When Margo first visited Terrace from Nova Scotia, she planned to stay for the weekend. Fast-forward eight years, and she’s still here!
Margo and her partner, Matt began searching for the perfect place to plant a small flower farm and in 2019 she found the land that is now home to Fernweh Farmstead – Fernweh loosely translates from German to mean ‘a longing for a place you’ve never been.’
Nestled in the Coast Mountains just outside of Terrace, Fernweh Farmstead specializes in growing seasonal cut flowers for local farmers markets, weddings and offering weekly bouquet subscriptions for delivery or pick-up.
The small family farm is run by Margo, her partner, and one employee, with a focus on sustainability for the land, her business and their family.
“We appreciate the land and the community we’re in, and we’re learning everyday,” Margo says. “We’re trying find that sweet spot of sustainability by looking after the health of the soil, connecting with the community and creating a legacy for our children.”
The variety of flowers they produce, and the work they do each day changes with the seasons.
“In April and May it’s tulips and daffodils, in the summer it’s cosmos, dahlias, and summer annuals” Margo says. “Right now is harvest season, so we’re in our peak season. It’s about finding balance in our work and home life, and how to keep it enjoyable.”
Starting the business at the beginning of the pandemic was a major challenge, but she found that the response from their customers made it all worthwhile.
“Seeing how our flowers could bring joy and light into people’s lives during such a stressful time was really special,” Margo says. “Even this season, it’s still the best part of the job. I recently got to deliver an unexpected thank you bouquet to an elderly lady – her reaction was truly incredible and special!”
Being in northern B.C. has begun to add another struggle to the business, with supply issues making it challenging to get the needed seeds, bulbs and farming supplies.
However, Margo says that the community has showed up in a way that she’s found truly inspiring.
“I think people around here were more used to veggie farms, and locally grown flowers was kind of an intriguing concept for many folks . They’re used to buying flowers that have been shipped from quite long distance and have been so delighted to experience how long local flowers can last and the wider range of varieties that can be grown locally
When asked her advice for other entrepreneurs, Margo says “Go for it! We were hesitant at first but then we dove in. Start small, grow in a sustainable manner, and listen to your heart, your family and the community.”
Learn more online at fernwehfarmstead.ca
This Small Business Feature is one of a series of local business profiles from the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine.