TUCKED away in West Bergholt, Ben Cannell runs his flower farm, equipped with horticultural knowledge passed down from generation to generation.
Two decades ago, Ben’s path crossed with Lisa Doonan at Writtle College while studying for a degree in professional floristry and horticulture.
Both flower enthusiasts kept in touch and have started a collaboration between Ben’s flower growing business and Lisa’s shop, Lily and Fern, which opened in 2023 in the village.
Ahead of British Flower Week, Ben has spoken to the Gazette about why we must celebrate the industry.
Ben said: “With only a few hundred yards from field to shop, we really are keeping it local.
“The British cut flowers market is a growing industry as people are more focused on local produce and the environmental impact of flowers being imported from around the world.”
Both flower experts are paying particular attention to what they can do to enhance wildlife and biodiversity, while reducing the carbon footprint when it comes to buying and selling flowers.
“We farm in an environmentally friendly way that encourages wildlife to the field and avoids us using nasty pesticides and chemicals,” said Ben.
“Working with the seasons means we can only grow flowers during their true season, which not only makes life much more interesting for Lisa as a floral designer, but it also means the flowers she uses are as fresh as they can be and arrive with no air miles.
In early 2025, Ben took on a field behind Lily & Fern where he is cultivating his flower farm, growing seasonal British flowers and foliage to supply Lisa, other florists and wholesalers.
It was through links with the community that Ben found his flower field, located a stone’s throw from the shop.
Ben said: “Colchester is a fantastic place to be based and grow not only our wonderful flowers, but also our businesses alongside a growing and supportive community.
“We’re blooming excited to share our flowers with Colchester and the surrounding areas in the months ahead.“
British Flower Week was launched in 2013 and annually champions the UK’s cut flower industry, celebrating its members and showcasing trends and changes within the British flower market.
It runs until June 22.
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