Nestled in Victoria’s scenic Dandenong Ranges, Kallista Ridge Farm represents the shared vision of Peter Learmont and Kerri Underwood. Established in 2017, this family-owned flower growing business has transformed a former cattle property in Kallista near Emerald and Monbulk into a thriving landscape of native Australian flora. Just a short drive east of Melbourne, Kallista Ridge Farm produces beautiful, home-grown flowers with a dedication to sustainability and local biodiversity.
Nexia recently spoke with Peter, co-owner and operator, to learn more about their journey in building this blossoming business.
For Peter and Kerri, every day at Kallista Ridge Farm brings a new set of tasks; from planting, pruning and weeding to mulching and preparing the ground for new growth. “One clear lesson we’ve learned is that the more we develop the farm, the more work it takes to maintain it – but it’s all worth the effort”, Peter reflects.
The work is varied and often impacted by factors such as seasonal weather and the specific demands of each stage of the farm’s growth. Even though there’s never a shortage of work to be done at Kallista Ridge Farm, Peter and Kerri always find time to take in the natural surrounding beauty.
“We often see Wedgetail eagles soaring above the farm and there’s been a dramatic increase in birdlife as a result of the five thousand plants and trees we’ve planted” says Peter. “It’s rewarding to see the farm becoming a habitat for local wildlife including echidnas, wombats, kangaroos and black cockatoos.”
Kallista Ridge Farm is a family-operated business with Peter and Kerri handling every aspect of the work themselves. They source materials from nearby suppliers and looking ahead, they hope to employ locals and offer competitively priced, high-quality products and contribute to the wellness market. They even have a greenhouse where they propagate plants thereby ensuring a consistent and sustainable supply.
The farm also aims to serve the needs of local florists, and Peter and Kerri plan to start selling their products commercially in the coming year. After spending years assessing the farm’s microclimates and soil conditions, they are well-prepared to offer flowers cultivated with care and expertise.
In building their business from the ground up, Peter and Kerri turned to Nexia for support. “The team at Nexia has been with us since the start,” Peter explains. “The team provided invaluable advice on structuring our business, help us manage our tax and financial obligations, and respond quickly whenever we have questions.” This ongoing partnership with Nexia has provided a foundation of stability as Kallista Ridge Farm grows.
Looking to the future, Nexia will continue to guide Peter and Kerri as they expand their business and reach new markets. Their journey from a former cattle property to a vibrant flower farm is a testament to their hard work, passion and commitment to both quality and community.
