September 2026 News from Galloway Flowers

  A blustery afternoon here today & while it might be called September, there's no denying an early Autumn is settling in quickly. Heavens, I've even gone as far as wearing woollen socks today as my feet were decidedly chilly! Sandals & sundresses are a distant memory already aren't they?

  As ever, this flower season flashed by, surrounded by the most abundant flowers ever grown here, I think. Not that it looks like it now - the season will come to an earlier than usual end as so many flowers have peaked early. 
  Back in late May & early June, flowers sulking from a cold start were way behind, especially the Sweet Peas. Then it warmed up & wow, it was pretty wild as everything came (& went) at great speed. My carefully planned successions were discarded quickly & flowers that wouldn't normally flower together, did.  Flowering periods were short & made it incredibly difficult to predict availability. I just trusted there would be flowers, & there was - but what & when? Tricky... We fulfilled all pre-orders & were able to create beautiful events. It took some juggling mind as I encouraged some flowers to slow down, others to speed up!

  On reflection, there were definitely plants that were real winners in the heat. Anything with Campanula in it's name was brilliant - I grow many types & they all had long stems & were plentiful. Rudbeckia, Scabious & the Roses have been gorgeous too. (And what a bumper year for Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Chillis & Peppers - even the Aubergines have fruited.) And don't start me on the weeds! Now my dilemma is - do I plant more of the heat lovers in future years? Or plan for a 'normal' Galloway Summer temperature in 2027?

  The Butterflies, Bees & other pollinators seem to have benefitted from the heat too. The Humming Bird Moths have been seen regularly, especially around the huge Marjoram bed & the Honeysuckles. After 11 seasons of the Flower Farm here, the numbers of these creatures (& consequently birds too) has increased hugely. While I cut most of the flowers, there's always plenty plus the increased wild margins. Quite a nectar bar supporting a diverse population.
 
  Enough looking back. September might feel like the end of the gardening year, yet it isn't. This is when my 2027 production really gets underway. Bookings are coming in steadily for weddings now so I'm getting a feel for the favoured colour schemes.  If you know a couple planning to tie the knot, feel free to point them at my Wedding Pages  on my website. The most popular Summer dates book quickly & I take on only a few wedding dates each week. We offer options to suit all budgets - from full service, bespoke occasions to 'bloom buckets' of mixed flowers for DIY Weddings. Our practical approach to supplying flowers from our 'Bouquets, Buttonholes & Buckets' menu is hitting a chord with budget conscious couples too.

  So I'm planning my 2027 flowers to match those requirements & seed sowing has begun for the early flowers of late May/early June. The bulb order is scheduled for early next month & I'm cutting perennials back hard now ready to divide & reinvigorate them too.
 
 What Can I Cut in September?
  Lots of Autumnal loveliness already this year. I gathered some golden Bracken this morning as it looks gorgeous mixed up with some Dahlias, grasses & Rose Hips.
The first Nerines are almost ready to cut - I adore the vibrant shocking pink ones best. Scented Acidanthera with it's heady perfume. Michaelmas Daisies (so many types to choose from) are colouring up. More blooms are coming on the Roses & of course, the stars of the Flower Farm this month are the Dahlias. They were a bit short stemmed to begin with because of the dry weather but looking really good now. Rudbeckia, Cosmos & Scabious are going strong still too - lost count long ago how many stems these have produced this year. Look out for seedheads to keep for the Winter - Teasels, Honesty, Poppies & Crocosmia are plentiful just now. I get Hydrangea envy at this time of year, wishing I had planted more for those big, blousy blooms - ah well, there's always next year...

Upcoming Events 2026
  We'll be hosting Wreath Making Workshops at the Flower Farm again this year. Dates are Sunday 29th November & Saturday 5th December. As always, there'll be a generous supply of fresh foliage, berries, cones & ribbons. And of course, tea & cake!. Groups will be small (maximum 4 adults) so please don't delay if you're planning to book. Just 6 places left on the open courses. If you prefer, I'm happy to schedule private workshops on other mid-week dates for a group of 3-4 friends/family. Details HERE

Jobs for September

• Gather seeds of favourites for next year. Seed prices have shot up in the past few years so well worth the effort.
• Sow Hardy Annuals such as Ammi, Nigella, Cornflowers & Calendula for early colour
• If you grow tender plants such as Dahlias, get the fleece ready. Protecting through an early cold night or 2 can keep them going well into October, if we're lucky
• Gather stems for drying - Helichrysum (Strawflowers) & Nigella pods are 2 on my list for this week
• Roses can be lightly pruned to reduce height & give a little protection from winter gales
• It's Bulb time! If you want Christmas Hyacinths, plant prepared bulbs by about the 25th of this month

How To Buy Our Flowers;

• We continue to arrange flowers for funerals, parties & events using 100% British-grown flowers all year round - pre-order essential. During the Winter I boost my supplies from those grown further South & only do this to order. I never import flowers from outside the UK.
• Regular Flower Subscriptions. Book for the 2027 season – choose the dates, & we’ll cut fresh for local delivery or collection Order Online
• Florists Wholesale. This year we supplied more Florists regularly & increased delivery options. If you're a Florist & would like to do so in 2027 Message for details.
• Weddings - the 2027 order book is open & filling!

   And you can, of course, telephone me on 01644 420407 or email if you prefer talking to a real person rather than ordering flowers online. Much of my work is 'bespoke' for House flowers, parties & funerals so doesn't really fit the neat boxes necessary for online ordering. 

  The Swallows  & House Martins are gathering on the phone line outside my window. Waiting for a wind from the right direction, I think they'll be off to warmer climes soon. But I'm crossing my fingers & hoping for an 'Indian Summer' yet - just nice, gentle 20 degree sunshine please, without the worry of keeping precious plants watered & alive. I refuse to pack my Summer clothes away yet! 

Until next time,
Rosie
Galloway Flowers
 
'Be pleased with your real garden, don't pursue the perfection of a picture. What you see in a photo lasted only as long as the shutter snap'
Janet Macunovich, Garden Designer & Writer