HAKATARAMEA VALLEY – In the picturesque Hakataramea Valley, Josie Murray has cultivated a blossoming venture that has breathed new life into the region. Operating under the name “High Country Flowery,” this micro high country flower farm, nestled within Caberfeidh Station, has transitioned from a personal hobby to a thriving business, earning the admiration of locals.
Josie Murray, who works as a farm environmental consultant remotely for a South Canterbury-based farming company, has struck a harmonious balance between her career and her newfound passion. With the impending arrival of her second child in December, she embarked on this venture as a way to spend quality time outdoors with her family.
Her roots in horticulture trace back to her upbringing; she fondly reminisces about her mother’s sprawling garden and her grandfather’s avidity for growing vegetables. It was in those formative years that she first witnessed the simple joy of gathering bouquets from the garden before visiting friends and family.
Josie and her husband, Hamish, made their home in the Hakataramea Valley three years ago, where she undertook the task of researching flower varieties suitable for the valley’s often extreme climate. Her dedication led her to select hardy annuals that could withstand temperatures plummeting to minus 10°C to minus 15°C. These were planted as seedlings in autumn and left to brave the elements of frost, snow, and wind before revealing their vibrant blooms in spring. Bulbs, including tulips, thrived in the valley, as they required a cooling period in the ground.
While many garden enthusiasts began planting during Labour Weekend, Josie preferred to sow tender annuals in November when the weather was more forgiving. To protect her plants from inquisitive dogs and her playful toddler, Hamish fenced off an area dedicated to her flourishing flower farm.
Choosing a favorite flower was a daunting task for Josie, as her appreciation for the variety in her garden ran deep. In spring, Iceland poppies held a special place in her heart, while dahlias and snapdragons were equally beloved for their simplicity and charm.
Initially, her journey began as a personal endeavor, documented on an Instagram page where she shared her creative process and the inevitable trials and errors. As her stunning floral arrangements gained recognition, people started reaching out, requesting bouquets for various occasions. Word-of-mouth spread her reputation, and she quickly became an integral part of her community, forging connections with countless individuals through her flower sales.
Josie’s knack for floral arrangement is largely self-taught, stemming from her innate creativity. While she dabbled in online research, she found that arranging flowers seemed to flow naturally for her. She expressed the pleasure of immersing herself in the world of flowers, using it as an avenue to switch off from daily pressures and let her creativity flourish.
Her market-style and garden bouquets have become local favorites, characterized by their rustic charm and untamed, colorful bouquets. An emphasis on sustainability is paramount for Josie, and she is committed to avoiding single-use plastic and floral foam in her arrangements.
As for the future, Josie remains open to possibilities. The trajectory of High Country Flowery will be shaped by her family’s future and where life takes them. Depending on their journey, she may contemplate expanding this delightful venture, sharing her passion for flowers with an even wider audience.
