Richmond Peonies

09/05/2026

This is my first experience growing Zinnias. I’ve so enjoyed their striking colours and they have proved to be so robust in our dry climate, that I have already ordered seeds for this coming summer. I highly recommend them if you have some space. Oh and the gorgeous dahlia is from !

08/05/2026

08/05/2026

It’s a bitter sweet moment…. Removing a cherry orchard that you created. But sometimes farming requires big decisions. Whilst we still have a small cherry patch, we have planted our lovely hydrangeas and some wonderful new peony varieties in our former main cherry orchard. It’s been a huge endeavour, removing 1,900 trees and we’ve had super help from friends and ag colleagues to do it.

23/04/2026

So this week we are planting some more gorgeous coral peonies… (can you have too many?) and there is nothing like getting a big tractor to make light work of a tough job. Now the fun part, planting… and then we wait 3 years before we begin a light harvest. Anticipation is a wonderful thing, as is patience! 😆
I’ll share photos of the planting set-up soon.😊

25/03/2026

A Richmond friend M has showered me with dahlias from her extensive dahlia patch. Rich magenta, deep pink, mellow pink & all tones in between. What a friend! It’s a fact that chefs love having meals cooked for them and, yes, flower growers love receiving flowers! Thank you M.

12/03/2026

There is a delightful freshness in the air after the lovely lovely rain, now the peony foliage is turning, but there is still time to feed these plants before we trim them back in winter.

11/03/2026

I still get excited when a parcel arrives, with the delayed gratification after ordering tulips months ago … and today they arrived! Pure indulgence.😆 I read Sarah Raven’s latest book ‘A Year Full of Pots’ and have been inspired by her use of colour… So I’m giving it my best shot! Hot pinks, deep burgundy, and a splash of orange 😳🤔 And I got some free daffs!

07/03/2026

Playing around before the bell rings at this morning 😊 Aurore hiding amongst the hydrangeas! The flowers are turning pink, a sure sign the season is changing.

21/02/2026

Not your average hydrangea 😊 Paniculata hydrangeas are here and becoming so popular, and for good reason. Great for the garden and as a cut 🌸 and wait a while and they change colour ! Thanks Louison for helping harvest these beauties.
tomorrow.

03/02/2026

Did a bit of experimenting this peony season just to see how well they would dry …. Of course I know they are always most beautiful when fresh….. but I think they look rather lovely and like crepe paper and I’m pleased the colour has survived. Chris is completely bemused🤨
What do you think?