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.