November News from Galloway Flowers

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 Another gorgeous golden Autumn day here so I feel compelled to make the most of it. A couple of weeks ago, I would confidently told you I was on track for this autumns work. But a string of wet days & suddenly the weeding, planting, sowing & general prep for next year is slipping behind.  Who needs the gym if you spend this much time bending & stretching in the garden?
 
  Digging dahlias when they’re stuck in wet, sticky soil is a horrible job. I admit to delaying. Hopefully it's not too late yet – the frosts haven’t been too hard. We had some beauties this year & hope they’ll keep through winter. My absolute favourite ‘can’t live without’ Dahlia after this year? ‘Caroline Wagemans’ – so productive even in light shade & a gorgeous soft peachy apricot. Pretty brilliant all rounder – one to look out for your borders next year. Mind you, that’s just my favourite Apricot… I’ve favourite whites, pinks (pale, medium & dark of course!), favourite burgundies, coppers, lilacs…
 
  When the tubers are dug, I’ll wash them & leave to dry before packing away in wood shavings till March. This seems to be the best medium I’ve found for storage – relatively inexpensive, clean to handle & compostible.
 
  The Tulips are going in this week. I spread planting for continuous cut stems from March to mid-May. I select a mixture of varieties, some early & some late season. Then each variety is divided into groups – some in the polytunnel for extra early blooms, some in full sun outside & others in part shade. Although wedding bookings are coming in, it’s difficult to predict the ‘must have’ tulips for weddings next Spring. I like to have options!

   Using 'everlasting' or dried materials is a hot floral trend right now & social media is full of inspirational Autumn wreaths. Over the summer I've been carefully drying & storing a large selection of flowers, leaves, seedheads & more. As well as using in my own Autumn wreaths, I held back a generous stock to share at the planned evening workshop at the Frothy Café in Dumfries last week. Unfortunately to the horror of both Café owner Lucy & myself, the venue was double booked! I'' reschedule in the New Year.
 
  But there are plenty of other opportunities to try your hand at some floristry in the next few weeks. We’re getting all Christmassy making wreaths in Dumfries (Frothy Café again – definitely booked), New Galloway (Cat Strand) &  in early December. Details & online booking under the 'workshops' tab or by clicking on links above.
 
  And I’ve opened up the order book for Christmas wreaths, garlands & Scilly Isles Narcissi for December delivery. Order online or drop me an email if you prefer.
 
  We’ll be at the Christmas Fair at the Cat Strand, New Galloway on Saturday 23rd November & Kirkcudbright Farmers Market on Sunday 24th November. I'll be bringing Christmas wreaths to order plus some of our dried flowers.
 
Your Flowery Inspiration links;

• This link to Denver-based Florist Stephanie Clark of Lale Florals is packed with inspiration. You could treat yourself by settling down with a coffee & relish the lot or simply browse this selection - I particularly recommend scrolling down to view the Autumn Colorado weddings of ‘Emily & Brad’, ‘Sydney & John’, ‘Teddy & James’, ‘Lauren & Taylor’. So many perfect details for arches, clouds, buttonholes & more… http://laleflorals.com/autumnweddings.html

  And now if you’ll excuse me, I must get out in that sunshine! Bulbs to plant, weeds to pull & leaves to rake… I’m going to be let off the gym again this week!
Until next time, 
Rosie Gray
Galloway Flowers