We grow cut flowers that are kinder to the planet and support biodiversity on our farm. 
 

HHFF exists to offer an alternative to the current cut flower system, one that contrasts significantly from the practices commonly employed in the industry. Unlike many flower farms that rely heavily on pesticides and contribute to the degradation of ecosystems, soil and water resources, we have embraced a fundamentally different approach to flower cultivation.

We follow a 'nature friendly farming' (NFF) system of agriculture, which yields benefits for both farm productivity and the ecosystem. NFF operates on a regenerative ethos, where land usage is balanced among the requirements of the business, nature, and climate mitigation efforts.

Our main aims are to 
- Grow high quality cut flowers naturally, using limited natural resources.
- Improve the land we use to grow our flowers on. 
- Work closely with and for nature. 
- Protect and support biodiversity. 

How are we working towards this? 
Pesticide-Free Cultivation: We will never use any form of pesticide (fungicide, pesticide, or insecticide). Instead of relying on harmful chemicals, we prioritise the encouragement of predatory insects as a means of pest control. By fostering a diverse ecosystem within our flower farm, we create a habitat where beneficial insects thrive and help keep pest populations in check. 

Peat-Free Growing Practices: We do not use peat in our growing practices. We utilise the soil unearthed from molehills for our potting on compost and use a local compost centre for our growing mediums. 

Seed Saving: We save as much of our own seed as possible, preserving and cultivating seeds from our own plants. Seed saving not only helps maintain biodiversity but also enhances crop resilience to environmental changes.

Soil Regeneration: While conventional flower farms often degrade soil quality through intensive farming practices, we prioritise soil regeneration and health. Through techniques such as cover crops, mulching and composting. 

Water Conservation: Water is a precious resource, and we recognise the importance of responsible water usage in floriculture. We implement efficient irrigation systems, mulching techniques, and water-saving practices to minimise water consumption and mitigate our environmental impact.

Biodiversity Preservation: Many flower farms contribute to the decline of biodiversity through monoculture farming and habitat destruction. In contrast, we prioritise biodiversity preservation by cultivating a diverse range of flower varieties and creating habitats that support wildlife and beneficial insects. 

Plastic-Free wrapping: Our flowers come wrapped in materials that are plastic-free, recyclable, and compostable. Recently, we've transitioned to using 60% recycled kraft paper for our wrapping. 

Sustainable Floristry: We will never, ever, use Oasis floral foam, a product commonly utilised in floristry, often without customers' awareness, that is composed of non-biodegradable plastic and is incredibly harmful to the environment. Instead, we opt for reusable mechanics such as chicken wire and reusable vessels. 

Actions we need to take
Weed Membrane Removal: We are actively working towards eliminating weed membrane from our farm. Weed membrane is a black plastic fabric commonly used to suppress weed growth; however, it biodegrades into microplastics and is harmful to the environment. We aim to complete the removal by the end of 2024. 

Transition to Sustainable Transportation: Currently, we rely on diesel-fueled vehicles for accessing our farm and making deliveries. To reduce our environmental impact, we are  implementing more efficient delivery routes. However, our ultimate goal is to transition to electric or hybrid vehicles. 


Flowers are important.