Hello, flower lovers!
Carla & Jo here, two slightly cold-resistant (but definitely not cold-loving) business ladies running a flower farm here in the UK (BENTON END FLOWER FARM) based in the historic town of Hadleigh!.
While February might feel like the middle of winter, for us, it’s actually a time of hope, preparation, and—let’s be honest—lots of layers.
Here on the farm, we’re still braving the chilly weather, but there’s a sense of excitement in the air as we get ready for the months ahead. February might be cold, but it's also full of promise. We’re planting our hardy annuals, which are flowers that are tough enough to survive the winter and keep on going as the weather warms up. It's a bit like planting for a long-term payoff, and honestly, we’re ready for a bit of colour to brighten up these grey days!
What’s Growing Now?
So, what’s actually going in the ground this month? Well, some of our favourite cutting flowers are the ones that will get a head start on the spring blooms. These include:
Sweet peas (because, yes, we’re all about those gorgeous, scented flowers)
Cornflowers (they’re easy to grow and always a crowd-pleaser)
Nigella (also known as love-in-a-mist – such a pretty name, isn’t it?)
Poppies (because why not?)
For you home gardeners out there, this is the perfect time to start thinking about your own cutting flowers. You can follow some simple tricks to get going, and trust us, your future self will thank you when spring rolls around.
Tips for Home Gardeners:
Choose hardy varieties: Like us, you’ll want to pick flowers that can stand up to the cold a little. Sweet peas, cornflowers, and poppies all work great in a home garden if you're in a slightly colder zone.
Get your seeds early: If you’re planning on starting indoors, February is a good time to get your seeds ready. The sun may not be shining much yet, but you can start seeds on a windowsill or under grow lights to give them a head start.
Be patient and gentle: The weather can be unpredictable, so we always say, don’t rush the process. Give your seeds a little extra love, and let them gradually acclimatise to the outdoors as the weather gets milder.
Embrace the mess: A flower farm is not all about pristine rows of perfect blooms. We encourage you to embrace the wildness in your garden. Some flowers like a bit of chaos—trust us, it adds character!
Looking Ahead:
We’re getting more excited by the day for the warmer months ahead, as we start to see little green shoots peeking up. Our days are about to get longer, and the farm will slowly start bursting into life with all sorts of colours, scents, and textures. But right now, it's all about the quiet anticipation.
We know February can be a bit gloomy at times, but here on the farm, it’s a month full of little victories—like getting that next batch of seeds in the ground or spotting that first tiny bud. For those of you dreaming of warmer days and your own flower-filled garden, take this as your reminder: everything starts with just one little step. And if we can keep planting through the chill, so can you!
Here’s to hoping the cold snaps are short-lived, and we can all start seeing the beauty of spring in no time.
Stay warm, stay hopeful, and keep planting!
Pssssss....Oh and if you fancy a luxury Glamping trip, sleeping with the flowers (well, next to them) then do check out our luxury private glamping here - NEW for 2025! -
With love,Carla & Jo
Your slightly chilled but always cheerful flower farmers
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