Leslie-Anne and her husband Rob lived for over 30 years in Toronto, bringing up their three children. Rob ran a successful communications business, and Leslie-Anne worked as a nurse, moonlighting as a gardener in the spring and fall. They purchased the Munroe’s Mills Farm in 2001 and, after extensive renovations to the outbuildings and the house, they made it their home in 2015. The property was of special significance to Leslie-Anne, as she grew up two farms down the road from the Munroe farm.
Leslie-Anne and Rob have rented out the barn for multiple events, including weddings, birthday parties, anniversary parties, special events, and celebrations of life. The idea to start growing fresh cut flowers was a result of many people requesting references for local fresh cut flowers.
Leslie-Anne’s love for growing, caring for and cultivating flowers was passed on to her by her mother. She taught her how to design gardens based on plant colour, flowering cycles and hardiness, paying particular attention to how each plant reacts to its new environment. They kept journals and shared countless hours discussing how to adjust their past practices for future success. Growing, caring for and creating gardens and floral arrangements was not new to Leslie-Anne.
Leslie-Anne’s first year was a pilot project of growing mostly annuals, ranunculus and anemones corms, and dahlia tubers. Perennials from the garden were mixed with these to offer bouquets to friends and a local long term care facility. They expanded the following year, and started to sell flowers.
They now offer pre-made bouquets, or self-selected individual stems at their farm. They also offer flower subscription delivery, as well as arrangements for special events.
Leslie-Anne and Rob want customers to have easy access to high-quality, locally grown flowers, and to have a more personal and immersive shopping experience.
