Our Latest Newsletter
The cooler temperatures and much needed rain finally arrived this week. I delighted in wearing wellies, waterproof trousers, jacket and thick gauntlet gloves last Saturday to attack the brambles which seem to have been one of the few things that haven't minded the harsh growing conditions of 2026. With nine weddings behind us, and many 1000s of stems picked at very unsociable hours for orders from florists through the South West Flower Grower Collective, I am feeling very weary and in need of a breather before the new season begins. To that end I am enjoying a few days off to recharge.
Growers are renowned for being permanently hopeful as they are always learning from the experience gained during a particular season and looking forward to implementing changes the following year. I try to keep a diary with reminders not to do certain things again and instead try different techniques or varieties. September is always a time of hope in the garden as it is the ideal time to sow hardy annuals which will put down strong roots over the coming months ready to flower early next summer as the daylight increases. I ordered Nigella, Lathyrus, Centurea, Verbascum and Antirrhinum seeds this week and will be kept busy preparing beds for sowing by cutting down this season's crop and feeding the soil with bone meal and a thin layer of compost. With warnings of an even hotter year ahead I have decided to concentrate on Autumn sowing where possible rather than Spring sowing as it will mean plants need less water and will hopefully be more resilient. I am also trialling some green manures such as mustard and lupin to return nutrients to the soil.
We will be harvesting Dahlias and Zinnias until the first frosts and are looking forward to the arrival of the Chrysanthemums and Asters. If you would like a weekly/fortnightly or monthly bucket with free delivery within 3 miles of the farm or in Salisbury city centre until the end of the season then please do get in touch. Buckets hold 15-20 stems and are £20 each.
There are two PYO dates left: Fridays 4th and 11th September 9.30-12.30. Entry and parking are through the gate next to Home Farm Cottage. I provide snips, a picking bucket and guidance, you just need to bring a bucket to transport your flowers home.
Our final Yoga in the field date is coming up on 26th September 14.00-16.30. The afternoon consists of a session of gentle yoga with Sarah Irwin, seasonal flower picking and tasty treats. If the weather is inclement we have the barn to retreat into. £45 per person, book at ringwoodyoga.co.uk.
I hope to see you on one or more of the above dates.
Thank you for reading!
Located at Home Farm, Hale Lane, Hale, Fordingbridge, Hampshire SP6 2RE
