Catch me on my stall
The past year has been a challenge in my garden in Bristol, and for other cut flower growers everywhere – from germination troubles, to drought and deer eating my plants; my second year of growing on the outskirts of the city has been no exception.
My dahlias have finally succumbed to the frosts of a few weeks ago after flowering late in August and into September. I’ve
cut down the foliage, lifted the tubers and stored them in a dry place in my polytunnel.
The only flowers really going for it on my plot are the maroon scabious ‘Black Knight’ and some helichrysum in my polytunnel – they’re super reliable right into November, and are making excellent cut flower bunches now.
I have, however, managed to plant my many narcissus, brought back from the Malvern Autumn Show in September and I’m looking forward to getting my tulips and other bulbs in this week after making some new beds for them. The sweet Williams and foxgloves are looking healthy and ready to plant out, with new baby plantlets being nurtured in the polytunnel for overwintering before going out in spring. That way I can keep control of their growth and they won’t succumb to pests or the elements.
It might seem like this time of year would be quiet for the flower grower, but it’s quite the opposite; Christmas is coming and with it wreath season and the gentle coaxing of indoor narcissi and hyacinths. My main priority over the next few months will be making Christmas table decorations and wreaths, sourcing foliage from local suppliers and my garden, and aiming to make the decorations fully biodegradable. I hope to use biodegradable floral foam for the first time this year, too. I source mistletoe from a local orchard for my markets in Bristol at the Tobacco factory and Frome Christmas Market. Catch me there selling super seasonal gifts and decorations. Follow me by searching for
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