JEN Howarth has watched her gardening and grow your own blog blossom over the past four years.

She currently has more than 25,000 followers on social media!

Life on the Lot has been operating from her allotment close to Claremont Farm in Bebington since lockdown in 2020 but she is preparing to launch her new business venture – Wirral’s first pick your own flower farm.

Here, in our latest Business of the Week feature, Jen tells us how Life on the Lot has grown in popularity over the past four years and how she’s looking forward to opening Wirral Flower Farm next year.

If you would like to appear in one of our business features, email heidi.summerfield@newsquest.co.uk

Owner Jen Howarth

Owner Jen Howarth

What’s the name of the business?

Life on the Lot - Wirral Flower Farm

What’s the address?

Claremont Farm, Old Clatterbridge Road, Bebington, CH63 4JB

Are you the owner or manager?

Yes, I am the owner and manager of Wirral Flower Farm.

When did you open the business?

Wirral Flower Farm will officially open in 2025 to customers. We are currently building the infrastructure over the winter ready to open to customers for PYO (pick your own). It was born out of my love for flowers and the local community, and I wanted to bring something unique and sustainable to the Wirral area.

Has it always been in the same location?

Yes, although Life on the Lot has been operating as a gardening/grow your own blog from my allotment just down the road since 2020.

Are you local to the area? Did you grow up here?

Yes, I live down the road from the farm!

Visitors will be able to pick their own flowers in 2025

Visitors will be able to pick their own flowers in 2025

Tell me a bit about your business:

Wirral Flower Farm is the first flower farm of its kind in Wirral which will be open to the public. We focus on growing beautiful, sustainable, seasonal flowers for people who want something unique and locally sourced. Our farm offers DIY wedding flower services, workshops on seed sowing and flower harvesting, and the chance for people to pick their own flowers straight from the farm. It's a place where people can connect with nature and celebrate the beauty of homegrown flowers.

What do you do? What services do you provide?

We specialise in sustainable, locally grown cut flowers, perfect for events like weddings and personal use. Our key services include:

• DIY Wedding Flowers: Brides and grooms can book time to pick their own flowers, creating personal and meaningful bouquets.

• Workshops: We host monthly seed sowing and flower harvesting workshops where attendees learn the basics of developing their own cut flower patch.

• Seasonal Cut Flowers: People can come to the farm to cut their own flowers, enjoying the experience of selecting blooms fresh from the field.

• Florist Services: For those who prefer pre-arranged bouquets, we offer floristry services using our homegrown flowers.

• Florist Wholesale: Aiming to supply the local floristry community with artisanal, sustainable, and eco-friendly British blooms direct from the farm.

Why did you decide to open your own business?

I’ve always had a passion for flowers and sustainable living. Opening Wirral Flower Farm felt like the perfect way to combine my love for nature with a business that could make a positive environmental and social impact. I wanted to offer an alternative to mass-produced, imported flowers, and create something that celebrates the beauty of locally grown, sustainable blooms.

What’s your business background?

While I’ve worked in various roles, my love for gardening, nature, and sustainable practices has always been a constant. My background includes a mix of hands-on horticultural experience and a deep interest in floriculture. I also have a business background running another enterprise for almost eight years. Launching Wirral Flower Farm allowed me to turn my passion into a business, blending my skills in gardening and entrepreneurship.

Why this type of business?

There is something truly special about flowers—they bring joy, beauty and a sense of calm. I chose to start a flower farm because I wanted to offer a sustainable and eco-friendly option to people in the area. Growing flowers locally reduces the carbon footprint associated with imported blooms and supports biodiversity. Plus, the farm provides a space for people to experience the magic of picking their own flowers and learning how to grow their own. I want to pass these skills onto as many people as possible.

Life on the Lot has been operating as a gardening and grow your own blog from Jens allotment since lockdown

Life on the Lot has been operating as a gardening and grow your own blog from Jen's allotment since lockdown

Were you open before/during/after the Covid-19 pandemic? How did this affect your business?

Wirral Flower Farm opened after the Covid-19 pandemic, but the pandemic highlighted the importance of local, sustainable and outdoor experiences, which has been central to our business model. People are more conscious about where their products come from and are seeking more personal, meaningful experiences, which we offer through our flower farm.

What makes your business different from others in the same area/field? What sets your business apart from your competitors?

Wirral Flower Farm is the first of its kind in the area. We focus on sustainability, growing all our flowers without the use of harmful chemicals, which sets us apart from many traditional florists. We offer a personal touch through our DIY flower-picking experiences and workshops, allowing customers to feel directly connected to the flowers they choose. Our customers are not just buying flowers; they are participating in a creative and sustainable process.

Why do loyal customers return to your business?

Our customers return because they appreciate the quality, freshness and uniqueness of our flowers. The experience of walking through the farm, selecting flowers straight from the field and the personalized nature of our service makes it special. We build strong relationships with our customers, many of whom value the local, eco-friendly aspect of our business.

What’s next? What do the next few months hold for you and your business?

We are gearing up for an exciting year in 2025. We’re expanding our flower varieties, including new favourites like peaches and cream, sweet Nathalie and night silence. We are also promoting our DIY wedding flowers with early bird bookings and continuing to grow our workshops, adding more seasonal events. Our goal is to keep building a community which now includes the farm and Claremont Farm as a whole, offering more educational opportunities and unique experiences for our customers.