Ever wondered why we celebrate Mother's Day in the UK? Here are a few facts that may be of interest: "Mothering Sunday is the fourth Sunday of Lent. Although it's often called Mothers' Day it has no connection with the American festival of that name. Traditionally, it was a day when children, mainly daughters, who had gone to work as domestic servants were given a day off to visit their mother and family. Most Sundays in the year churchgoers in England worship at their nearest parish or 'daughter church'. Centuries ago it was considered important for people to return to their home or 'mother' church once a year. So each year in the middle of Lent, everyone would visit their...
With Valentine's Day just around the corner, we sell far more roses than any other flower during the month of February! Here is a colourful history of the rose from the University of Illinois: They have been symbols of love, beauty, war, and politics. The rose is, according to fossil evidence, 35 million years old. In nature, the genus Rosa has some 150 species spread throughout the Northern Hemisphere, from Alaska to Mexico and including northern Africa. Garden cultivation of roses began some 5,000 years ago, probably in China. During the Roman period, roses were grown extensively in the Middle East. They were used as confetti at celebrations, for medicinal purposes, and as a source of perfume. Roman nobility established...
The popularity of red roses on Valentine's Day dates back to the nineteenth century when the Victorians used floral bouquets to deliver coded messages to love interests. This system was know as floriography and it officially cemented the rose's romantic status. A red rose represents 'love' due to the colour red being linked to passion. A pink rose can mean appreciation and grace, a yellow rose stands for friendship and happiness and a white rose represents innocence.
Whatever message you want to communicate this Valentine's Day, roses remains a timeless choice and we offer a dozen red or white roses available to buy online.
Spring bulbs are the perfect antidote during these short winter days to add a splash of colour and gorgeous scent to your home. We have lots to choose from in the shop including narcissus and hyacinths (pictured above).
Place your hyacinth bulbs in a cool location away from heating, ideally in bright, indirect sunlight. Exposure to heat will shorten the plant's life. Water every 2 to 3 days and do not allow the soil to dry out completely. How simple is that!
