Alfie is a part time model and flower farmer, following biodynamic principles at his farm Burnt Fen Flowers in Norfolk. Head to @burntfenflowers Instagram and you will find the most exquisite sea of Chrysanthemums, Dahlias, Tulips and Lilies. Alfie recruits his trusted team of friends and family to harvest hundreds of beautiful flowers, bringing them to London weekly for delivery. Based between Norfolk and London, he worked as a gardener for six years before starting up Burnt Fen Flowers when he was in Norfolk during the 2020 lockdowns. Alfie supplies to florists, event locations and restaurants such as Petersham Nurseries as well as selling bunches of his flowers directly to individuals.
For enquiries contact him at burntfenflowers@gmail.com or @burntfenflowers on Instagram.
What did you do for work and why is it important to you?
I worked as a gardener for six years before starting up Burnt Fen Flowers. The reason it’s important to be me is that I love to feel close to nature and be outside as much as possible.
How does thinking about sustainability make a difference in how you live your life?
I follow biodynamic principles, which means I follow a holistic, ecological, and ethical approach to gardening. I have to work with the ground and soil that I’ve got, so I’m always trying to improve its quality and make it more regenerative than it was before. I love the idea that I’m encouraging nature to thrive as a part of my work.
Where do you go to get inspired?
I get inspired by looking at all the different incredible farms around the UK doing amazing things with nature. I hope to grow Burnt Fen’s Farm and have my own breeds of unique flowers.
Wearing our Wool & Cashmere Marl Jumper
What is your favourite Brora piece?
The men’s Donegal jumpers.
Where in the world is your favourite place to be, where do you feel your happiest?
Burnt Fen Flower Farm, being outside and in nature is very important to me.
Favourite book?
Prisoners of Geography by Tim Marshall. That book basically blew my mind more than anything I’ve ever read. It’s given me an understanding of how much geography plays into politics, cultures, immigration and the safety of the planet.
Wearing our Alpaca Contrast Trim Jumper
Eddo wearing our Brushed Cotton & Wool Twill Shirt.
Favourite flower?
Dahlias are my favourite flowers because of the hundreds of different colours and shapes you can get.
Favourite song?
Way Down in the Hole – Tom Waits. Tom Waits’ voice is just the most insane, unique voice I’ve ever heard, he lived an incredible life and his writing is pure genius.
What are your top gardening tips for winter in the UK?
Stay warm, drink plenty of cups of tea and catch up on your sleep.
If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
I would tell myself to try and be alone more. When I was younger, I never spent much time on my own but now that I do, I think it’s amazing what you learn about yourself.
