Gympie Growers: Haruha Ridge Farm

What started as a small flower patch has grown into something much bigger: a vision for a sustainable, community-driven space where people can reconnect.

In the heart of Amamoor in the Mary Valley, Haruha Ridge Farm is run by Jess and her family. A flower farm with a busy farm stay, the Tiny Harper, it’s a place that’s creating connection – whether that be through flowers, farm experiences, or simply slowing down and being present. “Everything we’re building here is centred around that idea of coming full circle – back to nature, connection, and simplicity,” says Jess.

What first drew you to growing flowers?

Flowers found me at a time when I felt completely lost.

I was in the depths of early motherhood with twins, while also navigating the grief of losing my mum just weeks after they were born. It was a really heavy, overwhelming season, and I needed something that was mine – something I could nurture, control, and grow.

Flowers became that for me.

I fell in love with the entire process, from seed to bloom. It gave me purpose when I needed it most. Something to focus on outside of the chaos and grief. Over time, it became more than just growing flowers – it became a way to create beauty out of a hard season and to share that joy with others.

What does a typical day look like for you in your business?

There’s really no such thing as a ‘typical’ day here – it’s a constant juggle between motherhood, and running our farm stay and the flower farm.

One minute I’m doing school drop-offs, the next I’m harvesting flowers, restocking one of our honesty stands, replying to guest messages, or trying to stay on top of the never-ending jobs that come with running a property.

The farm sets the rhythm more than anything – early mornings, working around the weather, and fitting everything else in between. It’s busy, a bit chaotic at times, but also incredibly grounding. No two days are the same, and I think that’s part of what I love most about it.

What are some of your favourite flowers to grow?

This is such a hard question because it changes with the seasons!

Snapdragons and statice will always be favourites – they’re reliable, beautiful, and such staples in my bouquets.

If you asked me in the middle of summer, I’d probably say dahlias. They’re absolutely stunning… but also complete divas. Right now, at the end of their season, I’m very ready for them to be done!

I think part of the magic of flower farming is that there’s always something new to fall in love with.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

I love that no day is ever the same.

I love the physical side of it – being outside, working with the seasons, and feeling connected to the land. There’s something really special about seeing the first bloom appear from something you’ve nurtured for months from a tiny seed.

But more than anything, I love that what I grow brings joy to other people. Whether it’s someone picking up a bunch from one of our honesty stands, visiting the farm, or receiving flowers during an important moment in their life – it’s such a simple thing, but it has such a big impact.