Find out about Churchtown Farm
How it all started
Back in 1987 Andrew and Hilary Julian invested their savings into Churchtown Farm on St Martin's. Whilst struggling to keep the small, traditional flower farm going they hit on the idea of sending flowers by post. This kitchen table enterprise took off and in 2002 their son Ben and his wife Zoe moved to the Isles of Scilly and they now run the farm day-to-day.
The farm has grown significantly over the years. As well as flowers we have a small beef herd and holiday cottages. Both Ben and Zoe are closely involved with the future of farming and land management on the islands.
Stunning flowers from a stunning location
We're based in the Isles of Scilly, 28 miles west of Land’s End off the Cornish coast. Our farm is St Martin's, one of the smaller islands that make up this beautiful archipelago of small granite islands. St Martin's is just 2 miles long and has a population of about 120 people. The islands' climate that makes it possible to grow scented outdoor flowers throughout the year – a mainstay of the Scillonian economy for centuries.
FARMING SUSTAINABLY
We're very fortunate to live and farm in the Isles of Scilly National Landscape. We endeavour to farm in a way that is sustainable in all senses of the word. Not only to care for our island and community but also by making sustainable choices that have a wider impact.
Environmental sustainability
We try to farm in a way that's environmentally sensitive and friendly to nature. All our flowers, including our winter crop of scented narcissi, are grown without any additional heat or light. 50% of the energy the farm uses is generated by solar panels on our tractor shed roof. We constantly question the choices we make and spend time to evaluate new farming methods.
Economic sustainability
The money our farm makes filters back into our island economy as all our team live and work on the small island of St Martin's. We work closely with other Scillionian flower farmers, ensuring that they receive a fair price for their flowers. The Isles of Scilly has a long tradition of commercial flowers growing and it is integral to the National Landscape of Scilly; we strive to keep that tradition viable.
Social sustainability
For an island community to thrive people need to have multiple roles. We are supportive of our team joining the emergency services or using the farm to help organise and run community events and services. We're responsible for housing over half of our team and have invested in good quality, well maintained accommodation.
How we grow
flowers for you
Our main flower crops are: scented narcissi, which we pick from Oct to Easter, and scented pinks, which grow from May to Sep. In the spring and autumn we send other seasonal flowers, some of which are only available for a few weeks. Sign up to our emails and we'll let you know when our flower season changes.
From field to front door - delivering you great value and the freshest flowers.
Watch our farm video
Our video gives you a real feel of where your flowers come from and the magic that is the Isles of Scilly. It was filmed in winter so you can see St Martin's at peak flower season when there aren't many visitors around.
Our flowers grow in small traditional fields and are sent in packaging designed to minimise plastic, making them a thoughtful and sustainable gift.
News from our farm
Assorted snippets about life on a small island, mixed in with random musings and information about how we farm.
Check out our webcam
Our farm webcam looks out over the Isles of Scilly and captures one of the islands' iconic views. Giving you a little Scilly fix direct to your screen.
The farm team
We're on hand at the farm, please do get in touch if you need to. All our team who answer calls and emails also pack your flowers so they're very well placed to answer any questions you may have. Our flower packing shed is tucked behind tall hedges next to the Church at Highertown on St Martin's and enjoys pretty good office views!
EVERYBODY LOVES FRESH FLOWERS
How our delivery service works
Get news from
the island
Sign up for emails to make sure you don't miss out on any special offers. We will also let you know when a new crop of flowers is ready along with little snippets of news and lovely pictures from Scilly. We don't send that many emails and of course you can easily unsubscribe at any time.