Community Highlight: Dame Haven Farms

At Anna’s, we love celebrating the growers who bring beauty and bounty to our region. One of those inspiring local producers is Dame Haven Farms, a small but mighty flower farm located in Harrow. Their self-serve stand at 2808 County Road 20 offers seasonal flowers from February through November — and each bouquet carries with it a story rooted in passion, family, and the land.

We had the chance to connect with the heart behind Dame Haven Farms, Sara, a flower farmer whose journey began with vegetables and bloomed into something much more.

The journey to flowers started back in 2020 when Dame Haven's owner and her family purchased their 12-acre farm. That first summer, they focused on vegetables: tomatoes, peppers, and pumpkins. Flowers were originally just companions — marigolds and nasturtiums planted among the rows to deter pests naturally. But something unexpected happened.

Those bright blooms brought joy. “That first year, the flowers made me so happy,” she shared. “The next year, I doubled what I grew… and then doubled again. Now, I grow on two full acres.”

That joy sparked something deeper — a connection to generations before her. “I immediately felt more connected to my mother and grandmother, finally understanding why they were always in their gardens.”

Ask her to pick a favourite flower and she’ll say it’s impossible — but she can name one for every season. In winter, she forces tulips in crates from February to April. “Winter can feel endless, but these big, beautiful double tulips are unlike anything you'll find in a grocery store.” Spring brings peonies, with their nostalgic scent and full, layered petals. In the summer, she grows lisianthus in her field — a florist's favourite for their vase life and elegance. And in the fall, she turns to eucalyptus, which often grows taller than she is. “I love drying them and bringing that beauty indoors through the winter.”

Behind every bouquet is careful planning and years of learning. “It’s taken years of trial and error to narrow down what grows well in our area. I grow tall varieties with multiple stems per plant — vibrant colours for the stand and markets, and pastels for florists and weddings.” A true highlight? Thousands of sunflowers planted in succession, blooming continuously all summer and into fall.

Though Dame Haven Farms is rooted in Harrow, its owner’s farming story started in Woodslee. “I grew up on a farm, and Harrow feels just as special. There’s a small-town feeling here that can’t be beat — everyone knows everyone, in the best way.” The community isn’t just welcoming — it’s empowering. “There are so many women-led businesses in Harrow and the surrounding area. We support each other. It’s heartwarming to be part of that.”

Farming isn’t glamorous — it’s long hours, early mornings, and working through all types of weather. But it’s also purpose-filled. “My favourite part of being a flower farmer is working outdoors and with the seasons. Every day, I wake up and say, ‘I get to do this for a living.’” She continues, “I get to be home with our kids all summer. I can see them off to school, pick them up, and drive them to sports and jobs. I get to grow beautiful, seasonal flowers and share them with my community.”

Her bouquets aren't just flowers — they’re a reflection of the life she’s built and the joy that grows alongside each stem.

Visit Dame Haven Farms’ Self-Serve Stand
📍 2808 County Road 20, Harrow
🕰️ Seasonal flowers available from February to November
🌸 Farm-fresh, local blooms