It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas (as they sing) in my workshop as I'm making fresh Door wreaths to deliver locally from Monday 4th December. It smells wonderful too with that lovely fresh piney smell. 100% of the foliage used in our wreaths grew here. We're lucky to have a large range of conifer, juniper & spruce here, so the wreaths have a lush, botanical look. Wreaths can be ordered online now for local delivery.

  And we've just one last wedding before Christmas, bringing our 2017 total to 13. It's been a delight & privelege to work with all our Brides on such a special day. 2018 dates are going into the calendar now & we're looking forward to working with couples choosing natural, local & seasonal flowers next year. 

  The cold snap has started early this year & slowed down some of my planting plans. I received 35 new Peony plants in mid-November (seemed such a good idea when I ordered them back in May!) For now they're tucked up in compost in the polytunnel waiting for the ground to soften.

  The cold weather does help some plants to flower better though - many such as Sweet William, Apples & Strawberries perform much better after a cold winter.

  This is a a quieter month in the Flower Farm so I'll take advantage of the short days by coming in early & snuggling up by the wood burner. Perfectly content to study the seed catalogues trying to reduce that shortlist further. If only I had a crystal ball to tell me exactly which will be the 'must have' colours for weddings in 2018....

  And following our successful 'Make Your Own Christmas Wreath' workshop last week, I'm planning a few more practical, 'hands on' sessions in 2018. Bothgrowing cut flowers & floristry skills - let me know if there's something you would love to try. More news in 2018 of dates etc.

  And so the final word from me has to be 'I wish you & yours a very special, enjoyable Christmas break & spectacular display in your cutting patch in 2018'. Here are a few pointers of tasks for the month ahead.... 
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Jobs for the Cutting Garden in December;

• 'Black Spot' on rose leaves can be unsightly during the summer months. This is a good time to clear affected leaves from the ground below the bushes. This reduces the risk of reinfection next year.
• As you walk round the garden, consider if you have room for any 'winter interest' shrubs, both for cutting or the borders. My favourites are Sarcococca & Lonicera Fragrantissima (fabulous perfume), Skimmia & Cornus for their bright stems.
• It's a good time to take hardwood cuttings from your existing shrubs. Perhaps there are favourites you would like more of or to give away to friends?
• Remember the birds in this cold weather. They always appreciate feeders of peanuts, sunflowers & fatballs. Offering fresh water is another way to help them as many of their usual sources are frozen.
• And for some flowery inspiration, here's a link to London-based Florist Zita Elze's post from 2016. These are pictures of her shop all dressed up for Christmas using lots of larch cones, lichen - all things we have plenty of here in Galloway!

Until next time,
Rosie Gray
Galloway Flowers