Flower farmers have been forced to take the blooms of their labour down the M1 to sell at the Sydney Flower Market, and transporting flowers isn’t always easy.

But in three weeks that’s all about to change, thanks to passionate businesswoman Jessica Eckford-Aguilera.

She noticed the gap in the market and has created Newcastle Flower Markets which will kick off from 5am on April 20. 

Ms Eckford-Aguilera has wanted to create the market for some time, so she’s coming back from Sydney to immerse herself in seasonal flowers. 

She’s organised for the flower market to be held alongside the Newcastle Markets in Sandgate, which up until now has been all about wholesale fruit and vegetables.

Six growers have already put their hand up to come along to the first market, and Ms Eckford-Aguilera anticipates that number will quickly grow. 

“It’s going to be on par with what Sydney is doing and it’s going to take the stress away for the florists who are driving down to Sydney to buy their flowers,” she said. 

“I would love to see us with 20 growers within 12 months.

“We’ll also have a large wholesaler; there will be lots of variety.”

The market is open to florists and the public. Some imported flowers will also be sold at the market to meet shoppers’ needs.

Flower farmers near Dungog will be among the local growers at the market.

Tom and Dominique Christie, who run Four Acre Farm and are part of the Flower Farm Collective, will be taking flowers to the market along with their business partners from Sugarloaf Lane. 

The Christie’s started a flower farm after they moved from the city to the country four years ago. They supplement their floral interests with vegetable crops. 

They created a flower subscription service in Newcastle and Dungog to connect with customers and soon realised there was a rising demand for fresh flowers that had been grown locally.