I swapped the supermarket flower stand for something far more unique – a visit to Abbey Farm Flowers in the picturesque village of Abbotsbury, where you can pick your own bouquet straight from the field.
Flowers (Image: Hollie Carr)
The charming venue is set within the rolling hills of west Dorset within the grounds of Abbey Farm – I’d heard rumours of the experience – and thought I’d give it a go myself.
I arrived on a warm, breezy afternoon and was welcomed by Amy Ralph and Emma Hughes, the owners, whose passion for seasonal blooms is infectious.
Abbey Farm Flowers Pick Your Own (Image: Hollie Carr)
They handed me a pair of snips, a vase, and gave me a quick rundown of the best cutting techniques, then sent me off into the field like a kid in a sweet shop.
The vase and snips (Image: Hollie Carr)
Rows upon rows of the deepest and brightest colours stretched before me from wine reds, to dazzling oranges and sunshine yellows. There were dahlias, perennials, sunflowers, snap dragons, sweet peas, and so much more to choose from.
It felt very calming moving through the rows of flowers choosing each stem deliberately, some I chose for their vibrant colours whilst others were attractive due to their beautiful shapes.
Flowers (Image: Hollie Carr)
Normally, I’m the sort of person that gets anxious about doing things on my own, but this was a very relaxing, enjoyable experience that is perfect whether you are looking for something to do on your own, or with others.
My freshly picked bouquet (Image: Hollie Carr)
Once my vase was full, I brought my bouquet back to the shop and Amy wrapped them for me in brown paper.
A standard bouquet is charged at £19, a children’s is £9, and a special bouquet which includes a special wrap, water reservoir, and a ribbon is £25.
Me and my bouquet (Image: Hollie Carr)
Speaking of how the business idea came about, Amy said: “The pick your own is our speciality. We have been here for about four and a half years. Imports of flowers stopped during covid, and I got carried away growing my own flowers and ended up looking for more land.
Abbey Farm Flowers Pick Your Own (Image: Hollie Carr)
“When we came across Abbey Farm it was just such a lovely setting and you had the bonus of Cherries café, a car park and toilet facilities.”
The bouquet (Image: Hollie Carr)
Emma explained that the types of flowers vary with the season and that the pick your own begins around Mother’s Day in March with tulips being popular at that time of year, through until October, although the shop is open from February – December.
The pair both agreed that their favourite flower was a Scabiosa – a rounded flower with lots of delicate little petals.
Abbey Farm (Image: Hollie Carr)
Amy further explained that the experience is particularly popular with brides who want to pick their own wedding bouquets which feels like the perfect way to make a poignant memory.
The gardens (Image: Hollie Carr)
Abbey Farm Flowers isn’t just a great spot for a bunch of blooms, it’s a place to slow down, breathe, and be reminded of the simple pleasures of nature. Whether you’re after a unique bouquet, a mindful afternoon, or just a good excuse to visit Abbotsbury, I can’t recommend it enough.
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