It’s not too late to sow sweet peas - so easy to It’s not too late to sow sweet peas - so easy to grow and blissfully fragrant in the summer months. 
They were my mum’s favourite flower, so growing them now feels like a precious connection. Especially when I pick some and arrange them in her beautiful old blue and gold jug just as she used to do with the sweet peas my dad grew for her every year.
There are some really handy tips for growing success from founder of The Real Flower Company Rosebie Morton over on the blog (link in bio). Rosebie has a whole farm dedicated to sweet peas near Chichester so she knows a thing or two about the subject!
Main thing I’ve picked up from her is to allow lots of depth for root growth at this stage and to make my own supportive wigwams from twiggy branches when the plants are really starting to go for it and need a bit of direction. This photo is making me yearn slightly.
I love this image of my friend Jo - we were trying I love this image of my friend Jo - we were trying out tiny living for a feature I was writing - this was taken on our way to indulge in a spot of forest bathing. To be totally honest, we were both a little sceptical beforehand. But we were only saying the other day how taken aback we both were by the amazing effect it had. I’m working on some new ideas around the subject - will keep you posted. X
I’m currently working on a redesign of the whole I’m currently working on a redesign of the whole site - which has meant lots of photo editing and reorganising so much content. What’s been lovely (despite the claw hand from so much keyboard work!) is revisiting work and becoming engrossed all over again. I thought I’d share a few of the things I’ve been (re) loving - with links in the bio to the old site for now, but not for long…! X
This  image is from a feature about preserving garden roses. I’m going to give this a really good go this year, now I have a better idea what I’m doing. I know there’s nothing quite like a fragrant fresh rose in Summer but there’s a fragile beauty to dried and preserved flowers that I also love, don’t you?
Snowdrops 🌱🤍 . . . . . . #capturequiet #ins Snowdrops 🌱🤍 
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#capturequiet #instabritain #natureandnourish #thewildernesstonic #cornersofmyworld
Signed copies of Bex Partridge’s new book Flower Signed copies of Bex Partridge’s new book Flowers Forever to be won! My bio has the link to enter as well as to get a peek inside. Beautifully photographed by Laura Edwards, I really enjoyed escaping into the pages and making plans for my own garden - hope you do too! X
To the Moon and Back Hares KNITTING PATTERN by Cla To the Moon and Back Hares KNITTING PATTERN by Claire Garland aka @dotpebbles_knits has to be the perfect post Christmas craft project 😊 
If you fancy getting your needles out to make this adorable pair, the link to buy Claire’s pattern is in my bio. Happy knitting! X
Thank you so much to Sarah @floribundaroseflorists Thank you so much to Sarah @floribundaroseflorists for a wonderful wreath making workshop yesterday. Such a special and creative space to spend time. I loved making my wreath - I went for a mixture of greenery arranged quite randomly with red waxed fresh apples, dried hydrangea, dried flowers, poppy and nigella seed heads and a winter white velvet bow. 
There were so many wonderful ingredients to choose from we were really spoiled for choice. 
Sarah’s new studio is such a beautiful, creative space. Think fragrant botanical candles flickering everywhere, mulled wine and apple juice simmering on the stove and containers full of fragrant festive greenery, waxed fruit, dried flowers and oranges, pine cones, lichen covered branches and even tiny gold wax-dipped fresh crab apples. 
Thank you for being so patient with my lengthy ribbon choice deliberations Sarah - and for bagging up a second choice option (dusky pink) to take home! X.  #wreathmaking #wreath #wreathsofinstagram #sustainablewreaths #wreathdecor #christmaswreath #velvetribbon #christmasdecor #festiveflowers
I’ve loved Olga Prinku’s work for ages now - s I’ve loved Olga Prinku’s work for ages now - she came up with the genius idea of embroidering on tulle using nature as her thread - and the results are sublime - like this Autumn colours beauty from her latest book.
I’m delighted that Olga is offering a fantastic prize bundle to my readers. For a chance to win one of her beautiful new dried flower embroidery kits (in collaboration with @driedandfloral ) as well as a signed copy of her wonderful new book(published by @quadrillebooks , pop over to my blog (link in my bio). It’s easy to enter so why don’t you give yourself a chance of winning this very lovely prize? Good luck! 
#driedflowers #driedflowerembroidery #olgaprinku #embroideryhoop #flowerembroidery #competitiontime #signedbooks #embroideryart #flowersontulle #autumn #autumncolours #hoopart #allthingsbotanical #instacraft
This beautiful image is by Laura Pashby @circleofp This beautiful image is by Laura Pashby @circleofpines and is from her beautiful new book Little Stories of Your Life. 
It’s packed with inspiration and practical ideas to help you become a visual story teller. Because, as Laura says, it’s the little moments that make up the fabric of all of our lives - and those moments are worth capturing and sharing with others.
We have three signed copies of the book to give away - just click the link in my bio to find out more. There’s a peek inside and a lovely film by @xantheb to enjoy too! X 
#littlemoments #littlestoriesbook #alifeofwords #lostinwords #competition #booksarelife #mindfulphotography #bookstagram #booksmakemehappy #booksconnectus #igreads #whatareyoureading #signedbooks
Thanks to Lisa from @inthemaking_aprons who has sh Thanks to Lisa from @inthemaking_aprons who has shared her wonderfully creative ideas for visibly mending well-loved clothing in need of repair and a little TLC.
She had me at ‘sometimes I like to use giant sequins…’ 
Hope you like Lisa’s ideas as much as I do. The link to head over to my blog and get all her step by steps is in my bio x
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MEET · November 10, 2020

Henthorn Farm Flowers founder Kirsten Mackay

Meet Kirsten Mackay of Henthorn Farm Flowers

A passionate flower grower myself, I know just how much joy there is to be had this time of year. Autumn is the season to get planting Spring bulbs and to enjoy poring over seed catalogues. Dreaming and planning for the summer months ahead. After 2 years of flower cultivation in my own cutting patch, I could really do with some ideas for moving to the next stage. Right now I’m looking to extend my flower growing season and to fill in gaps of colour, shape and scent.

With that in mind, I asked Kirsten Mackay of Henthorn Farm Flowers to share a few of  her tops tips and seasonal inspirations. Sustainable organic flower growers located in Clitheroe, Lancashire, Henthorn Farm supplies flowers for weddings, events and seasonal farm gate sales. Kirsten also offers a range of inspiring workshops and I’m thrilled that she has kindly shared some of her seasonal floral wisdom with us here.

Ideas I’ve picked up from Kirsten for my own garden include making little drawstring bags to protect dahlia flowers from pests (hungry slugs tucked in to my dinner plate dahlias this year); growing some flowers for drying and sourcing some hesperis and echinacea seeds. Thanks to Kirsten for the ideas and for sharing such a beautiful glimpse into her flowery world. I hope you find some inspiration too! X

Meet Kirsten of Henthorn Farm Flowers

kirsten mackay henthorn farm flowers

Please share a little about the inspiration behind Henthorn Farm Flowers

I started my flowery journey about 3 years ago now. I was desperately seeking a creative outlet and wanted to work for myself but work out what it was I wanted to do. It was my daughter who said `I know. You could grow flowers and do weddings’. I looked at her and thought ‘you know what, I so could!’ That’s where the idea behind Henthorn Farm flowers was born.

I’ve always loved gardening and design – so this would bring both elements together. So, off to college I went. Lots of books and courses later and I now grow a wide variety of flowers through the seasons and use them for weddings, funerals, bouquet sales, and workshops. It’s important to me to take care of the wildlife and micro-organisms in the garden.

So at Henthorn Farm Flowers we don’t use any chemicals and I make my own organic fertilisers and pest controls. I minimise my use of plastics and don’t use floral foam in my designs. My flowers are picked, conditioned and arranged within a few hours and the journey from plot to vase is very short. Because of this, they are super fresh and have maximum vase life. I grow a wide variety of flowers and my bouquets are packed with texture and interest. They are also beautifully scented and full of movement.

kirsten mackay henthorn farm flowers

What’s your creative process?

I start with selecting a colour palette. Rather than using colour theories, I work instinctively with what pleases my eye. I look for subtle colour variations in the petals and leaves and I like to blend flowers from a narrow colour palette to create an ombre effect. This creates harmony and balance. I keep the darker tones for deeper in the design and lighten the colours as I move outwards.

seasonal flowers by henthorn farm - kirsten mackay shares her tips for growing and arranging seasonal and sustainable british flowers including echinacea, scabious #british #flowers

I also consider how to build in texture and interest and how to illustrate the season. I especially love whimsical elements that add airiness and movement. Above all my designs are natural and celebrate the best of what’s in season.

Favourite way to start the day?

I’m an early bird. The moment consciousness dawns, my brain starts its creative tick. It’s never quiet inside my head and I have so many ideas and so much to do that I bounce out of bed, eager to get on with the day. When I’m at home I start work as soon as I’m up and really don’t stop till it’s time to come indoors for tea.

henthorn farm flowers

I jump out of bed, throw on some scruff, grab a coffee and toast some lovely home-made sourdough (well at the weekend) then I start working my way through my to-do list. The list is always longer than I can ever hope to get through, but I try not to get overwhelmed and just keep plodding away. I usually check in on any plant babies in my greenhouse looking for signs of disease, slug damage or thirst.

kirsten mackay henthorn farm flowers spaniel billy

I then have a walk around my plot and prioritise the jobs needing my attention. Some days are garden days, some days are for admin or learning. Others are for Henthorn Farm business development and some are studio days. But most have a little bit of everything. And then there is my cocker spaniel puppy Billy of course. He is my constant companion and follows me everywhere causing no end of trouble as he’s a mischievous little thief.

henthorn farm sustainable british flowers

What keeps you going through the day?

If you love what you do, then the energy just comes and you don’t need anything to keep you going. Passion is the best motivator and that comes from finding your thing; the thing that you’re meant to do.

foxgloves sutton apricot grown by henthorn farm in lancashire #sustainable #british #flowers #foxgloves

Top tips for enabling creativity/wellbeing?

Being true to yourself, working from your heart, doing things that feed your soul. Find the thing that you’re going to excel at and that will help you to reach your full potential. We all have something we are good at and succeed when we play to our strengths. Surround yourself with things you love. That’s what creating and building Henthorn Farm Flowers has done for me.

Favourite season?

Well each season brings it’s own highlight, but I think it would have to be Spring. After the long dark and dank winter months, seeing those first shoots spring to life brings so much enjoyment and excitement for the season ahead.

kirsten mackay henthorn farm flowers

What do you love best about each season?

In Spring it has to be the vibrant colours, the fresh new growth and the germination of all those promising seedlings. 

spring flowers urn arrangement ranunculus, tulip, bluebells, narcissi and wild flowers #spring #flowers #british #wild #ranunculus #bluebells

I love the abundance of Summer and the soft colour palettes such as soft peach, pale blue and lemon.

summer flowers blue and lemon roses, lily cornflowers sustainable british flowers from henthorn farm in lancashire - kirsten mackay shares her tips and ideas for growing and arranging seasonal and sustainable british flowers #british #flowers #sustainable #seasonal

Autumn is rich in a gorgeous array of deep colours and turning foliage. I love to forage for elements to dry and preserve for wreathing and love those crisp sunny days.

dried flower bouquet seasonal sustainable british flowers by kirsten Mackay of Henthorn Farm Flowers #dried #flowers #british #sustainable

Winter is a bit barren in my garden and not my favourite season, but if we didn’t have it, there would be no chance to renew and take stock.

Favourite flowers from each season?

Well as a flower lover that isn’t an easy question, but I can’t imagine Spring without anemones and ranunculus or gorgeous fritillary and narcissi. The star of them all has to be the peonies though.

salmon pink and white ranunculus grown in lancashire by henthorn farm flowers #ranunculus #spring #flowers #british

Summer is so abundant that again it’s also hard to choose, but it has to be roses and I wouldn’t be without scabious, achillea or snapdragons in the cutting garden. In Autumn the dahlia takes pride of place, but chrysanthemums are also making a big comeback (if only they flowered a bit earlier though!). In Winter it’s probably things I can use for wreathing like eucalyptus, pine, ivy berry and pussy willow but then there are the Hellebores which are heavenly.

Favourites for scent?

Hesperis or sweet rocket has a gorgeous scent. Sweet peas has to be up there along with the roses and stocks have a lovely scent. My all time favourites though are the scented geraniums and herbs like mint and rosemary. I also grow artemisia annua for foliage and to dry. Its smell is divine and lasts even when dried.

Favourites for vase life?

Many flowers have short vase lives but are so ethereal and beautiful that you just cannot live without them. Flowers with a very long vase life can last that long that you can become bored of them and so I prefer to have the freshest flowers possible with each flower living its best life, however long that may be.

helichrysum flowers for drying Kirsten Mackay shares her personal British flowers for drying and preserving as everlastings #helichrysum #dried #flowers #everlasting

Best for drying? 

I find that the best flowers for drying are achillea, helichrysum (above), larkspur and limonium. My top tips for drying is to dry the flowers quickly and store them in a dry dark place. It’s also really important to pick them at the correct time – which is generally when they are almost fully open and at their peak. 

conditioning flowers for arranging peonies, seasonal english roses and british flowers #british #flowers #arranging #conditioning #peonies

How do you condition your flowers?

Always pick when the flowers are fully hydrated which is early in the morning and pick straight into buckets of clean fresh water. Then into a cold dark room for a long drink, ideally overnight. Remove excess foliage as this makes it harder for the stem to stay hydrated. Once in the vase remove all foliage from beneath the water line so that it doesn’t rot and reduce the vase life.

Why are you so passionate about British flowers?

By buying British flowers you are supporting a myriad of small independent businesses. You are supporting sustainable flower growing (like Henthorn Farm Flowers!) which has a much smaller carbon footprint and is less damaging to nature and the environment than large commercial productions. The flowers are also of superb quality and super fresh which maximises vase life.

Above all though, its the sheer beauty and variety of the flowers that shine their brightest when picked in season and not forced to grow when they don’t want to. No-one can really trick nature can they? British flowers are often scented and more delicate and ethereal with individuality and character. 

nigella flowers

Perfect combination of flowers to grow for seasonal picking?

Well, I am still learning… lots. But I start off in Spring with tulips, narcissi, anemones and ranunculus. Next are the biennials sown the Summer before; the wallflowers and hesperis. The first of the Summer flowers are the nigella, corncockles and cornflowers.

cornflowers meadow summer seasonal british flowers #cornflowers #blue #flowers #british

I love foxgloves and orlaya too. As I said before, I wouldn’t want to be without achillea which is a brilliant filler and comes in a gorgeous array of colours. It’s also brilliant for drying.

Scabiosa are very florific and productive and cosmos just keeps pumping flowers out, but you must have some texture in the mix, so thlaspi, cress seed pods and grasses are great for that. Dahlias are must-haves for late summer and autumn and they go very well with snapdragons, ammi visnaga and seed pods like flax.

I’m not a lover of zinnias, although I quite like the dainty more subtle ones. I love rudbekias, but they seem to be rather tasty to bugs and get nibbled a lot. Another favourite is echinacea and I’m increasing my stock of different varieties of these.

summer flowers white urn arrangement pink and apricot dahlias, snapdragon, amaranthus, snowberries, white wild flowers and seasonal british flowers

I try to always have a choice of different shapes in each bouquet. Think a spike, a round daisy shape, a frothy filler and something to add texture and movement. Succession sowing is hard work and you have to be super organised. The secret is not to grow more than you can cope with. At Henthorn Farm we do a few of each variety, but I may sow 2 or 3 times for my stalwarts like snapdragons.

henthorn farm flowers fresh mint - one of Kirsten Mackay's tips for growing sustainable, seasonal British flowers #british #flowers #mint

If you want to have a cutting garden then don’t forget your foliage. This can be annual or from shrubs and perennials. I use a lot of mint (above) and grow a few varieties, but I also use rosemary, oregano, raspberry foliage, and jasmine. Perennial sweet pea is brilliantly productive and has wonderful quirky tendrils.

Favourite sustainable gardening tips?

Look after the soil and the flowers will look after themselves. Feed the life in the soil, don’t kill the micro-organisms with herbicides. Put back what you take out by making your own compost. I use nettles and comfrey to make compost tea and also have a wormery for the vermicompost and a large pond where we use the waste water for adding nutrients and microbial life to the garden. I also grow fungi and natural yeasts to help add life to my composts.

seasonal garden british flowers white urn arrangement roses, foxgloves, sweet peas and pansies

Favourite flower designs?

I love delicate layered pieces that blend colours beautifully and have just enough negative space to let everything breathe and sing its’ own song.

What do you do when struggling for inspiration?

Just take a break, have a day off, be kind to yourself, cook, clean, nurture the garden, it will always come back.

Greatest simple pleasures and why?

I love to nurture and create. I get great pleasure from sharing the joy of flowers, but I also like to cook and make presents for people. I enjoy nature and being outside, being busy and productive. I’m a nurturer and like taking care of things and at the heart of everything is my family. Oh and my puppy. He is just like a real child and needs lots of love and snuggles.

How important is seasonal living to you?

Seasonality for me is about enjoying the best of the moment and being authentic. Each season brings its’ own special quality. In winter I love to hunker down with thick socks and woolly jumpers and start making pies, breads and stews.

Everything has its time, for example I love dried flowers, but I think they just look wrong in Spring. They look right at the end of the season when the sun has baked and bleached everything and that muted crisp beauty comes into its own.

dried flower buttonhole mini bouquet posies seasonal sustainable british flowers by kirsten Mackay of Henthorn Farm Flowers #dried #flowers #british #sustainable

I also like to miss something for a while and then look forward to its’ return, that way you appreciate it so much more. Sweet peas would be so boring if we had them all year round wouldn’t they?

midcentury wooden book case cabinet

Most treasured possession?

Oh gosh what can that be? My house is full of eclectic treasures that I have collected over the years. I don’t follow fashions, so if I love something I tend to love it for a very long time and am definitely a maximalist. I have a gorgeous mid century library cabinet that belonged to my grandfather that I cherish, but I also love my bottle green velvet sofa.

 

Favourite walk?

I live in the Ribble Valley which is a beautiful part of the world and I love to walk along the river from the Higher Hodder Bridge down to the Lower Hodder one.

What measures do you take to support plastic-free and zero waste at Henthorn Farm?

The biggest step is in refusing to use floral foam. I was scared to do this at first, but I’m more confident in my mechanics and techniques now. Floral foam is basically toxic plastic that degrades into tiny micro-plastics, pollutes water ways – it’s horrid stuff. Instead at Henthorn Farm we use chicken wire, sand, moss and hidden water sources. I also use simple Kraft packaging for my bouquets and no cellophane.

natural pest control dahlias - little drawstring bags for keeping bugs off your favourite blooms in the flower garden #pest #contril #organic #gardening

Top tips for home-made fertilisers and natural pest control?

Nettles are a rich source of nitrogen and can be used early in the season to promote growth. Comfrey is rich in potassium so is good to promote flowering. I crush the leaves and press the goodness out of them and then dilute the concentrate and use as a feed. I also make giant teabags filled with compost and worm castings and soak these in rain water to extract the goodness. This makes an amazing foliar feed.

My best pest control is vigilance and physical barriers and also using natural predators to do the work for me like hedgehogs, toads and pollinators. Slugs are a menace and I use orange segments to lure them away from my vulnerable flower babies and then go out at night and pick them all off. I lay traps for earwigs in upturned plant pots and protect my dahlias with little voile bags over the blooms.

How important is sustainable production at Henthorn Farm?

I don’t profess to be an eco warrior, but I do think it’s important that we all do our bit and try where we can to change our habits and think about the waste we create. I like to tread lightly and respect the life around me, but I know I could do a lot more. I’m working on this and becoming more and more conscious of the need to make changes.

henthorn farm british flowers workshops

Best piece of advice from your experiences with Henthorn Farm so far?

Start small and don’t bite off too much. Learn, learn, learn and keep learning. Be true to yourself and your style, trust in that. If it doesn’t come easy, find your thing that does. Offer a good service and don’t let people down.

harry potter box set of books

Favourite book of all time?

I’m not much of a book worm. There’s just no space in my head for fiction and I just tend to read books that teach me something. I have a large collection of flower themed books as you’d imagine. Probably the best books I’ve ever read are the Harry Potter books. What does that say about me?

kirsty mackay henthorn farm flowers

Secret to being happy – and any ideas for getting though the current COVID crisis?

Well I’m still working on that one, having had to deal with a lot of disappointment and loss but I think the secret is living in the moment, letting go of the past, not holding on to disappointment, having an open heart and appreciating what you have. I live simply and time is what I value far more than money. Time to do what I want, go where I want and be with who I want. I also work part time as an NHS Community Nurse so COVID has brought its’ challenges. I think we just need to dig deep, find our resilience, take care of each other and we will get through it.

 

INFORMATION


Henthorn Farm Flowers are sustainable organic flower growers located in Clitheroe, Lancashire. They provide flowers for weddings, events and seasonal farm gate sales and also offer a range of inspiring workshops.

Kirsten shares her tips and ideas for making a dried flower wreath here: How to make a dried flower wreath

I have shared the story of my own cutting garden here: How to start a cutting garden

Find Sustainable British Flowers in our directory

I’ve shared my favourite growers and creatives here: British Flowers: where to buy the best


Are you a maker or creative course provider? Like to list with us and benefit from joining our supportive community? We’d love to hear from you. Check out the packages we offer on our Join Us page 


A PIN TO SAVE TO PINTEREST

If you’ve enjoyed discovering Henthorn Farm Flowers, and Kirsten’s story, it would be great if you could share the love. All you have to do is hover over the image below until you see the Pinterest button appear. Then share it to your boards. Thank you! X

helichrysum flowers for drying Kirsten Mackay shares her personal British flowers for drying and preserving as everlastings as well as other seasonal sustainable flower growing tips and ideas #helichrysum #dried #flowers #sustainable #gardening #british

In: MEET

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Comments

  1. Wendy says

    February 23, 2021 at 4:23 pm

    What a lovely piece…..from the heart. I can see just how passionate you are about your business and it shows in each design and bouquet you make! Well done!

    Reply

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I'm so glad you're here. I'm Laura - national women's magazine editor and journalist now sharing my passion for sustainable and creative living here. Hope you find something to enjoy and inspire! X

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It’s not too late to sow sweet peas - so easy to It’s not too late to sow sweet peas - so easy to grow and blissfully fragrant in the summer months. 
They were my mum’s favourite flower, so growing them now feels like a precious connection. Especially when I pick some and arrange them in her beautiful old blue and gold jug just as she used to do with the sweet peas my dad grew for her every year.
There are some really handy tips for growing success from founder of The Real Flower Company Rosebie Morton over on the blog (link in bio). Rosebie has a whole farm dedicated to sweet peas near Chichester so she knows a thing or two about the subject!
Main thing I’ve picked up from her is to allow lots of depth for root growth at this stage and to make my own supportive wigwams from twiggy branches when the plants are really starting to go for it and need a bit of direction. This photo is making me yearn slightly.
I love this image of my friend Jo - we were trying I love this image of my friend Jo - we were trying out tiny living for a feature I was writing - this was taken on our way to indulge in a spot of forest bathing. To be totally honest, we were both a little sceptical beforehand. But we were only saying the other day how taken aback we both were by the amazing effect it had. I’m working on some new ideas around the subject - will keep you posted. X
I’m currently working on a redesign of the whole I’m currently working on a redesign of the whole site - which has meant lots of photo editing and reorganising so much content. What’s been lovely (despite the claw hand from so much keyboard work!) is revisiting work and becoming engrossed all over again. I thought I’d share a few of the things I’ve been (re) loving - with links in the bio to the old site for now, but not for long…! X
This  image is from a feature about preserving garden roses. I’m going to give this a really good go this year, now I have a better idea what I’m doing. I know there’s nothing quite like a fragrant fresh rose in Summer but there’s a fragile beauty to dried and preserved flowers that I also love, don’t you?
Snowdrops 🌱🤍 . . . . . . #capturequiet #ins Snowdrops 🌱🤍 
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#capturequiet #instabritain #natureandnourish #thewildernesstonic #cornersofmyworld
Signed copies of Bex Partridge’s new book Flower Signed copies of Bex Partridge’s new book Flowers Forever to be won! My bio has the link to enter as well as to get a peek inside. Beautifully photographed by Laura Edwards, I really enjoyed escaping into the pages and making plans for my own garden - hope you do too! X
To the Moon and Back Hares KNITTING PATTERN by Cla To the Moon and Back Hares KNITTING PATTERN by Claire Garland aka @dotpebbles_knits has to be the perfect post Christmas craft project 😊 
If you fancy getting your needles out to make this adorable pair, the link to buy Claire’s pattern is in my bio. Happy knitting! X
Thank you so much to Sarah @floribundaroseflorists Thank you so much to Sarah @floribundaroseflorists for a wonderful wreath making workshop yesterday. Such a special and creative space to spend time. I loved making my wreath - I went for a mixture of greenery arranged quite randomly with red waxed fresh apples, dried hydrangea, dried flowers, poppy and nigella seed heads and a winter white velvet bow. 
There were so many wonderful ingredients to choose from we were really spoiled for choice. 
Sarah’s new studio is such a beautiful, creative space. Think fragrant botanical candles flickering everywhere, mulled wine and apple juice simmering on the stove and containers full of fragrant festive greenery, waxed fruit, dried flowers and oranges, pine cones, lichen covered branches and even tiny gold wax-dipped fresh crab apples. 
Thank you for being so patient with my lengthy ribbon choice deliberations Sarah - and for bagging up a second choice option (dusky pink) to take home! X.  #wreathmaking #wreath #wreathsofinstagram #sustainablewreaths #wreathdecor #christmaswreath #velvetribbon #christmasdecor #festiveflowers
I’ve loved Olga Prinku’s work for ages now - s I’ve loved Olga Prinku’s work for ages now - she came up with the genius idea of embroidering on tulle using nature as her thread - and the results are sublime - like this Autumn colours beauty from her latest book.
I’m delighted that Olga is offering a fantastic prize bundle to my readers. For a chance to win one of her beautiful new dried flower embroidery kits (in collaboration with @driedandfloral ) as well as a signed copy of her wonderful new book(published by @quadrillebooks , pop over to my blog (link in my bio). It’s easy to enter so why don’t you give yourself a chance of winning this very lovely prize? Good luck! 
#driedflowers #driedflowerembroidery #olgaprinku #embroideryhoop #flowerembroidery #competitiontime #signedbooks #embroideryart #flowersontulle #autumn #autumncolours #hoopart #allthingsbotanical #instacraft
This beautiful image is by Laura Pashby @circleofp This beautiful image is by Laura Pashby @circleofpines and is from her beautiful new book Little Stories of Your Life. 
It’s packed with inspiration and practical ideas to help you become a visual story teller. Because, as Laura says, it’s the little moments that make up the fabric of all of our lives - and those moments are worth capturing and sharing with others.
We have three signed copies of the book to give away - just click the link in my bio to find out more. There’s a peek inside and a lovely film by @xantheb to enjoy too! X 
#littlemoments #littlestoriesbook #alifeofwords #lostinwords #competition #booksarelife #mindfulphotography #bookstagram #booksmakemehappy #booksconnectus #igreads #whatareyoureading #signedbooks
Thanks to Lisa from @inthemaking_aprons who has sh Thanks to Lisa from @inthemaking_aprons who has shared her wonderfully creative ideas for visibly mending well-loved clothing in need of repair and a little TLC.
She had me at ‘sometimes I like to use giant sequins…’ 
Hope you like Lisa’s ideas as much as I do. The link to head over to my blog and get all her step by steps is in my bio x
Thank you @therealflowerco for these heavenly swee Thank you @therealflowerco for these heavenly sweet peas - the perfect way to celebrate #britishflowersweek 
I just wish I could share the blissful fragrance with you too 💕🌸
#locallygrownflowers #flowersofinstagram #supportlocal #britishflowersweek2021 #britishseasonalflowers #flowersfromthefarm #sweetpeas
This heavenly knitted lamb is by Claire Garland ak This heavenly knitted lamb is by Claire Garland aka @dotpebbles_knits and just one of the creative spring projects you might enjoy immersing yourself in right now. To discover other inspirational ideas and to get all the info you need - including this free pattern by Claire - click the link in my bio. Hope you find something that brings you a little seasonal joy x
Thanks to Erin at @floretflower for sending me a s Thanks to Erin at @floretflower for sending me a surprise signed copy of her dreamy new book Discovering Dahlias - and another signed copy to share with one of you. 
To enjoy a peek inside - and for a chance to win - click the link in my bio. 
The truly beautiful photographs (including this one) are all by Erin’s husband Chris Benzakein #discoveringdahlias #floretflowerfarm #dahliasofinstagram #flowersgivemepower #giveawayuk
Thanks to @sarahravenperchhill for sharing a beaut Thanks to @sarahravenperchhill for sharing a beautifully simple way to arrange snowdrops and other early spring flowers over on the blog (link is in my bio). I’ve already made my own simple flower grid using foraged twigs and it works brilliantly! 
As well as sharing her simple step by steps, there’s also a video tutorial where Sarah shares more inspiring ideas for creating with early spring flowers. The beautiful photographs are by @jonathanbuckleyphotography - hope you enjoy! X
Last call to enter our Pippa Greenwood Grow Your O Last call to enter our Pippa Greenwood Grow Your Own gift bundle competition!
My favourite #gardenersquestiontime panellist @pippa.greenwood offers a range of totally brilliant Grow Your Own gift bundles - which include garden-ready veg plants sent out at the right time for planting, email growing advice, tips and recipes from Pippa herself as well as signed copies of The Gardener’s Year. It’s the perfect gift for anyone interested in growing their own fresh produce - and comes with the best expert advice!
We have two Pippa Greenwood GYO gift bundles to be won - the link to enter the competition, and to find out more is in my bio - Good luck!
Last call for anyone who’d like to enter our Cla Last call for anyone who’d like to enter our Claire Garland Christmas Mouse knitting pattern competition. The link to enter is the top one in my bio. Good luck!
If you’re finding the world a somewhat shouty an If you’re finding the world a somewhat shouty and overwhelming place right now, you might like to get behind Sarah Corbett @craftivists new project - she’s crowdfunding to create the final part of her Craftivism trilogy: the Craftivist Collective Handbook. It will be a beautiful hardback with 20 gentle protest Craftivist projects and tools to help readers become positive and effective change makers. Because slow and gentle can be more effective in the long run than fast and loud. I am 100% behind Sarah’s project and have no doubt that those of us in the crafty, creative community have plenty to contribute when it comes to making a better, fairer world. 
Stitching a powerful message can be  more effective than shouting it at someone who’s not listening to you. If you’d like to get involved or find out more, follow the top link in my bio.
Thanks to @botanical_tales for sharing beautiful d Thanks to @botanical_tales for sharing beautiful dried flower wreath ideas over on the blog - link in bio. I love this dried mini wreath as natural gift wrapping decoration (you can buy ready-made too) - all the links are in the post.
Thanks too to Kirsten @henthorn_farm_flowers for sharing her step by steps for creating a stunning giant foraged dried flower wreath as well as her beautiful simple wreath in silvery winter whites. 
I’m increasingly obsessed with the idea of growing my own flowers for drying and creating lovely things with them. Watch this space for more dried flower inspiration coming soon... X
One of the joyful things about this time of year f One of the joyful things about this time of year for me is making plans for next spring and summer in my flower cutting garden. After two years of growing cut flowers, I’m ready for some fresh ideas and to raise my game a little more. I would like to fill some gaps in shape and colour and to extend the flowering season in particular. I’d also like to start drying and preserving my flowers... so I am thrilled that Kirsten of @henthorn_farm_flowers has shared a beautiful glimpse into her seasonal and sustainable flowery world as well as lots of fantastic expert tips and ideas over on the blog - the link is in my bio. I hope you find some inspiration too. Kirsten lives in a very beautiful part of the world - the Ribble Valley in Lancashire. It’s an area very close to my heart as I grew up not far away. Loved spending a little virtual time there again, thanks to Kirsten - and I am yearning to go back in person one day soon and breathe it all in again.
To be honest, I’m still clinging on to the last To be honest, I’m still clinging on to the last moments of Summer. I do always eventually embrace Autumn but, this year in particular, I’m wanting to hold on for as long as possible to the quiet bliss of the last few months. 
I do really worry about what lies ahead for us all, but spending time outdoors, connecting, really up close, to what’s going on in the garden definitely helps. I still have roses, sweet peas, snapdragons, zinnias, asters and LOTS of dahlias blooming so there are always jars and jugs of flowers on every available surface. Rose geranium leaves have been a revelation for adding a fragrant green frilliness - and now I’m full of love for abelia. 
This beautiful photo is by @gandgorgeousflowers and captures the between-seasons beauty in the flower garden right now. I am inspired to create something similar as I have many of the same colours. 
I do realise that it’s silly (and utterly pointless 😂) to resist Autumn as it’s actually one of the most beautiful times of year. As soon as the leaves really turn, and everywhere starts to smell like Autumn, I’m sure I’ll be fully on board. 
With that in mind, I’ve shared lots of inspiring Autumn Flowers ideas over on the blog (link in my bio) from some of my favourite flower creatives including @gandgorgeousflowers @simplybyarrangement @therealflowerco @wildbunchflowers @floribundaroseflorists @thesussexflowerschool @electricdaisyflowerfarm 

Hope you enjoy - and find a little bit of creative inspiration too. X

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