Blooming Success for Flower Weekend

August 20, 2019By Gordon CastleBlog, Events 1 Comment

Hundreds flocked to Gordon Castle Walled Garden in Fochabers last weekend (17th & 18th August) for the Flower Farmers Big Weekend.

Part of a nationwide initiative launched by Flowers from the Farm, there were over 100 events across Britain celebrating home-grown flowers. The initiative aims to encourage both florists  and consumers to consider home-grown varieties. Flowers from the Farm say, “Today 90% of the flowers sold through UK florists, supermarkets and wholesalers are imported not just from Holland but flown from as far afield as Ecuador, Colombia, Kenya and even Ethiopia. Flowers from the Farm aims to reduce travel miles by promoting locally-grown flowers and developing a network of British cut flower growers across the country.”

So on Saturday we joined forces with this fantastic initiative and opened our garden to champion British cut flowers. Five local florists (detailed below) showed their amazing support by constructing amazing displays in various areas of the garden from the pear arch to the dipping pond!

Huge thank you to

Wild Blossom
Stephen Seedhouse
Fran Duncan
Harbour blooms
Blossoms of Lossiemouth

The garden café got on board too with edible flower cakes, floral ice cubes and fresh blooms on all the tables. Owner, Zara Gordon Lennox, also took visitors on tours across both days as well as giving out fresh bouquets. Zara says, “Despite the gusty wind and occasional shower It was fantastic to see how many people were interested in Scottish grown flowers and to be able to show them our four colour themed beds and the story of our restoration and how the florists used our flowers in so many different ways.  A big thank you to all the florists who took part and we hope to build on the event for next year.”

We are looking to run this event again next year so watch this space for dates. In the meantime, our annual Garden Market is on Saturday 28th September and is a celebration of all home-grown produce. The family event will celebrate the best in fresh seasonal garden produce from fresh fruit, vegetables, herbs and plants. We will have flower and wreath demonstrations, hands-on displays from local artisans, children’s play, free garden entry and garden trail. We will also be welcoming local crafters and artists for the event. Find out more about this event here.

The garden will be alive with music from local musician Lucy Lloyd. We will have gin cocktails, craft cider and beer. For the foodies we’re offering a delicious BBQ with particular focus on our amazing apples and chillies (of which we have an abundance!) 🌶🍏

Entry is £3 per person (under 16s are free) and will go towards the restoration of the garden.