One of our talented florists made this fabulous arrangement for the door of our workshop today. It's made from scented pink roses, herbs and dogwood from our farms.

Happy New Year to you all!

What a start to the new year we've had. The snow has been absolutely gorgeous down here on the Hampshire and West Sussex borders.

It has been hugely disruptive though so I can't say we'll be sorry to see it melt. Here are some real snow photos...

Preparing for Valentines Day.

Snowflakes on the window.

Snowy trees.

Snowy Landscape.

Take a look at this lovely entry The "Wreath Off" on Georgie Coleridge-Coles Blog on sheerluxe.com
Georgie is the founder of sheerluxe.com which is an excellent website for all web shopping and well described as 'the definitive guide to online shopping'.

Here is a photo of the wreath Georgie will be displaying on her front door this Christmas...

We've been added to a great website called verygoodservice.com. It's well worth a look at as it only lists award winning companies and there are some really interesting entries so we're in good company!

We're slightly behind with updating our press pages owing to being so busy with Christmas but thought you might like to see our lovely Garden Rose natural wax scented candle featured in Red Magazine in the November issue.

Well, I'm thoroughly delighted to announce that we are now the very proud winners of the award for 'Best Emerging British Luxury Brand'!

The Walpole 'Awards for Excellence' took place last night at The Banqueting House in London's Whitehall.

The Waplole Awards for Excellence are held to honour individuals and Companies who exemplify luxury and comittment to British excellence by their work across luxury, design and culture, both internationally and within Britain.

The venue was stunning and looked absolutely breathtaking with candles lining every surface and staircase. Laurent Perrier champagne flowed and assorted fabulous cocktails and canapes, courtesy of the fabulous Admirable Crichton caterers, were served to the guests.

The actor Tom Conti was a perfect choice of host for the ceremony and I was thrilled to accept the beautiful engraved award winners plaque (made by Asprey no less!)on behalf of The Real Flower Company.

Mario Testino won the prestigious Walpole 'Medal of Excellence' and, as long time admirer of his amazing work, I was honoured to have been invited to be in the winners group photo with him and the other category award winners.

Here is a full list of award winners:-
International Luxury Brand - Louis Vuitton
Corporate Social Responsibility - Estee lauder Companies
Luxury Brand Online - Astley Clarke
British Luxury Design Talent - Established & Sons
Luxury Craftsmanship - Savile Row Bespoke
Emerging Britsh Luxury Brand - The Real Flower Company
Britsh Luxury Service - Chewton Glen
British Luxury Overseas - Links of London
British Luxury Brand - Paul Smith
Medal of Excellance - Mario Testino

At last our rose hips have turned red and we've started harvesting them on our English farm.

We've put together a vibrant, scented, seasonal collection of Autumn bouquets using the rose hips and tying them with orange, red and purple scented roses and seasonal herbs. Hope you like them!

On my recent to trip to France I visited St Emilion and driving along through the acres of wonderful vineyards which surround the town I saw for myself an ancient method of companion planting; roses planted at the edges vineyards.

Not only do the roses look beautiful but they also perform a very important role. Roses are more sensitive to the fungal diseases powdery mildew and downy mildew and by planting roses at the edges of the vineyard they serve as an early warning system to the vineyard teams as the roses will fall victim before the vines. The disease can be treated if caught in the early stages.

The roses also create an important habitat for some beneficial insects.

The Romans used this early warning system for their vines and they are also thought to have dropped rose petals into their wine as it was thought it was a cure for drunkeness!