In one of the few green areas left intact in the province of Como, the protected Lura park is a farm of over 20 hectares, called Floe, that was set up about three years ago with the aim of rediscovering medicinal and aromatic plants and taking advantage of their many benefits. Jessica Brenna, who had the idea of growing roses for the extraction of essential oils and, together with her father, embarked on this second business which ran parallel to her work as an architect.
Within a year the company had grown, taking up more of her time and requiring more of her attention, with investments being made in new cultures and new technologies. Medicinal plants such as mint, lemon balm, safflower and lavender are cultivated with passion and respect, with a constant search for new species and alternatives, while employing environmentally friendly methods of cultivation. They also grow more than 5,000 roses, including Damask and Centifolia, in a modern system that provides them with protection against hail and insects. Everything that is grown becomes a raw material for a whole range of products such as essential oils, cosmetics and jams. The steam distillation plant makes it possible to obtain the essential oils and pure floral waters, themselves the basis for the ingredients of a line of natural cosmetics.
As a farm and environmentally friendly laboratory, Floe follows a philosophy of clean beauty, paying attention to the origin of the ingredients used and also the disposal of packaging, while reducing as much as possible the use of plastics. You can visit the farm from Monday to Friday and buy products directly from the shop or you can purchase online. Events are organised every Sunday in May and June for people to learn about what the company makes and to enjoy up close the sight of the roses in bloom.