We’re at the end of another year here at Hilltop Farm, and as I sit down to reflect, I’m struck by just how full 2025 has been. Full of flowers, of people, of challenges, and of moments that remind me why we do this. Thank you, as always, for supporting Plantpassion and for choosing locally grown, seasonal flowers. Here’s a look back at some of the highlights from 2025.

January & February – winter work and winter warmth

The year began quietly on the field, with winter jobs ticking along and plenty happening behind the scenes. We completed the last photo shoots for The British Flowers Book, a project that we spent so much of 2024 working on . I travelled to Lincolnshire to meet Helen of Evolve Flowers and visit tulip growers – always reassuring and inspiring to see how others are growing and adapting.

There were several talks to gardening groups, along with speaking at the Flowers From the Farm conference, sharing stories of seasonal growing, sustainable floristry and being resilient. Dried flowers continued to play their part through the winter months, and we also worked on a winter wedding photo shoot, proving that flowers still have plenty to say even in the quieter season.

March & April – an early spring and mixed fortunes

Spring arrived with enthusiasm this year, bringing early tulips and a really positive start to the season. Dried and fresh bouquets sold well, and at last the final copies of The British Flowers Book arrived from the printer – a huge milestone after months of work.

We hosted a spring workshop over Mothering Sunday weekend, a particularly lovely session with a family group of women working with flowers together. I also spent an inspiring day in London with the Sustainable Church Flowers network, including a wonderful demonstration by Shane Connolly.

Behind the scenes, I continued my role on the Tulip Committee at RHS Wisley, and out on the farm our Pick Your Own sessions began, surrounded by lots of spring flowers and the welcome completion of our new greenhouse.

Not everything was rosy – a significant fly-tipping incident was a real low point and a reminder of the less visible challenges small farms face.

May – abundance and recognition

May brought colour and momentum. I had the pleasure of meeting our MP and presenting her with flowers, followed by a visit to the farm in June. There were some truly joyful weddings with colourful schemes, and for the first time we enjoyed a great peony harvest for our subscription customers.

One of the highlights of the year was being part of the award-winning farewell flowers team at the Chelsea Flower Show – a proud moment for British-grown flowers. Workshops continued to be well supported, filling the farm with familiar and new faces.

June & July – long days and full fields

Early summer was busy, productive, and sunny. Alongside more unwanted fly-tipping to deal with, I continued work with the Delphinium Committee at RHS Wisley. A very special personal milestone came when William graduated and returned home to start working with us on the farm.

With long summer days, crops were abundant and weddings plentiful. We flowered the opening event for Loveday Esher, a new care home, creating a striking floral pillar, and welcomed work experience student Orla, who brought enthusiasm and fresh energy. Sunflowers became a firm favourite, with vast numbers heading off to customers.

August & September – dahlias take centre stage

Late summer was all about dahlias – buckets of them for weddings, and displays for the Dahlia Show at RHS Wisley. We created tablescapes in brand colours, continued farewell flowers for families, and invested yet more time in fencing to keep the deer at bay.

October & November – slowing down and looking outward

As the pace eased, we turned our attention to raised bed building and tidying the field for winter. We also managed a wonderful second inter-railing holiday, a chance to step away and return refreshed. Dried flowers were gathered and stored at home, ready for winter workshops and sales.

One of the standout moments of the autumn was the Petals with Purpose event at Guildford Cathedral, where over 100 people watched demonstrations celebrating flowers, meaning and sustainability.

December – wreaths, celebrations and thanks

December ended the year on a high. Our wreath workshops at Albury Vineyard sold out, including private parties and a session for a local church. We enjoyed more Christmas flower sales than ever before, made possible by the hard work of our wonderful team and the continued support of our customers.

As ever, thank you to everyone who has shared this year with us – the highs, the challenges, and everything in between. Like all small businesses, we balance hard work with hope, and we’re incredibly grateful to those who recommend us, review us, and choose our flowers.

There are already plenty of plans forming for 2026, and lots of flowers quietly growing away. I hope we’ll see you back at Hilltop Farm in the months ahead.