Flower farmers find new ways to flourish

While winter rains and blue misty days persist across Whatcom County, glimpses of spring are sprouting. Bright yellow daffodils bloom along streets and in gardens, marking the start of the growing season.

Whatcom and Skagit counties host rich soils, temperate climates and long floral seasons, creating an optimal environment for growing flowers. From large wholesale operations in rural areas to small-scale urban farms in the heart of Bellingham, the area is bursting with growers who are pillars of sustainability and community. Fathom Farm, located in Bellingham’s York neighborhood, is a micro urban farm that prioritizes working with the land and space-maximizing methods.

“I have to maximize every square inch of space that I possibly can and manage successive plantings of things in order to produce the most in the smallest space,” said Lorraine Sullivan, owner of Fathom Farm.

This will be Sullivan’s fourth season running a flower farm, which she manages on her own. Before working in the floral space, Sullivan worked in commercial fishing and, in her off-season, worked in the restaurant and hospitality industries.