What's available from flower farms in the UK in November

November is a month of change for growers. Those growing outdoors will stop sales apart from foliage, but will be busy planting and clearing. Those growing in glasshouses will need to deal with reduced light and heat. Dried flowers will need to be carefully stored to prevent mould and deterioration, and we’ll all be preparing for the Christmas rush. So what is available if you want to use just British Grown in November?

Heather James Chrysanthemum

In November Chrysanthemum are the main focal flowers. The stars of the show, and in a wonderful range of colours.

Also available from the glasshouses of the UK are Lilies and filler flowers like Sweet William, Campanula, Tanecetum, Alstromeria and Antirrhinum. The first of the Narcissus come from the Isles of Scilly, and Dried flowers are key for colour, and winter installations.

And even if those flowers don’t take your fancy, seasonal foliages are available for bouquets and displays.

November bouquet

For your Winter flowers, choose one of these British Flowers wholesalers.

Smith and Munson , Flower by Clowance, Evolve Flowers Wholesale, BJ Richards, Real Flower company trade

The Industry innovation interview - Hannah Martin of Com:post

Com:post: Turning Florist Waste into Growth

As a grower, I take it for granted that when i’ve finished with my floristry stems, i’ll chuck them on the compost heap, and 2 years later or less, we’ll have wonderful nutritious compost to use on our plants, but what about Florist shops and studios?

We spoke with Hannah Martin from Com:post . A waste management company on a mission to turn florist green waste into something valuable. Here’s what she had to say about the company’s work and its impact.

Q: Can you describe your company and what you’re trying to achieve?
Hannah: Com:post is a waste management company with a unique focus—we turn florist green waste into compost within just 16 weeks. Our closed-loop system is designed specifically for florists. This means that the green waste generated from their work isn’t just discarded but repurposed to grow more flowers, completing a sustainable cycle. The amount of green waste the floristry industry produces is staggering, and many florists don’t know what actually happens to it. We wanted to change that, ensuring it’s put to good use.

Hannah Martin (right) with business partner Fiona Knowlton.

Q: Why is this important?
Hannah: Having worked in the floristry industry for over 25 years, I’ve seen firsthand just how much green waste is created. A huge percentage of a florist’s waste is organic, yet there’s no standard practice across the UK for dealing with it. In some areas, commercial green waste is collected, but it’s inconsistent. That’s where we come in. We focus solely on florists, offering a reliable and transparent service that puts their waste to better use.

Q: How will this help florists?
Hannah: First, it’s about cost savings. Commercial waste collection is often charged by weight, and since 85% of a florist’s bin is green waste, diverting that from landfill means lower collection costs. Plus, we provide reliable data on what’s been collected and processed, giving florists peace of mind. We ensure that our service is the same price, or even cheaper, than standard waste collection, so they’re not paying more for doing the right thing.

Q: How will it help the planet?
Hannah: By keeping green waste out of landfill, we’re reducing methane emissions, which is a significant contributor to climate change. Florists using our service know they’re making a positive impact on the environment. It’s part of a circular economy—waste becomes compost, which then helps grow more flowers. It’s a win-win for everyone.

Q: What do you think the key changes have been over the last six years?
Hannah: Sustainability has become a core part of business strategy. Consumers are demanding it, and businesses can no longer greenwash their practices. There’s been a shift towards practical, cost-effective solutions, and businesses now know they have to be transparent and accountable. The days of pretending to be green are over—people are asking questions and want real solutions.

Q: Where do you see this going in the future?
Hannah: Right now, we’re processing 8 tonnes of green waste from 20 florists in London, but we have big ambitions. We’re rolling out our service nationwide, starting with our partnership with Hoek Flowers in Bristol. Our goal is to have five hubs across the UK, including Scotland, and ultimately compost 1 million tonnes of florist green waste. It’s an exciting journey!

Hannah and Fiona can be found at https://www.com-post.uk or @compost.uk

The Grower interview - Philippa Stewart of Just Dahlias

Who are you, and where do you grow?

I’m Philippa Stewart of Just Dahlias a Cheshire-based flower farm , offering over 150 varieties of dahlias. Just Dahlias started in 2016, when a passion became an obsession.

Philippa Stewart

What is your season?

Our main season for fresh dahlias runs from August to October. During this time, customers can collect their fresh blooms directly from the farm. Outside of that, we offer dried dahlias, which can be delivered throughout the UK. It’s a wonderful way to keep enjoying these flowers all year round!

Who’s your ideal customer?

My ideal customer knows what they’re looking for, especially when it comes to the colour palette and stem length they want. Since I grow seedlings, I might not have huge quantities of a specific variety, but I can offer a great range of colours. We often chat over WhatsApp, where I send photos to make sure the colours are just right. A picture paints a million words, so it’s a great way to capture the exact shade my customers are after!

I love the collaboration—it’s such a buzz! Once I’ve gathered the blooms and sent them photos, we have this wonderful back-and-forth. “How about this one? What do you think of that?” It’s exciting to match their vision and create something truly special.

What changes have you seen in the last 6 years (since the British flowers book was published) in what florists are buying.

Absolutely loads. I’ve seen an increase in demand from all across the UK, and particularly Scottish customers, and there’s a growing focus on sustainability, which is fantastic. People are becoming more conscious of the environmental impact of their flowers, and it’s wonderful to be part of that positive change.

Any predictions for what will be popular next year?

Yes! I’m growing seedlings with lighter colours and subtle hints of other tones. What I’ve found is that in the drying process, those hints become more pronounced, creating really interesting blooms. I think these will be a big hit next year.

Philippa can be found http://justdahlias.co.uk. or @justdahlias

Flowers are in every room, the rule is, you just need to be able to see the Tv.

What's available from flower farms in the UK in October

October is the end of the season for most growers where the majority of their flowers are outside. If the weather is kind, there can be flowers until the end of the month, but 2024 has been anything but pleasant, so growers are highly likely to have experienced storms, near frosts, and gales. All of these mean that the number of stems available are likely to be smaller. Until the end of the season, October is the time for perennials to reflower, and for Dahlias and Chrysanthemums to be the key focal flowers.

October Dahlia arch by Lindsey Kitchin, Photo Emma Davies

In October foliages will start to become easier to buy as English Eucalyptus becomes available again, and Beech starts turning colour making it wonderful for Autumnal arches.

Grasses are abundant for movement and height in displays, and there are still bursts of annual colour from Calendula, Nasturtium and late batches of Sunflowers

There are still Perennials and bulbs waiting to join the show, with Hesperanthera, Acidanthera, Astrantia and Sedums still available.

If there is undercover growing space then flower farms are likely to be producing Chrysanthemums, Nerines, Late Sweet Williams and Antirrhinum plus Alstromerias, Celosia and Amaryllis.

The Grower interview - Jessica Roberts of Featherstone flowers

Who are you, and where do you grow?

I’m Jessica Roberts of Featherstone Flowers, - which was started with my florist business partner Katie 3 years ago in Oct 21. We are based in West Hampshire and have 4 acres in total, with currently 2.7 in production We grow a big range - 50/50 perennials and annuals. We Sell via our website, and florists can order by the bunch, and glut buckets. In season 50% of our flowers are sold wholesale.

Katie (l) and Jessica (r) by their barn door

What is your season?

Our Season for Wholesale is May to mid September currently, there is an already planted acre of shrubs for foliage for the future, and we are putting in more shelter belt so that we can plant more.

Who’s your ideal customer?

Our ideal customers are Large event florists, within 50 miles of us. They have high volume and larger price events. They are likely to buy 500-1000 stems and know enough about flowers to order specifics by the stem/bunch from the website. They are repeat customers who come several times a month. We can get to know what they like so that we can be guided on what to offer them

What changes have you seen in the last 6 years (since the British flowers book was published) in what florists are buying.

More florists are using British including larger event florists. They are more open to using items that aren’t normally imported. Habits are changing slowly, high import prices may have helped changes. Colour schemes are changing with fashions and a wider range of colours. Plus florists are seeking out flowers.

Jessica and Katie can be found At Featherstone Flowers and @Featherstonewholesale

Dahlia growers favourite blooms for cutting

The Best Cutting Varieties from RHS Wisley

At this year’s National Dahlia Society show at RHS Wisley Garden, I joined a group of professional growers and expert amateurs in showcasing their favourite dahlias—varieties not just for the exhibition bench, but also perfect for cutting gardens.

While the NDS often celebrates exhibition varieties, The weekend of the show was all about the Garden varieties, and I asked this team which ones they’d found over the years to be both stars of the show and dependable performers in any flower garden and vase, and the reasons why they chose them. I have to say that this is a pretty solid collection if you want to sell your dahlias for floristry and enjoyment.

Team Dahlias at RHS Wisley show 2024 - photo by John Williams

Philippa from Just Dahlias – 'Caroline Wagermanns'

For Philippa at Just Dahlias, the 'Caroline Wagermanns' dahlia stands out. Known for its stunning shape and its ability to dry beautifully, this variety is perfect for arrangements that go beyond the garden.

Ali Kesson from Small Garden Life & Liz Appleby – 'Château de la Bourdaisière'

Ali and Liz are both enamoured with 'Château de la Bourdaisière'. Ali says, "It’s a dahlia that’s both beautiful and prolific, with long stems and an amazing dusky apricot hue." This one is ideal for creating elegant arrangements with a soft, sophisticated touch. -having seen how it held up over the weekend of the show, it’s on my list to get next season.

Liz Frost from Surrey Dahlias – 'Wine-Eyed Jill'

Liz Frost’s favourite is 'Wine-Eyed Jill', which is always the first to flower in her garden. What makes it stand out is how its colours change throughout the season, giving a dynamic look to any arrangement, with a pink touch earlier in the season, and the picture below showing the Autumnal shades.

Sarah Williams – 'Cornel Brons'

Sarah loves the strong presence of 'Cornel Brons', a dahlia that excels in both form and colour. "I adore its perfection of colour," Sarah says, "and it looks fantastic in any bouquet."

Cornel brons

Natalie from Pinks Cottage Flowers – 'Wizard of Oz'

'Wizard of Oz' is Natalie’s pick for its soft, pastel pink blooms. "It’s a prolific flowerer," she shares, making it perfect for florists who want to keep their arrangements full and fresh throughout the season.

Sandra Field from Field Flower Farm – 'Sandra' Dahlia

Sandra Field of Field Flower Farm has a special connection to her namesake dahlia, 'Sandra'. " It has incredibly long stems, and as a ball dahlia, it lasts really well, even during transportation in the van."

Claire Brown from Plantpassion - ‘Evelyn"‘

I’m a big fan of Evelyn. It grows large, so crowds out the weeds, it starts flowering early, it goes with lots of colours so it’s popular for weddings, but is also great for bouquets. All of this means that it’s one of my most profiable. What’s not to love?

Sophie Jones – 'Linda’s Baby' and 'Hamari Rose'

Sophie finds it hard to choose between two stunning dahlias: 'Linda’s Baby' and 'Hamari Rose'. She loves both for their striking colour, form, and impressive vase life.

Linda's Baby (Photo by Liz Frost)

Vanessa Penn – 'Labyrinth'

Vanessa is captivated by 'Labyrinth', a dahlia known for its stunning colour, which complements its bronze leaf foliage. "The form and colour are just lovely," Vanessa says, and it’s easy to see why this one is a favourite.

Richard – 'Kidd’s Climax' and 'Peppermint Splash'

Richard is drawn to 'Kidd’s Climax' for its bold colour and great stem length, while 'Peppermint Splash' stands out for its unique variations in colour. Both add a touch of excitement to any floral display.

Claire Parkes from Green Barn Flowers – 'Megan Dean'

Finally, Claire Parkes recommends 'Megan Dean' for its excellent stem length and lovely colour. This variety is a wonderful choice for creating long-lasting, striking arrangements.

Each of these dahlias has its own special qualities, and they’ve certainly earned their place as favourites in our gardens, and in the vase. Whether you’re looking for vibrant colours, long-lasting blooms, or unique forms, there’s a dahlia out there that will capture your heart and bring beauty to your home or business.

What's available from flower farms in the UK in September

September is the month that Dahlias are in their prime, Half hardy annuals are continuing to pump out vast numbers of stems and are great for drying, and Grasses give movement and texture

September field view in the Surrey Hills.

September is a month for colour, and with the summer holiday season finishing, sales can be brisk. Weddings are still happening, and the schools are back to routine. As growers, it’s worth having new batches of annuals coming on line this month to keep things fresh. As florists, there are a new and wider range of textures to work with.

As September progresses, the paler colours become less easy to find. and the colours get Autumnal, however some of the things that might be associated with Autumn are actually at their peak at the beginning of the month, like Blackberries, Hawthorn berries and Hypericum berries.

Here are some of the best annuals for this month here at Plantpassion

Multiple stems of Callistephus (Aster), Zinnias in all shades, Rudbeckia Sahara, and Nicotiana

There are still Perennials waiting to join the show, with Sedums (Hylotelphium) Perennial Asters and Anemones and Grasses also now at their peak. These particularly Miscanthus are wonderful for movement and height in displays and bouquets.

Also looking good in September, Amaranth’s, Sunflowers, Dill and Fennel, Ammi Visnaga, Daucus Dara, Monarda, Frosted Explosion Grass, Orach, and Dahlias in every colour.

The Florist interview - Sarah Diligent of Floribunda Rose

Can you tell us a bit about you and your business?

I’m Sarah, of Floribunda Rose florists, which is just celebrating its 10th Anniversary. I’m the founder of a flowers school based in Hampshire, teaching workshops about using sustainable mechanics and local flowers. And we create flowers for weddings and events across the UK. I’m also Co author of the guide to floral mechanics, with my Partner William Mazuch.

Who do you buy your British flowers from? and are all the flowers you use British?

Yes, we only use British flowers, all year round, and so our customers come to us knowing that. In the winter we still flower weddings, and 50th Birthday parties and lots of things at Christmas. We loved taking part in the winter flowers week at the Garden Museum.

We have a network of trusted growers all over the South east which is where we mainly work, including Featherstones, Lower Norton farm, Bramshill flowers, The Real Flower company, Usk Valley roses, Smith and Munson, Flowers from Clowance. and New Covent Garden Market.

Flowers in this December installation included Viburnum bodnantense, Daphne, Winter flowering honeysuckle, clematis and jasmine, Hellebores, Paperwhite Narcissus, Camellia, Cyclamen, Rose lilies, Chrysanthemum, Ivy, Spindle berry and the very last of the garden roses

Who’s your ideal customer?

The Ideal flower school customer is a florist who is used to using floral foam and importing all their flowers, but is curious about changing over to sustainable methods, and comes to us to learn how. They then realise British flowers are more beautiful and incredible, great as a 1st option, so they become a new convert. Our Wedding and event customers love flowers, but probably don’t know much about them. They trust us to find the most beautiful flowers in season in their colour palette.

What changes have you seen in the last 6 years (since the British flowers book was published)

Over the last 6 or 7 years, we’ve been far more proactive about letting customers know we are only using British flowers. Because that is stated, our customers know before they start the conversation with us. Which means that instead of asking if they can get locally grown, they want to know what is possible. What does that mean for them? This means they can be educated about what grows, and so they are more curious about where the flowers are coming from. We’ve also been asked in the last 2 or 3 years for plastic free weddings.

What’s your suggestion for what your customers will want from British growers in the next few years?

Our Enquiries for 2025 2026 are mostly delicate pastels and muted tones with pops of colour, some reds and burnt umber . Vessels that are tied in to the design that are more personal. People are wanting flower heavy with less foliage, and smaller more delicate bouquets.

Sarah can be found At Floribunda Rose, or @floribundaroseflorist on Instagram

The Guide to Floral Mechanics can be found Here

Whatever the weather, the flower show goes on

The one thing that being in the Horticultural industry for 32 years, and a Flower farmer for 11 has taught me, is that you can’t control the weather.

With Climatic conditions changing, and extremes of weather of all kinds expected this is going to affect farmers more and more, and yet, the show must go on, if our businesses are to be sustainable as flower farms, and if our florists are going to trust us to provide blooms.

Here are 4 ways that flower farmers are already helping to mitigate weather extremes to ensure there are some blooms whatever the weather.

1) Planting more perennials

Perennials stay in the ground from year to year, and so often have deeper root systems than Annuals, meaning they can find water for themselves. By finding out which Perennials will grow well on your soil, and are suited to your conditions, you can have flowers even in drought. Rachel Siegfried’s excellent The Cut Flower Sourcebook - Exceptional perennials and Woody plants for cutting gives lots of ideas for what might work for you.

2) Planting hedges

Conveniently, lots of hedging plants are also great foliage or even flowers for cutting. Beech, Pittosporum, Privet and Viburnum plus conifers, are mainstays of field foliage, and also protect crops from the prevailing winds. By siting polytunnels and greenhouses behind hedges too, storm damage can be minimised. Fence panels are a lot likely to be blown into the next field.

3) Having a diverse set of crops
This is obviously the complete opposite to how farming has been mostly carried out for the last 50 years. A large mono crop has benefits of economies of scale. But the downside of that is that if you only have one crop, and it is ruined by the weather, that’s it for the year, all your harvest and profit ruined. By growing many crops alongside each other not only are you able to harvest all through the season, but Wind, drought or torrential rain, will tend to only destroy some, not all of your year’s work.

4) Undercover Space

and lastly, to prevent too many losses, undercover space is at a premium. Whether that’s extra greenhouses for propagation, Polytunnels or Glasshouses for growing in or Commercial structures for protection, some undercover space is going to be needed for extending the season, and protecting crops from damage particularly from rain.

What's available from Artisan flower farms in the UK in August

August is the month that Half Hardy annuals provide bulk and colour, and the Dahlias take over as the focal flower.

August is a month for colour and plenty on the flower field. Even new fields with limited foliage and perennials will have plenty at this time of the year. This video was from here at Plantpassion in Surrey in 2017

This photo is today, beginning of August 7 years after the video was made. So we have far more perennials, like Solidago, Phlox, Eryngium and Echinops. Plus shrubs like Hypericum and Physocarpus.

Multiple stems of Zinnia, Monarda, Cosmos and Amaranthus give different shapes and textures.

August is also the time to be drying flowers for late Autumn and winter sales. The Strawflowers, are great at keeping their colours, and come in a wide range of shades of pink, peach, and red.