Sonia and Shilpa Malik, who grew up in India, found solace and creativity in cultivating dahlias amidst the challenges brought on by the pandemic in 2020. Shilpa’s transition to remote work due to the pandemic provided her with extra time, leading her to propose the idea of growing flowers to her sister.
Drawing from their childhood experiences of growing dahlias, the sisters enthusiastically transformed their backyard into a dahlia garden. When the space was insufficient to accommodate their growing collection, they extended their efforts to the front yard as well.
The sisters ended up with an abundance of dahlias, prompting them to contact the Bradford Farmers Market. They secured a booth for four months and shared their vibrant blooms with the local community. The positive response they received encouraged them to explore further opportunities.
Though both Sonia and Shilpa have full-time jobs, their passion for flower cultivation grew. Following their success at the farmers market, they decided to venture into the realm of organic farming. They found a suitable location for their organic farm named Larkspur Garden in East Gwillimbury, where they now grow dahlias, lisianthus, snapdragons, and other colorful flowers.
Challenges arose in taming the land, which was initially overgrown with weeds. However, their determination paid off, and they managed to produce a bountiful flower harvest. The sisters are enthusiastic about their flower-growing journey, even forging a partnership with a florist in Toronto to sell their flowers.
Their aspiration is not only to run a farm store that sells their homegrown products but also to establish strong community connections. They believe in the idea of giving and taking within a community, aiming to embody the barter system principle in their interactions.
A significant aspect of their farming approach is their commitment to sustainability and avoiding the use of pesticides. Their dedication to working in harmony with the land aligns with their desire to create a healthier environment.
Dahlias hold a special place in their hearts due to their family’s history with the flower. Their late father used to grow dahlias and took pride in their impressive size, leaving a lasting impression on the sisters.
As Sonia and Shilpa’s organic flower farm takes root, they strive to honor their family’s legacy, nurture their community, and contribute to a more sustainable and beautiful world through their passion for flowers.