Y&C Flowers
At the market: Every Sunday in the Main Hall
Contact: Jeff Yu
Call/text: 021 407 879
Email: yuzeping997@gmail.com
Instagram: @ycflowernz
Jeff's Story
Jeff Yu can be found surrounded by a cloud of blooms as you enter the northern door at Grey Lynn Farmers Market.
When did you come to New Zealand?
In 2018, after I finished studying. I came to work with my sister and her husband, who have a couple of farms in South Auckland.
So, it’s a family enterprise?
Definitely. My parents and her husband’s parents take turns staying to help look after my niece and nephew.
Did you have any farming experience before you came here?
Not at all — I was a student, and farming was completely new to me. But I love pitching in and doing whatever’s needed. Over time, I’ve found my niche in getting flowers from the farm to our customers.
Tell us what you grow.
Snapdragons are our specialty. We grow them all year round in tunnel houses.
You bring more than snapdragons to the market.
Yes, in summer we grow a wide range of flowers — it’s very seasonal. You’ll soon see us bringing dahlias, statice, asters, daisies, gladioli, and stock. We try new varieties every year to see what grows well and what customers enjoy.
What about the flowers that you don’t grow on your farm?
We know a lot of other growers near our farms, and we fill the gaps with their flowers. Grey Lynn customers have been enjoying lovely orchids, lilies, and tulips, from one of our neighbours.
You’re usually smiling at the market.
Flowers are so joyful, and everyone at the market is so friendly. I love being there and always feel welcome.
How did you hear about Grey Lynn Farmers Market?
Recommendations from other stallholders at the Shed Collective, and the market manager at Parnell. They thought we’d be a good fit — and they were right! We love it here. The customers are friendly, and the stallholders really support each other.
Luke is often at the market with you. What’s his role?
Luke is my cousin and a great champion for our flower business. He’s studying to be an early childhood teacher, works part-time, and still makes time to help me. It’s also a bonus that his English is better than mine!
What happens to the unsold flowers after the market?
Nothing goes to waste. At the end of the day, stallholders often share unsold products — everyone likes to take home some flowers. You can also find our blooms in a few cafés around Auckland, such as Pt Chev Beach Café and Friends + Allies. Flowers create such a nice atmosphere, and it’s a convenient way for people to buy them.
Has anything surprised you about Grey Lynn Farmers Market?
The dogs! Luke loves dogs, so that’s a big bonus for him — he gets to meet so many well-behaved, friendly pups with their humans.
So, you’re looking forward to summer and more flowers?
Absolutely. We’ll be busy in the lead-up to Christmas, when flowers are at their best and everyone wants to bring some joy into their homes, or gift something delightful.
As published in Ponsonby News - November 2025 issue