangements.
Continue scrolling (or skip ahead with the button below) to read the whole story of the farm's journey!
Meet the Team
The Whole Story
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Hummingbee's journey
2020
Hummingbee was a name which I felt lucky to think of in the middle of the night one evening in late 2020, while I was no doubt feverishly planning what would become the farm. It encompasses the essence of the vision, its basis, the hum of the bees which would vibrate from the patches and rows, the sounds of a healthy garden and music to a flower's ears.
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Before I knew flower farming and herb farming was a real job, I was a closet permaculture student in the middle of an early childcare education. I was so inspired by the idea that the land was our teacher and the earth can grow so much beauty and bounty from small seeds, that we could try to orchestrate it harmoniously as gardeners,.. it was my happy place and fantasy world.
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Flash forward 3 or so years later and I have manifested, or rather, worked hard for, a field full of blooms and herbs, and simultaneously I am becoming a realist, and learning so much about patience, setbacks, and respect for the land and the farmers that have come before me from all walks of life. This is a humbling and yet rewarding experience, and I am gradually getting my footing as a grower and in business.
2021
My partner Tyler and I established our small farm, Hummingbee Flower Co, on the C&E trail just north of Red Deer Alberta. We were blessed with an acre and a half or so, of relatively bare, untouched south-facing land.
The first spring we broke ground, built fencing, and planted the beginnings of our first flower and crop growing season underway. I worked hard to care for thousands of seedlings under grow lights in our basement to attempt earlier blooms, freezing many in our makeshift greenhouse.
I grew literally hundreds of varieties of flowers, herbs and veggies - due to the sheer excitement of having some room to finally grow so many things - and in the spirit of experimentation. However many of the rows I planted produced little of marketable value, though exciting. We sold at the market and made countless amazing connections.
That fall, we were quite exhausted and it took the winter of recuperation and planning to get into a new spirit in 2022.
2022
I, Olivia, am the mad scientist/ artist/ workerbee and main hat wearer in this operation. I am only able to do this endeavor for the help of my beloved partner in life, Tyler Davies, who happens to work full time as a concrete finisher. I have an amazing 5 year old boy who keeps us super busy, and also enjoys working away with us in the garden. So needless to say, much of what we are able to accomplish so far has been limited by certain constraints, however we have made an incredible amount of progress over the second year of Hummingbee Farm.
We've installed irrigation and a 1000 sq ft unheated greenhouse, renovated and completed our now-functional walk-in cooler, and honed our business model and subscription program. I've learned so much along the way, and appreciate all those who have suffered my ineptitude throughout the process, the parents, friends and fellow businesses who have helped us along the way, and our customers who have kept us going!
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We were excited to wrap up the season in 2022 with a long and mild fall, which gave time to consider the future of our farm and gardens. I harvested countless varieties of seeds and nestled thousands of tulip and daffodil bulbs which will be the first treasures of spring 2023 for our subscription holders.
As the farm evolves we are finding our niche, and not surprisingly, a passion for natural medicine and energetic qualities of flowers has re-emerged. I have gradually remembered that all flowers are is medicine for the soul, and indeed it has helped to heal mine. I have been working on plans to include many rows of medicinal plants and herbs which will be announced in detail later in the year.
2023 +
However difficult it is, I am telling myself that I am gradually learning to pair down and specialize, utilizing our space wisely and more efficiently.
2023 will bring organization to our main field rows, as well as harmony and ecosystem to the outer spaces in our garden. As we establish as a business and develop our subscription and event offerings, our schedule farming can become more and more efficient, leaving room hopefully for play, learning and enjoyment of the amazing, fragrant, beautiful environment we have worked so hard to build.
I already miss it, and can't wait to see it rise up and hum away once again next year.