February News from Galloway Flowers

 Finally, the days are lengthening at both ends, aren’t they? It’s so much nicer to start the day wakened by daybreak rather than an alarm & we’re almost there.  Although the run of wet weather has held me back a bit, I do feel things are beginning to move outside again. The birds are definitely singing their hearts out establishing territories which is lovely to hear.

  And it felt good too to sit down & write again this morning after taking a break for a few months. Last year was tough personally & as soon as the Festive season was over, I just needed a bit of time to ‘zone out’. All the R’s really – regroup, refocus & rest.

  The flowerbeds here are looking pretty dreadful & weedy at the moment. It’s a bit overwhelming to know where to begin sometimes. To be honest, it doesn’t matter – it must all be done, I just need to start. On the brighter days I’ve just been starting clearing the brash, pulling weeds & spreading compost.

  It doesn’t take long to see improvements – buds on Narcissi & Anemones, Snowdrops, deliciously scented winter shrubs such as Daphne & Lonicera (Winter Honeysuckle). Just being outside, thinking about nothing in particular, is guaranteed to raise my spirits & enthusiasm. Works every time for me.
 
We bought a second hand polytunnel & I hope we can get this in place soon. Perhaps a little optimistically I’ve already planted an early batch of Sweet Peas to go in there so we need to get cracking! What I really need is to borrow Mrs Weasley’s magic wand… it’s a big job.
 
I’ll begin sowing a few seeds after Valentine’s day. More Sweet Peas (the first batch are popping up nicely now) & some of the toughies like Foxgloves, Antirrhinum & Larkspur. But there’s no rush – seeds sown too early can be weak & leggy. Often they’re overtaken by seeds sown next month when the lights stronger. So although it’s tempting, step away from the seed packets…
 
The wedding diary is filling up nicely for this year (& even some organised couples preparing for 2021). As I talk through their plans, it’s interesting to notice a shift in colour choices. While white & green, or white, green & a touch of blush pink or blue are still the most popular, nearly half of the weddings booked this year are requesting a bright colour scheme – reds, yellows, oranges, bright pinks, often all together. These weddings are going to have a real party vibe to them. And they’re giving me the perfect excuse to trial some vivid Dahlias in these colours, all new to me.
 
The exciting plans for this year are to expand our events calendar for the Spring & Summer.

• We’ll be open again for Garden Tours on the 'Flower Farmers Big Weekend' (August 15th & 16th).
• Talented Watercolour Artist Mary-Clare McCulloch will be here to tutor small groups in 'Painting Flowers at the Flower Farm'. There'll be 4 workshops & the flowers at their best will be different as we move through the seasons. You can book one date or all 4. 
• And I’ll be offering a ‘Cut Flowers From Your Garden’ workshop on Sunday April 5th.

Online booking has opened for these last two today. Other flowery events will be added to the website in the next few weeks.

  I’ll be at the 'Big Brew' in Dunscore on Saturday 7th March with plenty of gorgeous British flowers.There'll be an opportunity to see Fairtrade products from around the world & to meet other local producers from Dumfries & Galloway too.
 
Your Flowery Inspiration links;

• Everybody loves a Summer wedding full of flowers & this one has the most spectacular Meadow style arrangements down the aisle. https://www.rockmywedding.co.uk/purple-bridesmaid-dresses/
• 'Cut Flowers from Your Garden' workshop Sunday April 5th. Full details & booking here
• 'Painting at the Flower Farm' workshops with Mary-Clare McCulloch. Full details & booking here​

  And so another season gets underway. This is our 5th growing flowers here & although there's so much to do yet, we've come a long way. This year we'll grow more flowers than ever, new varieties (of course) as well as old favourites & I look forward to sharing our progress with you. 
Until next time, 
Rosie Gray
Galloway Flowers