Castledale Flower Farm is a blooming success

How entrepreneur Carla Broad turned a side hustle into a blossoming full-time business

Carla Broad is always looking for innovative ways to grow her business. — Kerry Shellborn photo

Castledale Flower Farm is more than just a business—it’s a dream realized—and owner Carla Broad is taking it in all the right directions. The farm began as a side hustle in 2019, a concept born out of Broad’s desire to stay connected to her property and shift from the fast-paced restaurant industry to a more grounded and fulfilling way of life.

When the pandemic disrupted her restaurant career, Carla saw an opportunity to turn her passion for locally grown flowers into a thriving full-time venture. Today, her farm is a vibrant hub of seasonal blooms, community workshops, and joyful creativity.

Carla’s approach to farming is as thoughtful as it is sustainable. From protecting her dahlias with organza bags to hand-picking pests, she embraces eco-friendly practices that ensure the quality of her blooms. The farm’s offerings are carefully curated, with customer favourites like ranunculus and dahlias at the heart of her arrangements. Whether hosting farm tours, collaborating with local businesses, or crafting bouquets that reflect the season’s best, Broad continues to nurture her vision for Castledale Flower Farm, bringing beauty and inspiration to her community year-round. She was happy to share her story.

- Kerry Shellborn photo

What inspired you to start Castledale Flower Farm?

As soon as I bought this property, I longed to be here. I knew I needed to figure out a way to work from home more. Growing veggies didn't inspire me, but when I discovered the world of locally grown flowers, I knew I had to try it! I spent 2019 learning and developing my business. When COVID hit in 2020, and my restaurant job was unreliable, I knew I had to go for it and plant more seeds!! So here I am, just a few years later, farming full-time in my own business instead of managing restaurants for others.

- Kerry Shellborn photo

How do you select the varieties of flowers you grow?

The last few years have been a lot of trial and error. I have been growing lots of different things to try to figure out what does well in our climate.

- Kerry Shellborn photo

What’s the most challenging aspect of flower farming in the Golden and Invermere climate?

Those sneaky early fall and late spring mountain frosts!

- Kerry Shellborn photo

What are your favourite flowers to grow and why?

I love spring ranunculus because of their beautiful fluffy, multi-petalled blooms

- Kerry Shellborn photo

How do you manage pests or diseases that affect your crops?

I don't use any sprays or pesticides. I use organza bags to protect my dahlia blooms and hand-pick pests like caterpillars and slugs.

How do you keep up with the demand during peak seasons?

I have some good routines now that I've been doing this a few years. I have harvest days and delivery days. Sometimes it can be a lot of work, but I try to stay organized and on top of it!

- Kerry Shellborn photo

How has Castledale Flower Farm evolved since you first started?

I first started the flower farm as a side gig. I have been in F&B management most of my life. As I was working seasonally at the ski hill, I was looking to bring in extra income. Quickly, I realized I wanted farming to be my full-time gig, and as of this year, it is! I have been busy expanding my growing space this year so that next year I can focus more on growing flowers & my business!

Do you collaborate with other local businesses or farms?

I am fortunate to have four local businesses that sell my products. I also collaborate with different businesses to host workshops.

- Kerry Shellborn photo

How do you stay inspired and creative with your arrangements?

The seasonality of locally grown flowers inspires me, the ever-changing blooms are my creative inspiration. There is always something new to incorporate in my designs.

- Kerry Shellborn photo

Do you offer any farm tours or workshops for the public?

I started offering farm tours this year. They have been a hit with my guests, and I love hosting them. I offer a farm tour or a farm tour that ends with building your own bouquet from my flower bar!

How do you envision the future of Castledale Flower Farm?

I want to continue to grow all aspects of my business, including retail, markets, agrotourism, and workshops. Now that I have all the infrastructure in place, I can focus more on growing my business. I can not wait for the 2025 season!