Meet the GROWER: MARIKA SALIBA

February 2024

This month we meet another of the fabulous growers featured in our 2024 planner: Marika Saliba of Glenbernie Family Farms. Marika and her husband John found their dream plot of land 16 years ago in Kurmond, located in the Hawkesbury region which they both love and know so well. Since then, this hardworking duo have grown a variety of vegetable crops and grazed cattle. In 2021, they decided to take advantage of Marika’s passion for flowers by establishing Glenbernie Family Farms, where she grows many varieties of sunflowers (which they have become known for) as well as zinnias, celosia, dahlias, cosmos, paper daisies and many other fresh and colourful blooms.

I first stumbled upon Marika’s story when I was looking online for something to do during lockdown. I was amazed to learn that during this time, Marika opened her farm to visitors, allowing them to wander through the fields, take photos and pick their own flowers – and all this just an hour from my home in Sydney! While I am yet to visit, it is definitely on my to-do list (and should be on yours, too!) I can’t wait to walk through a sea of sunflowers and make some new floral memories. With their generosity and willingness to welcome people to their property, it is clear Marika and John value what their beautiful farm can offer their local community (and beyond) and are willing to share such a unique experience with others. After all, exploring a landscape full of flowers can only spread joy and happiness! And this is what Marika and John aim to do.

Our flowers for February are Marika’s favourites: sunflowers and blush zinnias (yes, she snuck an extra one in there as she grows so many beautiful blooms!). Here’s what Marika had to say when I interviewed her for our 2024 Planner.

1/ Your farm is absolutely stunning. What types of flowers do you grow at your farm? What's your favourite?

Thank you so much! We grow seasonal slow flowers, including sunflowers in gold, chocolate, lilac and lemon. We also grow Italian ranunculus, wheat, smoke bush, dahlias, celosia, zinnias, cosmos and some Australia native flowers and everlasting blooms. I have a few favourites – sunflowers, of course, my blush zinnias and celosia.

2/ Do you have any fun facts or growing tips about your favourite flowers?

Yes, definitely! Most of these flowers love the heat and dislike the cold weather. They should be planted in springtime when all signs of frost have passed. Sunflowers face the sun and will face north-east on our farm. Ranunculus and Australian everlasting daisies can be planted in autumn and winter to bloom in springtime.

3/ If you could give any advice to aspiring flower lovers, what would that be?

Definitely to start growing flowers. Even if you don’t have much space, start small in a pot on your balcony or porch. It will bring you so much joy! Also choose flowers that will grow at the appropriate time.

4/ Sustainability is a growing trend in the floristry industry. Flower growers and designers have become more mindful in lessening the impacts to our beautiful nature. What does sustainability mean to you?

Sustainability is important to us. As the stewards of our family farm, we care for the soil and keep our land as close to nature as we can. We use recyclable materials in our farm practices and use micro diversity to enhance spaces for beneficial insects to live in on the farm and take care of pests. Because of this, many native birds, bee species, frogs and insects make their home on Glenbernie Family Farms.

You can find Marika’s website here or follow her on Insta here.

SHOP THE sunflower COLLECTION