At just 21 years old, Kendalian entrepreneur Dan Stearne is making waves on the local horticultural scene with his sustainable plant-growing venture, Dan’s Plants. The business has just reached a new milestone, establishing a purpose-built growing polytunnel at Low Sizergh farm.
The Park family runs the farm using regenerative and organic farming practices. They make it easy for people to buy high-quality, locally grown produce.
The polytunnel expansion has tripled Dan’s growing capacity, allowing him to nurture his passion for sustainable horticulture. His peat-free, chemical-free plants are available from Low Sizergh Barn, the farm’s award-winning farm shop, alongside other local outlets.
Dan’s passion for growing took root early in his life and was nurtured by his grandmother, Lily. Growing from his Natland garden and inspired by the success of selling at Holy Trinity Winster Church’s fundraising events, Dan embarked on his entrepreneurial journey.
The turning point came in 2020 when Dan started supplying plants to the Low Sizergh Barn farm shop. Demand has since soared for locally grown and environmentally friendly plants, leading to a fruitful collaboration.
Alison Park, who heads up the Low Sizergh Barn farm shop, comments:
“Dan first worked with us as part of our weekend team, and his interest in growing caught our attention; the partnership has flourished ever since.
“We have a proven history in successfully nurturing start-up rural businesses and offering shelf space to like-minded producers, makers and growers.
“This private growing space is the latest chapter in our farm diversification story and joins our farm shop and café, raw milk vending machine, campsite, and Growing Well’s mental health social enterprise in making excellent use of our land and agricultural buildings.”
Dan envisions showcasing his Kendal-grown plants at prestigious events like the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. His ultimate goal is to become an RHS Master Grower and open a public nursery or garden centre:
“My commitment to sustainability aligns perfectly with the ethos of Low Sizergh Barn. Together, we’re championing locally sourced, peat-free products that promote environmental stewardship. By choosing Dan’s Plants, customers can contribute to a greener, more sustainable future.”
Visit Low Sizergh Barn for Dan’s Plants’ latest choice of cottage garden perennials, including penstemon, lupin, and verbena. You can also join Dan at Country Fest on June 1st and 2nd, 2024, for an inspiring display of Kendal-grown plants.
