Growing flowers is an act of joy for outback resident Suzanne Stanton.

"Usually, people have business plans, but my plan is just joy — that's my payment," she said.

A career change led the avid gardener to open a micro flower farm recently behind her house at Ilfracombe, more than 1,000 kilometres west of Brisbane, where anyone can pick their own bouquet for an optional donation. Loading...

With blooming beds of sunflowers, dahlias, and carnations, the not-for-profit flower farm is in stark contrast to the endless plain of straw-coloured Mitchell grass that surrounds it.

"One young girl came, and she was literally jumping for joy in between the beds," Ms Stanton laughed.

" It was the most extraordinarily beautiful moment. "

Honouring a family tradition

According to Ms Stanton,

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