Kate Reich and her husband Patrick have transformed their lives by leaving a flat in West London to establish a thriving flower farm in Somerset. The couple now supplies florists and participates in renowned events such as the Chelsea Flower Show, all from their picturesque three-acre farm.
The journey began when Kate, 30, received a life-altering diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) during Christmas 2021. This condition affects the brain and spinal cord, prompting her to reassess her career in investment banking, which she found unfulfilling. She stated, “Being told that I had a lifelong condition where I was possibly going to become disabled by the age of 40 made me think: do I really want to be disabled and still be stuck sitting in an office doing a job I don’t love?”
Kate and Patrick, 29, met at Imperial College London in 2017 and quickly moved in together in Earls Court. After finishing their studies—Kate in chemistry and Patrick in electronic engineering—they both found themselves in jobs that did not align with their passions. Kate explained, “I was kind of forced into a career, and it felt like I was disassociating because as Friday finished, I started a new life for the weekend.”
In early 2023, after Kate experienced another relapse, the couple decided to pursue their dream of becoming flower farmers. Patrick gifted Kate a course from Floret Flowers, which reignited her passion for gardening. “I have always loved growing and gardening. My grandma is a landscape designer and gardener, and I wanted to pursue the magical dream,” she shared.
After their honeymoon, the couple made an offer on a mid-19th century farmhouse in Somerset, moving in during autumn of that year. Kate described the property as “certainly a fixer-upper,” stating, “We were after a period, good-sized, forever home and a piece of agricultural land that was at least two acres.” They quickly realized that their dream home would come with significant challenges.
Patrick recounted the difficulties they faced: “The first winter was horrific—we didn’t know what we were doing. What we didn’t know was the field was actually very heavy clay soil. When it rains, it transforms into a swamp, and the soil turns into porridge.” The couple purchased the house during a particularly wet winter, with around 200 days of rainfall.
They soon discovered that they required specific planning permissions to make even minor improvements, such as repainting the windows or installing polytunnels. Despite these obstacles, they persevered, gradually completing repairs and planting their flower crops, including an impressive 9,000 tulip bulbs.
In July 2024, after returning from a holiday, Kate witnessed their field “exploding with flowers.” She described the moment as “incredible,” recalling how their initial fears of financial loss were replaced by the vibrant blooms. Since that turning point, their business has flourished, attracting clients across the United Kingdom, from Cornwall to Scotland.
Kate now offers a diverse range of flowers, stating, “We now grow everything you can think of—from spring bulbs to annuals, roses, and foliages. We sell high-end, beautiful, and unusual bouquets.” Notably, their flowers have even graced one of the florists at the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show.
The couple recently welcomed a baby girl into their family, further enriching their lives. Reflecting on their journey, Kate emphasized the importance of living life to the fullest. She advised, “You should try things—even if you think it’s not going to work! Our first year of growing was baptism by fire, but now, whenever I panic, I think everything always works out. Never quit, persevere, and it will work!”
As they continue to grow their flower farm, Kate and Patrick remain committed to improving year after year. “All you have to wish for is for your next year to be just a little bit better than the last one,” Kate concluded. “That way, you will always be satisfied, and that’s all that matters.”
