Jacinta’s journey from growing sunflowers to flower farming

What began with growing herbs and vegetables for her family soon developed into a fascination with plants, flowers and the natural world.

"The first time I planted sunflower seeds and watched the seedlings emerge, that was it, I was hooked," she said.

With guidance from her grandfather, Jacinta expanded her backyard garden, growing everything from lavender and roses to planting her first mango and crepe myrtle trees.

Now, 10 years later, studying the Certificate III in Horticulture (AHC30722) through Fee-Free TAFE, Jacinta is building the practical skills and industry knowledge to support her growing flower business and future career goals.

"I wanted to expand my knowledge on both a practical and scientific level and gain the skills and a qualification to build on what I already know," she said.

"I also thought it would be the perfect opportunity to learn with and talk plants all day with like-minded people."

One of the highlights of Jacinta's studies has been helping prepare the horticulture gardens at TAFE Queensland's Toowoomba campus for the iconic Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers Garden Competition.

“Every year I find myself in awe and appreciation of the dedication, design and work that goes into the gardens for the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers,” she said.

"I have to pinch myself to think that this year I played a part in bringing the TAFE gardens to life for fellow carnival lovers to enjoy."

Working alongside her teachers and classmates, Jacinta has been involved in soil preparation, planting, hedging, pruning, garden maintenance and design. She also helped select flowering plants and determine their placement based on colour, form, function and size to create a vibrant and cohesive display.

Through the project, she has gained a deeper understanding of the science behind successful horticulture.

"It's not just about planting appealing flowers and plants together and everything magically works," said Jacinta.

"There’s a real science and a mathematically curated process to getting things just right, from understanding soil, climate and plant requirements to managing pests and diseases and ensuring plants flower at the right time."

Jacinta said another valuable aspect of the project has been learning alongside others who share her passion.

"I've learnt that there are other people with a keen interest in building our different communities' connection to gardening, which I find very valuable as it enriches the importance and purpose in what we are learning and where we want it to lead," she said.

Among her favourite features of the display are the colourful floral gardens bursting with anemones, ranunculus and snapdragons.

Layers of vibrant blooms, including anemones, ranunculus and snapdragons (pictured), add a stunning splash of colour to the horticulture gardens at the Toowoomba campus.

"I'm very proud of all of the floral gardens currently flowering in seas of rich, bright colours," she said.

“I also thoroughly enjoy the landscape design where grass is used as the path as opposed to pavers, brick or tile, especially where this is paired with an outline of hedging, leading you to a wider garden to walk through and enjoy.” 

"I find this very whimsical, calming, inviting and, in turn, super effictive."

Beyond her studies, Jacinta is already pursuing her dream of growing and selling seasonal flower bouquets.

Through her Instagram account, @meadowfieldhome, she shares her journey of flower farming, gardening and restoring her family's historic home.

Looking ahead, she hopes to continue building her backyard-scale flower farming business while helping others discover the joys of gardening.

"I would really like to carve a path where I can teach others about plants, trees, flowers and herbs and the importance of them all as being a natural part of our lives and homes," she said.

"I just really want to get more and more people of all ages and all walks of life involved in being out in nature, in a garden and growing their own."

Jacinta showcases one of her handcrafted bouquets, featuring blooms grown on her family property. Through her Instagram account, @meadowfieldhome, she shares her passion for flower farming, gardening and restoring her family's historic home. Photo courtesy of @meadowfieldhome.

The horticulture gardens at TAFE Queensland’s Toowoomba campus provide a vibrant hands-on learning environment for students to develop practical skills in plant cultivation and garden design.

From field to bouquet, Jacinta's home-based business celebrates the beauty of locally grown flowers. Photo courtesy of @meadowfieldhome.