Hyde Flower Company in Fordingbridge to offer floral workshops with organic blooms led by owner Caroline Howells and florist Sally Valentine

A FLOWER farm in Fordingbridge is offering workshops in which people can pick their own blooms then learn how to arrange them perfectly.

Hyde Flower Company at Hedge Corner, which grows organic plants, is the brainchild of Caroline Howells who has turned what was fallow ground into a “blossoming business”.

She has teamed up with Fordingbridge florist Sally Valentine to offer wedding and event flowers, along with Pick Your Own and now the workshops.

They will include classes in flower arranging, posy making, spring wreaths, hanging baskets and DIY wedding flowers.

There will also be sessions on growing plants, and students of some of the classes will get the chance to go on a “field tour” to see the sensational selection of blooms Caroline grows.

Born and raised in the New Forest, she has a strong horticultural background. Her mother and grandmother both worked in the sector and Caroline ran her own gardening business for ten years before setting up the flower farm.

She said: “Currently we have about an acre under cultivation and I really couldn’t put a figure on how many species of flowers we have.

“I don’t tend to dedicate beds to particular species so the farm has a very natural look.

“New perennials are added every year; I sow around 40 annuals and then, of course, from March onwards we also have hundreds of glorious bulbs.

“Teaming up with Sally has created a partnership that allows us to showcase the flowers and share our knowledge in a calm, creative space.”

Sally says she is looking forward to sharing the hints and tips that can enhance floral arrangements.

She said: “I passionately believe that working with flowers is a positive and joyful experience.

“Many of this year’s new, informal workshops offer the opportunity to stroll into the growing field, pick your own flowers, and then use your chosen blooms to create something that is uniquely your own.”

To book a workshop, visit www.hydeflowercompany.co.uk or call 07554 005208.