A FLOWER farm is offering a new way to enjoy locally-grown flowers.
Hyde Flower Company, on the northern edge of the New Forest, is offering people who are interested in finding out about how to grow and display flowers the opportunity to join them on the farm for a new programme of floral workshops.
Located in Hedge Corner, Hyde, near Fordingbridge, the organic flower farm is the dream of owner Caroline Howells, who began the hard work of turning fallow ground into a blossoming business at the start of lockdown.
SEE ALSO: 'It is time for a change' - Casa Fina to close after more than 40 years
Now, with the additional expertise of local florist Sally Valentine, the farm not only grows and supplies a huge variety of sustainably grown flowers, it also offers pick-your-own, wedding and event flowers and a programme of floral classes and workshops.
Running right through to December, the workshops are open to all, regardless of gardening or flower arranging experience.
They include posy making, spring wreaths, growing cut flowers, hanging baskets and DIY wedding flowers alongside field tours and handmade bouquets.
Weekly ‘flower fix’ arranging classes are also on offer and a new ‘Flower Bar’ enables visitors to pick and professionally wrap your own bouquet.
Born and raised in the New Forest, Caroline has a strong horticultural background. Her mother and grandmother made their living from horticulture and Caroline ran her own gardening business for ten years before setting up the flower farm.
She said: "Currently we have about an acre under cultivation.
"I really couldn’t put a figure on how many species we have. I don’t tend to dedicate beds to particular species so the farm has a very natural look.
"New perennials are added every year, I sow around 40 annuals and then of course from March onwards we also have hundreds of glorious bulbs.
"Teaming up with Sally has created a partnership that allows us to showcase the flowers and share our knowledge in a calm creative space. Working together, our workshops aim to inspire everyone to learn more about growing, and using sustainable blooms to create stunning arrangements.
"Sally brings with her years of experience in both wholesale flower supply and commercial floristry, alongside a background that gives her a genuine fascination for the science behind the blooms. Team that with skill, patience and huge empathy and she really is a wonderful teacher."
Having focused on retail and event floristry for the last 20 years, Fordingbridge-based Sally is looking forward to sharing the hints and tips that can enhance every floral arrangement.
She said: "I passionately believe that working with flowers is a positive and joyful experience and Hyde Flower Company provides the perfect space to really benefit from that experience.
"Many of this year’s new, informal workshops offer the opportunity to stroll into the growing field, pick your own flowers and then use your chosen blooms to create something that is uniquely your own.
"There’s also time to reflect on the immense beauty of the natural world, and truly appreciate Caroline’s approach to sustainable gardening. The personal benefits, both physical and mental are huge."
For more information or to book workshops go to www.hydeflowercompany.co.uk or call 07554 005208.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here