Newsletter
July 2025 Newsletter
The ladybirds arrived to eat up all the aphids, will the rains come to fill up my tanks? The current heatwave means that I have had to adapt to survive - I adopt a mediterranean routine, rising at dawn to be in the field by 6am, drinking copious amounts of water and wearing my Australian Bush hat to ensure I don't wilt like the plants. Plants have developed many adaptations to help them cope with extreme temperatures such as developing deep roots to access moisture low down in the ground. The Echinacea (Coneflower) is such a plant and now it is established seems to be very happy this summer. It's also proving to be a good year for Zinnia's as originating from Mexico and parts of southwestern United States they love the heat. I'm hoping the Dahlias will enjoy the conditions too as they are also from Mexico. Most of the tubers we left in the ground are already starting to flower, 'White Aster', 'Perfection' and 'Honka Fragile' are all large vigorous varieties and have already reached the top string of my corralling system.
I was so relieved last Sunday that the mercury dropped to bearable levels for our Open Day. The high temperatures the week before meant I had not managed to get half of the jobs done that I wanted to but we did clear most of the obstacles away and deal with the worst of the weeds. Thank you to everyone who came and donated their entrance money to Hale School and Hale Church, we raised a total of £200 which will be split between the two. Thank you as well for supporting Nikki and Mark in their new venture 'Conkers', they did a great job serving coffee, tea, pastries and cakes. It was their very first outing and I hope you will all agree that the coffee tasted delicious! The Sweet Peas were still looking pretty good on the day but this week are definitely starting to fade, it was lovely to see so many people enjoying picking their own bunches.
This week we have our biggest order yet via the South West Flower Growers Collective hub, a total of 450 stems - I have had to borrow a van - thanks Nick - to fit it all in! To ensure the bunches still look good by the weekend we are splitting and searing the ends of all the woody plants and leaving them to rest in deep water overnight before their journey to the hub near Dorchester. This ensures they all arrive fully hydrated. The 40 stems of Hydrangea 'Annabelle' are looking particularly spectacular tucked away in the shade of the barn. It is so encouraging to get repeat orders every week from event florists. The promotion of seasonal British Flowers during British Flowers Week last month means that demand will only continue to grow.
Talking of demand, The Flower Field Retreat is nearly sold out so we have added another date in case any of you can't make the 13th July - see below. I look forward to seeing you at one or more of the following and as always thank you for supporting your local Flower Farm.
Hale Local Produce Market in Hale Village Hall 19th July 9-12
The Flower Field Retreat Sunday 13th July 10am-12.30pm. A morning of Yoga, flowers and homemade treats. £45 per person - book at www.ringwoodyoga.co.uk.
Serenity in the Flower Field Thursday 7th August 18.45-21.15. An evening of yoga, nature and gentle joy. A magical sunset session including: Evening wind-down yoga among the blooms. PYO flowers, Sundowner drinks and seasonal nibbles. £45 per person - book at www.ringwoodyoga.co.uk
Located at Home Farm, Hale Lane, Hale, Fordingbridge, Hampshire SP6 2RE
