Yorkshire-grown flowers got the royal seal of approval, when East Yorkshire grower Peggy Hodgson had the chance to present a buttonhole and corsage to HRH the Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, at this year's Great Yorkshire Show.
Peggy and her mother Gill have a fledgling business growing local seasonal flowers on their arable farm just outside Pocklington. The business has grown gradually over the last three years after a snap decision to grow flowers for a friend’s wedding resulted in a glut of beautiful blooms. Putting them out at the end of the farm lane with an honesty box, the pair were delighted with the response from the public.
Since then the family have gradually increased the quantity of flowers they grow and have now launched the country’s first co-operative aimed at encouraging other farmers to follow suit.
“Collectively I hope we can boost the local, seasonal market for home-grown cut flowers," said Peggy. "Britain offers superb growing conditions for an array of flower varieties and all our recent experience tells us the public are keen to support the idea."
It seems the royal couple also enjoyed recieving the delicate and fragrant blooms when they visited the NFU-sponsored 'Meet the Grower' section of the Garden Show.
Peggy says Camilla seemed delighted with the flowers, which went beautifully with her outfit. “It was a special moment for us when she even took the time to attach the buttonhole, featuring 'love-in-a-mist' and ears of Yorkshire wheat, to Prince Charles’ jacket,” Peggy added.
Camilla's corsage included Astrantia and Lavender.
For more information, visit the Flowers from the Farm website.
No comments have been made.