Hi,

I wondered if you would be able to publicise our flower festival please? It is not until August, but we are running competitions this year, so we want people to think about it well in advance of the event. I will attach a couple of photos of last year - if you'd like anything else please ask. We are planning a photo shoot nearer the time, I will forward anything we have from that.

If you have any questions please ask, and if you have a reporter or photographer you could send along, it's a very photogenic event, with flowers, medieval scenery, families, dogs etc (many in floral dress!)

I look forward to hearing from you soon,

Kind regards 

Amy

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Flower Festival Grows and Grows!

Last year's first ever Abbey Farm Flowers Festival was a big hit, and this year promises to be even better.

Over the Saturday, Sunday and Monday of the August Bank Holiday weekend, there will be three days of fun and flowers.

With stalls, plant stands, artisan crafts and food, live music and floral competitions, it will be three days to celebrate all things floral, all centred around the impressive medieval barn and ruins.

The marquee is back for talks and demonstrations, and with experts such as Dorset Dahlias, Sustainable Church Flowers and florist Flower Fusions demonstrating, there will be lots to learn. There will also be a talk on bees in the garden, Abbotsbury Swannery and an entertaining talk from Charlie Groves of Groves Garden Centre. Admission is free, and last year lots of people spent the whole day, or even several days, at the event.

Guided walks include herbalism, a folk music walk, poetry and nature journaling. 

New this year are the competitions. Penny Callaghan of boutique From My Mother's Garden explained that this is to enable everyone to get involved and be a part of the event.

Penny said: "Last year we asked people to come in floral attire, and the response was fantastic, so people obviously want to join in. We have added a few more competitions this year for people to have a go at; they are all very informal and achievable, and the winner will be chosen by public vote rather than a strict judging regime, so it's easy to have a go.

"Categories include a garden in a seed tray, a vaseful of flowers from your garden, and to reflect Abbotsbury's arty side, a floral art competition.

"Last year's 'decorate your door' competition was popular, so we're hoping to build on that this year, and of course, if you're planning to visit, flowery clothes will be most welcome!"

Last year was very busy, and organisers are expecting another great atmosphere.

Amy Ralph of Abbey Farm Flowers told us: "We offer Pick Your Own flowers, and last year was so busy that although we had plenty for everyone, by Monday morning the field was looking distinctly green! We have added plenty more flowerbeds this season, especially dahlias which seemed to be everyone's favourites, so we will have lots to choose from this year."

If you are planning to visit, all the details can be found on the Abbey Farm website at www.abbeyfarmabbotsbury.co.uk.