Bitter Sweet Start to Autumn
- Firth Flock Flowers
- Oct 19
- 5 min read
Photo by @Arielinblue Table In The Woods at Plas Newydd, Llangollen. All Flowers Grown & Arranged by Firth Flock Flowers & Lima Gardens Wales
As the evenings draw in and the first crisp mornings arrive, we’re feeling that bittersweet turn of the seasons — the last flush of colour in the fields and the quiet hum of autumn settling in.
Honest Reflections
This month has been one for planning, reflecting, and a fair bit of learning.
We did have to cancel two workshops in September due to low bookings — something that’s never happened before. It made us pause and think: are we stretching ourselves too thin, or is it simply the economic climate we’re all feeling right now?
Running a small local business isn’t always easy, especially when people’s outgoings have doubled. But we believe in honesty and transparency — because this journey of growing a business from the ground up is full of ups and downs, and just a few muddy bits in the middle.
We’ve been so blessed with the opportunities that have come our way. As a young business entering our 3rd year of trading, we’re learning, growing, and will continue to celebrate the wins!
Wedding Photoshoot — Chaos, Storms & Magic
Photo by @Arielinblue Kara outside Plas Newydd, Llangollen
September built up to one big moment: our wedding photoshoot on 3rd October.
After months of planning, it finally came together… despite Storm Amy bringing amber weather warnings and chaos. Yes, we lost our drone shots. Yes, two models dropped out due to illness the day before (there were some moments of panic, we’ll admit!). But honestly, it all came together in the end. Running a creative business means embracing the chaos — and thinking on our feet is our superpower.
The results were beyond what we’d hoped for. We’ll share a full feature in next month’s newsletter, but for now, here’s a sneak peek captured beautifully by Alessandra @ArielinBlue who we recently worked with on the ‘Enchanted Eden’ Photoshoot featured in last months newsletter.
Photos by Alessandra @ArielinBlue at Plas Newydd, Llangollen
Christmas Workshops — Festive Plans in Full Swing
Would you believe we’ve been planning Christmas since midsummer? It’s not easy to feel festive while sowing zinnias in the sunshine.
We read recently that some florists are stepping back from wreath workshops because everyone and their dog seems to host one now — and rising costs make pricing tricky.
But doing things our way — using natural, sustainable materials, reducing waste, and keeping things small and personal — keeps it special.
Our loyal customers know the care that goes into every workshop, and we’re so grateful for your continued support.
You can sign up to our workshops HERE
A New Partnership — Polly’s Social
Photo of Ellen Firth By Adam Robinson, at Polly’s Social, Mold
We’re thrilled to announce a brand-new partnership with Polly’s Social in Mold — a short drive from Ruthin, and worth every mile.
Their taproom is stylish and full of character, their food is exceptional, and their beef? Raised on their own farm. They brew their own beer, distill their own spirits, and yes — the leftover grain makes fantastic probiotic animal feed.
It feels like the perfect fit — two local, sustainable businesses coming together to create something wonderful.
We started with a pop-up flower bar (they kept me going with small plates while I worked!) and have now planned two evening events blending flowers, gin, and good company.
Upcoming Events at Polly’s
Autumn in Bloom: Bouquets & Botanicals — 14th October
Kick off the evening with a gin tasting with Hannah, followed by a full glass of your favourite (they’re so smooth, you could skip the mixer entirely).
Enjoy light nibbles as you create your own autumnal hand-tied bouquet with seasonal flowers from our farm. I’ll guide you through everything — from sustainable growing to wrapping your finished bouquet.
We’ll also have Georgia from Girls in Wales joining us to film content for socials — no one will be filmed without consent.
Almost sold out!
The Winter Gathering: Christmas Wreaths & Festive Tipples —
9th December
A festive follow-up to our first event, this cosy evening is all about creating a fresh foliage wreath with natural, foraged textures, dried flowers, and pinecones.
Think roaring fires, mulled gin, and that heavenly scent greeting you every time you come home. These wreaths can last for months if kept in a cool spot — and Britain has plenty of those.
Photo by Alex Morgan Photography, Ellen making a wreath
Seasonal Flowers & Slower Days Ahead
We’ve got about a month left of fresh blooms in the field — so if you’re planning something special or just want to brighten your home with a splash of autumn, now’s the time to order.
After that, our website shop will switch to dried flowers until spring.
For winter weddings and larger events, we can still source fresh flowers from other sustainable UK growers — but we’ll be embracing a slower rhythm this winter, ready to bloom again in spring.
Garden Tasks for the Coming Month…
Plant spring bulbs while the soil is still warm
Sow hardy annuals under cover for early flowers next year
Lift and store dahlia tubers after the first frost
Weed and mulch beds to protect soil over winter
Collect leaves for making leaf mould
Tidy the greenhouse and bring tender plants under cover
Pause to enjoy the quiet beauty of the turning season
Flower of the Month
Dahlia - Big, bold, and unapologetically glamorous — dahlias are the queens of the late-season garden. Their colours are pure joy. Ours are grown by Lima Gardens Wales and have featured heavily in our weddings and recent photoshoot, so it only seems fair to give them their month in the spotlight!
Looking Forward
It’s hard to believe we’re already in our third year running an organic flower farm and sustainable floristry business — and there are so many wonderful weddings in the diary for 2026, along with a packed calendar of autumn and festive events to look forward to.
This business has been built on early mornings, late nights, muddy boots, and a whole lot of love. Seeing it grow is the greatest reward — and we couldn’t do it without your support.
Enjoy the sound of crunching leaves, the smell of woodsmoke, and the beauty of this season in all its colour.
With love always,
Firth Flock Flowers
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