Relocation to Stanthorpe, Queensland. June 2026
Something about the Chinese Year of the Fire Horse gave me so much hope and optimism. The definition of this sign is the pairing of the Horse - a symbol of speed, independence, action and momentum with the element of Fire - which symbolises visibility, emotion, confidence and drive. What a dynamic duo! This year will go down in history as the year my life blew up significantly however the bedlam was dressed in rainbows and silver linings. My marriage dissolved into a dusty mirage; the farm was sold in 4 months within the time that the Iran war burst into life and fuel supply ran short globally. SO thankful that a new chapter was to begin again in Stanthorpe that happened with vigor, mighty lashings of luck and a huge pot of gratefulness.
I managed to find my “new home’ in a matter of four days in a real-estate market that is running super hot and heavy. Stanthorpe is the proud recipient of QLDs Best Tourism Town of 2026! I have purchased a house in town with a double sized block full to the brim with fruit trees and perfumed roses. Lots of capacity for expansion, extra water tanks and a totally wonderful cool climate/temperate microclimate which the flowers will love. Water is a big concern however when I started my farming on Lamb Island back in 2015, it was in the midst of a drought, and the Bay Islands repelled rainfall for years. I welcome the challenge.
Many flowers will be grown in a multi-dimensional aspect meaning I will be underplanting, over planting, vertically planting and utilsing multipurpose plants to increase my range of pressed edibles by double. All of the beautiful flowers Ive always wanted to plant but couldn’t be due to humidity, heat and clay. Now the tables have turned, and I enjoy free draining granite loam that I can build into a richer substrate. Less weed pressure, less insect pressure.
Pretty Produce pressed flower range will increase and also my breadth of products. I will foray into other aspects of flowers and creative arts expression.
I look forward to growing a busy and productive garden that will be bulging with biodiversity.
Warm regards, Big Hugs. Simone xx