Spend some time with our local flower growers
Meet Ingrid and John, the husband-and-wife team behind Jonima Flowers, a family-run flower farm nestled in the peaceful village of Yanderra.
Discover their journey, inspirations, and what makes life on the farm so rewarding.
Let’s start off with a little bit about you?
Ingrid: I run Jonima Flowers with my husband, John. Before marrying John, I worked in finance in Sydney. When our children were young, we decided to make a tree change - and that’s how we ended up here. Growing up, I dreamed of becoming a fashion designer, and my very first job was at a local chemist!
John: I am a third-generation flower grower. I started working on my family flower farm at a very young age. I decided to branch out on my own to create what we have today at Yanderra - Jonima flowers.
And a little bit about your business?
We are both the owners of Jonima flowers, we are a small family business specialised in cut flowers. We grow up to 100 different flowers and foliage’s. We began over 17 years ago and have evolved over that period of time. In the beginning we focused on selling cut flowers wholesale and now have moved into retail by selling at farmers markets, opening the farm flower shed from Monday to Friday and also providing an online flower store for the local area.
We enjoy the challenges of growing a beautiful product, where each day is different to the next. Being surrounded by nature and its change of seasons, being able to work and be with family and interact directly with community and seeing the joy our product brings to people is a bonus.
Why Yanderra?
Yanderra is a small local village that was also easily accessible to Sydney, the South Coast and Canberra. The climate was important for flower growing, it is cooler than Sydney, however being on the foothills of the southern highlands not as cold allowing as to grow for longer seasons.
What makes your business successful?
We work together as a family to showcase the best of local and seasonality. We are also very passionate about supporting local farmers and making conscious, environmentally sustainable decisions in our farming practices. We minimise the challenges of the business by being flexible and adaptable to challenges that are thrown our way. Our goal is to evolve our business to not only grow flowers but also to educate people on the process.
Do you have a favourite Dilly town?
Our favourite Dilly town would have to be my hometown of Bargo. Bargo still has that country feel, is a small community, but still has all the facilities you need close at hand. I also enjoy picking up my morning coffee and also some sweets from Bean2Bargo and Pheasants Nest Produce is only a short trip to pick up my favourite fresh produce and baked goods.
What is a must see in the Dilly?
We love Burragorang lookout. Any day trip through the Wollondilly brings a connection to nature and the great outdoors.
