Today we’d like to introduce you to Alex Webb.
Hi Alex, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Hi! My name is Alex, and I am a registered nurse and local flower farmer here in Encinitas, CA! I started growing flowers in 2022 on my parent’s land in Southern Utah. Since then, I’ve relocated back to the San Diego area (I’m an SDSU Alum- Go Aztecs!) to be closer to my friends, church and community. What got me into flowers was actually my experience in the military! I was an Army Nurse Corps Officer for 5 years, and upon leaving the military I was offered a “Soldiers to Agriculture” program where I had the opportunity to learn about forestry, farming, beekeeping, and my fav- flower farming! I have always adored flowers, but getting to grow them from seed is my absolute passion. There is something magical yet risky about planting a seed in the ground and hoping it will grow and turn into something beautiful.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There are always unforeseen obstacles with growing flowers- pests, diseases, lack of knowledge, etc., but honestly, that’s why I love it! I’ve accepted that I will never be an expert in farming, and that’s what makes it challenging and fun for me. There is always more to learn, new techniques to develop, and new varieties of seeds to grow that I find myself never growing bored of growing flowers.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Goose boy Flower Farm is named after my pup-Goose! Goose is my best bud and loves to keep me company while I work on the farm. Our farm is tiny, about 400 sq. ft, and is located roadside in my neighborhood here in Encinitas. I grow all of my flowers from seed, and then nurture my baby seedlings until they are ready for harvest. I then arrange my flowers into whatever vases I can find-pasta sauce jars, cans, mason jars, etc. and sell them on a roadside stand right next to my farm. I would say what makes Goose Boy Flower Farm unique is its fun, wild and organic vibe. I grow flowers because I love to grow them, not with the intent of selling them. We do offer bouquets for sale on an as-available basis for $5 a jar. But again, our goal isn’t financial growth-it’s community growth. Because the farm is accessible to the public, one of the joys of working on it is getting to chat with community members about the flowers, the farm, and growing in general. It is a blessing to be able to grow flowers for my friends, neighbors and local community. Having the artistic freedom to do that wildly and with love is what sets Goose Boy Flower Farm apart.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My advice for those wanting to start a flower farm or garden is to grow for it! Plant your seeds in the ground, and just start! Mistakes and hard lessons are inevitable, but that is ultimately how you learn when it comes to farming. Seeds need two things-warmth and water. Give them that and they will grow! The easiest flower varieties I recommend for those just starting out are sunflowers, zinnias, cosmos, marigolds and snapdragons!
Pricing:
- $5/jar or vase
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @gooseboyflowerfarm
