Our Story
We understand flowers
Farmgirl Flowers is one of the only businesses in South Africa that grows flowers and offers a floral design service
As flower farmers, we’ve gained an in-depth understanding of how flowers behave in different conditions and what can and can’t be done with them in floral artistry and design.
A phenomenal floral artist truly understands the flowers they are working with.
It takes many years to learn what us farmers know already; that each flower type is unique, some resilient and longlasting and some fragile and prone to wilting quickly. This understanding is vital when it comes to planning, managing and designing florals for weddings and events, and it’s an understanding Farmgirl Flowers brings to each project and client.
We offer a bespoke and personalised experience to all our customers and clients. With our comprehensive knowledge of flowers, our love for details and our commitment to going the extra mile, you can be assured that you are in safe, caring and expert hands.
Meet Sandra Trethewey
owner of farmgirl flowers, award-winning floral artist and flower farmer
Gardening has always been part of my life.
Some of my fondest memories were with my Gran in her garden. I remember her in her big grass hat (for protection against the hot Zululand sun) bent over, working the soil with her bare hands. Her garden was her oasis.
“Gramps,” not much of a gardener, had smuggled poppy seeds back from the World War II. I grew up knowing they were his special flowers, with so much more meaning and stirred up emotions than we could ever imagine. In spring, around his birthday, his spot in the garden bloomed. This is where my love for gardening really started—picking buckets full of daisies, zinnias and calendulas. I remember going off to school with buckets full for my teacher; her face was priceless when I walked into the classroom.
I am a fourth-generation farmer. I come from farming stock. My great grandmother, fondly known as “Dala” (Madala is an old person in Zulu), was the pioneer of our farms in Hluhluwe, Zululand. When she lost her husband to a heart attack at a very young age, she took over the reins and farmed. My grandmother followed in her footsteps and my father after that. I spent an incredible 12 years running our family-owned game lodge and farm – Falaza Game Park and Spa. I was happily living in the bush when Lance (my now husband) came along, swept me off my feet, proposed, and we moved to Wartburg, KwaZulu-Natal.
how farmgirl flowers began
Lance owns LT Earth Movers. I was working as his “minister of finance,” as he built the business. We have two children, Taylor and Cullum, who keep us on our toes.
In 2017, Lance and I decided we needed to tick something off our bucket lists. For him, it was cattle – a Brahman Stud is the dream he is fulfilling – and for me, it was returning to my roots; farming, something pretty and feminine.
My large garden already had 400 rose bushes, which brought me so much joy. Buying a few more was the logical next step. This was the birth of Farmgirl Flowers.
Today, our 13 hectare-farm (located just outside of Wartburg) is a hive of activity with cattle, a few thoroughbred broodmares, thousands of roses, earthmoving and everyday family and farm life.