Here comes the sun...
- pleydellholly
- Apr 1
- 3 min read
And my goodness, how welcome is that?
Maybe its something we say every year.. oh when will this winter weather end.. but it has felt such a grey, drab and gloomy time these last couple of months, and I'm so ready for some light and warmth.
April has arrived and today has been the most perfect spring day. I started the day early enough to watch the sun rise, with a coffee and binoculars watching a couple of oyster catchers doing the dance of love and shuffle their bottoms on the shingle bank!
'Quiet time' ...
Over the last few months, I have been using my 'quiet' time for reflection, both personal and professional. When I say 'quiet' I mean that I am not working with fresh flowers, since there is little available during the depths of Winter, and there are always jobs to be done. One of the most rewarding jobs is sorting my bounty of dried flowers and foliage, and finding interesting ways of making them into cheery reminders of summer.
Bouquets and posies, flower crowns and buttonholes, but also flower panels, rings, wreaths, garlands and twiggy creations my husband has randomly named P Funks! Something from the 1970's apparently.
Thinking ahead to warmer, sunnier days, I have been busy in the seed sowing department.
The 'Misty Lavender' Larkspur, pale lilac sweet rocket, ammi and orlaya are all coming along nicely, but it's now the time to make some firm decisions about what to sow next.
I find Chiltern Seeds are very reliable and have an excellent choice of trusted old favourites, along with varieties that are new to me. After a fruitless search for the very fashionable "Citrinus" Buttercup a couple of years ago, I found it at the Chelsea Flower Show last year and bought two packets as a belt and braces approach. One packet has successfully germinated into sturdy little seedlings.
I have just received a pack of seeds from Winnow Farm, a small seed business new to me, with a few interesting newbies, including a few vegetables.
Something else I have been experimenting with for the last few years are paper and waxed paper flowers.
Working with crepe, tissue, wrapping and newspaper ( the Financial Times is a particularly pleasing shade of salmon pink) to learn both new techniques, and develop my own style. Waxing the flowers changes the colour and look of the flowers, and also makes them longer lasting and waterproof.
I'm also experimenting with dying the crepe and tissue to give a more realistic looking flower.
I find the process of creating the flowers incredibly therapeutic and totally absorbing. They take a long time to make, but keep me out of mischief during this 'quiet' time of mine!
I will be offering some of them for sale in my shop, and teaching creative folk how to make them.
If you have a group who would like to have a making session for a birthday, anniversary, hen party or just a creative get together, then do get in touch or take a look at my forthcoming workshop dates.
Wedding Belles
The 'quiet' time, is also when brides to be are getting in touch to discuss flowers. This could be brides who are already booked for this year, or those yet to decide which florist will give them the flowers they are looking for.
I love it when a couple chooses British grown, and locally sourced flowers, and know that the flowers they have on their wedding day will be a reflection of what is growing outside.
2025 is looking pretty busy, and I was lucky enough to work some gorgeous couples last year....
Megan & Dominic - Bridal Barn
Meaghan & Adam - Cheswell Grange
Photos courtesy of James at ATD Photography
Kirsty & Craig - The Hundred House
It's been another glorious day today so I'm off to the allotment now to check on progress and to cover up those tender small plants. April can be a fickle month, with gorgeous sunny days, and overnight frost, so they will remain safely tucked up for some time.
Toodlepip,
Gretel x
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