They may not be a necessity like food, but when it comes to one’s happiness level, they make a difference. Mark Fisher bought his property in Bulkley Valley 20 years ago and has been selling flowers as the demand has increased.
“[Flowers] are really practical, and not just practical in a rational sense, but it gives so much joy, which is so important.” His 60-acre property, three of which are in production, was previously a raspberry u-pick farm. Fisher began as a market garden CSA added garlic and squash and slowly, with time, added flowers, which now make up 50 percent of his business.
“Food security has always been important, and that is what drives me to grow food, but I’ve learned that beauty and joy are just as important for our health as anything.” His property contains greenhouses and hoop houses (or caterpillar tunnels, as they’re sometimes called), most of which are flowers. He has three employees who help out, and he also tries to operate as a community space, partnering with volunteers and neighbors at times.
Originally from Southwestern Ontario, Fisher moved to Bulkley Valley in 1999 after vacationing in B.C. for a wedding. He came up north to canoe, attended a musical festival, and never left. “Bulkley Valley is pretty amazing.”
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