Today was the official end to British Flowers Week and, looking back, it’s been a good one. There’s certainly been lots of coverage in the media, both traditional and social. I was lucky enough to appear on Radio 4’s PM program the other day, in the build-up to British Flowers Week 2026. Despite being rather hot and bothered, and without having any notice, I managed not to make any gaffes, so was quite happy with that!
Since its launch in 2013, British Flowers Week has championed the UK’s cut flower industry, celebrating growers, wholesalers, and florists who work with British-grown flowers. After a decade of success under New Covent Garden Flower Market, the baton was handed over to Flowers from the Farm in 2024. This year’s British Flowers Week theme was “Flowers for the Future”. Let’s start with this last week!
Starting the week as we mean to go on: 100% local & seasonal
On Monday Blooming Green started gently with our usual (not that there is ever such a thing as ‘usual’ on a truly seasonal flower plot) farm shop bunches. Monday’s bunches contained roses, feverfew, Alchemilla mollis, flax seed head, nigella seed pods, larkspur and perennial scabious… amongst other things. All were wrapped in brown paper and string and put on display just a couple of hours after having been picked. They had travelled about half a mile from the field to the shop… so definitely no air miles!
Special guests: they made our week
Tuesday we had the absolute honour and pleasure of hosting Curly’s Farm & Farm School for some flower picking and “flower play”. It’s pretty much impossible to say no to these guys… and Kyle & Garry’s “last-minute.com” approach meant we didn’t even have time to make up any excuses (just kidding guys). Check them out online, or on “the socials”…
This is how they describe themselves: “Curly’s Farm and School is a unique independent special school and therapeutic farm based on our beautiful 10-acre site in Sheerness, Kent. We provide a safe, nurturing and inspiring environment for children and young people aged 5 to 19 who have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) — including those with complex social, emotional, behavioural, medical and mental health needs. Our ethos is simple: every learner deserves to thrive.” But you have to meet Kyle, Garry and the crew, to really experience the magic, craziness and energy.
You may have seen these guys somewhere before…
In 2016, The Ratcliffes — Garry, Kyle, Phoebe, Bella, Haydn and Curly — featured on the BBC’s flagship show, DIY SOS, when the community came together with Nick Knowles and the team to rebuild their family home. It’s an absolutely gorgeous, light-filled pad which Bek and I have been lucky enough to visit and where we hope to go again soon, for a cuppa and a catch up. We hear that there may be a DIY SOS Revisited in the pipeline… so keep your eyes peeled! We’ll definitely be tuning in.
Happy hump day — and what a busy day it was…
Wednesdays are always especially busy on our flower plot, with all the staff in, plus volunteers — and on this occasion a group visit from a local horticultural society. Laura led a tour of the flower plot, followed by a hand-tied bouquet demonstration, then Bek and I popped over to say hello and talk a little bit about the business as a whole. Jen then jumped in the car to drive up to Strawberry Hill House in Teddington, to watch a foam-free floral demonstration by Simon Lycett – using our amazing friend Char Johnston’s flowers.
Celebrity, canapés, drinks & lots of British flowers, of course
We have a real affection for the flower events at Strawberry Hill House, having taken part in three of their September flower festivals where only British flowers are allowed. They are foam-free too, which is pretty amazing. Simon Lycett‘s demo and the accompanying event was organised as part of British Flowers Week 2026 and was just one of many such events around the country. The Garden Museum in Lambeth did their usual grand display of fresh talent and fresh flowers. Although I didn’t make it in person this year, I was blown away by the pics on their newsletter, especially by the work of Nate Moss, a neighbour of ours here in Kent.
Back down to earth, though it’s not so bad with pizza & pyo
Thursday was our Pizza & PYO Flowers evening. As a reminder of the unpredictability of the British weather, we had showers in the afternoon and, I think, people were nervous that the rain was going to set in for the evening. In fact, it cleared up as the evening went on… and the people that did come along seemed to have a particularly special and peaceful flower-picking session before tucking into Neil’s fabulous wood-fired pizzas.
Flowers for a sad but very special occasion
I also arranged flowers for a family friend’s service of thanksgiving, back in my childhood village of Westwell. Carolyn’s family had requested bright, cheerful flowers, with plenty of scent, so I was able to go wild, and create arrangements full of joy and perfume. In amongst the three large vases and jam jars were: jasmine, roses, sweet peas and lots of other goodies, so the church and village hall really did smell rather lovely.
Back in the farm shop, catching up with flower fans
Friday, Laura & I spent some time up at Loddington Farm Shop, speaking to customers about our flowers and British Flowers Week. It’s nice to be able to tell people that the flowers they are admiring are grown just a field away from the farm shop. And also that we don’t use chemicals or wrap with plastic. We bumped into a few old friends, and long-time supporters, which made our presence feel all the more worthwhile. We made sure the shop was brim-full of flowers for the weekend then, on Saturday, opened for our first PYO Saturday of the year. The weather held out this time and we had a really good turn-out, of regulars and newbies alike. It’s easy to forget how magical our PYO sessions are and how happy they make our customers!
Until next year…
So, as they say, I think “that’s a wrap” for British Flowers Week this year… We hope it made an impression on you and that, next time you would like some flowers for yourself or for a friend, you will be even keener to buy British.