We are seeing more and more problems coming out of the EU with Tariffs being placed upon goods imported from the EU countries. Flowers went up by 25% when the referendum came out that the United Kingdom voted to leave. When we eventually come out what price will we have to pay for flowers imported from the Netherlands, where the 3 main auction houses are. Flowers could become a luxury item and wholesalers go out of business. Will Columbia and Kenya be are main importer with their beautiful roses.
'Flowers from the Farm' a British co-operative company involving more and more growers from around the country has got ahead of the game. This year many will need to step up their production to keep the florists in full time business. Think ahead, sow annuals for cutting and plant summer/autumn bulbs eg Gladioli, Lilies, Nerines, Dahlias, Dutch Iris and so forth. Remember last summer very hot. Due to climatic changes in our weather patterns, you may need to do a lot of watering and attending to pests such as slugs. This all takes a lot more of our time, but thank goodness the clocks go forward at the end of March.
Trends for this year grow British Country Flowers and use foliage from our gardens. June is the best time as it has always been to have a wedding.
Happy Gardening!