Hi, I’m Amber and I grow cut flowers in our front yard. I believe that flowers have so much power to heal, while connecting us to one another and to the land.
I have a biology/math degree from Trent University, where I took as many plant-focused biology courses as possible; I once took “Wildflowers of Ontario” as a course, whereby I learned how to make herbarium specimens. I feel lucky to have gone to a school that inspired my love of plants.
I have been teaching full-time since 2003. I spent my first year of teaching in northern Manitoba, in a small town called Grand Rapids, teaching K-7 Phys. Ed. and Senior Mathematics – it was a challenging experience, but I learned so much from the students, the beautiful surroundings and the kindness of people who opened their doors to me to share their culture and hospitality. Since 2004, I have been teaching High School Mathematics within the Durham Region.
In the summer of 2013, I attended CIFD (Canadian Institute of Floral Design), so that I could dive into the flower world even more. I have always been a gardener/designer at heart, thanks to my Nanna and Grampa who grew beautiful flowers and vegetables, and my mom, who is an artist.
We have ditched much of our front lawn to create more space for growing cut flowers, including dahlias, zinnias, snapdragons and different types of foliage. I’m also trying to be conscious of growing more native plants to attract a wider variety of pollinators. We do not use pesticides or any harmful chemicals to deter pests.
Dahlias are easily my favourite flowers, especially the ball-shaped varieties because their petal formations very much look like fractals.
Thank you for following along. Flowers have always provided me with moments of quiet enjoyment and welcome distractions, so I hope by sharing my flower journey, I can do the same for you. Please feel free to connect at hello@frontyardflowers.ca.
