Solent Flower patch cutting garden - Spring seeds

As the days begin to stretch and a little more warmth returns to the air, it’s one of our favourite moments in the growing season here at Solent Flower Patch—planting time for our autumn-sown treasures.

After months of careful nurturing through the colder weather, our hardy annual seedlings are ready to take their place out in the field. Sweet peas are being planted out now, their tendrils already reaching for support, promising those beautifully scented, romantic stems we love for weddings. Alongside them, our stocks and antirrhinums (snapdragons) are going into the ground, bringing with them the anticipation of soft colour palettes and delicate structure in early summer arrangements.

We’re also planting out Orlaya, one of our absolute favourites. Its airy, lace-like blooms add that magical, just-picked-from-the-hedgerow feel that works so beautifully in bridal work.

In the greenhouse and propagation spaces, the next wave is already underway. We’ve started sowing our half-hardy annuals—cosmos and zinnias—both essential for abundant summer cutting. Cosmos will bring their light, fluttering blooms, while zinnias will provide bold colour and long-lasting stems, perfect for vibrant event work later in the season.

Succession sowing is key for us, so we’re continuing with more stocks and antirrhinums to ensure a steady supply of fresh, high-quality flowers over the months ahead. It’s a constant rhythm—sow, grow, plant, repeat—but one that keeps our buckets full and our designs seasonal.

There’s something incredibly hopeful about this time of year. Every tray of seedlings and every row planted out is a promise of what’s to come—armfuls of flowers, ready to play their part in some very special celebrations.

We can’t wait to see it all unfold.