Growth, Preparation and the Promise of Flowers
- gardengateproject
- Mar 1
- 4 min read
Everywhere you look at the moment, there are signs of preparation and expectation for the season ahead. Winter’s pruning and clearing are done. Seeds have been sown and are germinating. Cuttings are taking root. Bulbs are poised to bloom. The lawnmowers have started up again, and there’s a distinct freshness in the spring air.
At the time of writing, temperatures have climbed to 14°C — a noticeable shift. The early hints of growth we saw last month are now gathering pace.
Golden daffodils and purple crocuses are catching the eye beneath the ferns, providing those first confident splashes of colour. In the woodland areas, clumps of nettles and cow parsley are pushing up around the snowdrops — a reminder that wild growth is stirring too. Ladybirds are exploring sun-warmed surfaces, and bumble bees are beginning to buzz, both welcome signs that pollination season is getting underway.
Practical Jobs for the Month
Brian, Ollie and Michael have been busy stripping and splitting sweet chestnut logs while they’re still wet and workable. Working chestnut green makes it far easier to cleave cleanly, and the resulting stakes will support beans, sweet peas and climbers later in the season. Sweet chestnut is naturally durable and resistant to rot — a sustainable alternative to treated timber.
Around the pond, the irises and rushes have been cut back to allow light and air in. Good pond maintenance at this time of year helps keep the water clear and oxygenated, benefiting wildlife and reducing algae problems later on. The water is looking healthy and balanced — always a satisfying sight.
In the polytunnel, more seeds have been sown: sweet peas, salvias, nicotiana, delphinium and phlox. Starting these under cover gives them the warmth and protection they need for strong early growth before hardening off outdoors. Successional sowing over the coming weeks will ensure a longer flowering season.
We’ve also been forcing the rhubarb by placing buckets over established crowns. Excluding light encourages tender, sweeter stems. If you grow rhubarb at home, remember to divide and rotate crowns roughly every three years. This prevents soil exhaustion and maintains vigour and productivity.
Sara has sown a bed of phacelia as a green manure. Phacelia is excellent for improving soil health — its roots help open the soil structure, and when cut and incorporated back in, it adds valuable organic matter. It also attracts pollinators when in flower and plays a role in fixing and holding nutrients in the soil, reducing leaching and supporting the crops that follow.
We’ve had some beautiful terracotta pots donated — always welcome as we gradually replace plastic where we can. Terracotta is breathable, helping regulate moisture around roots. Ann and Loretta have been planting them up with spring flowers, and they’re already brightening the growing spaces.
Angie and the team have been pressing purple violets for Mother’s Day cards — a small seasonal detail that celebrates what’s growing here right now.
And Julie has made a final batch of her much-loved autumnal orange marmalade, available from the cabin while stocks last.
Introducing Our Cut Flower Service
One of the most exciting developments this spring is the official launch of our locally grown, seasonal cut flower service.
All of our flowers are grown here in Margate without chemicals, in a wildlife-friendly way, and harvested at their natural peak.
They are not imported, flown in, or refrigerated for long journeys — just freshly cut, beautifully arranged and full of character.
What We’re Offering
Seasonal posies and bunches — hand-selected to reflect exactly what is flowering right now in the garden, perfect for bringing natural colour into your home.
Abundant mixed stem bunches (20–25 stems) — generous, garden-gathered arrangements ideal for gifts, celebrations or centrepieces.
Local Thanet delivery — including mid-week delivery options, making it easy to send fresh seasonal flowers to someone special.
Business flower subscriptions (April–October) — weekly or fortnightly deliveries of fresh, ethically grown flowers to brighten workspaces, studios and shops.
Pick Your Own flower sessions (June–August) — monthly opportunities to step into the garden and create your own bouquet straight from the beds.
Seasonal flower arranging workshops (June–August) — relaxed, creative sessions learning how to make natural hand-tied bouquets using freshly cut garden flowers.
Rachel has already begun preparing the first spring bouquets of hellebores, mimosa, pittosporum, pussy willow and daffodils. As the weeks unfold, the range will grow rapidly — sweet peas, salvias, delphiniums, phlox, and so much more are on their way.
If you value seasonal, locally grown flowers with scent, movement and real connection to place, this is the perfect moment to get involved.
Whether it’s a one-off bouquet, a thoughtful gift, or a regular subscription, our cut flowers celebrate what is truly growing here — week by week.
We’ll be sharing availability every Monday on our social media channels, alongside the plants we currently have for sale.
Spring is building beautifully. Growth is visible everywhere. It promises to be a vibrant and abundant season.
Do make some time to pop in during the week to see what’s available — plants, marmalade, and now our first seasonal bouquets.
We look forward to welcoming you.
Happy gardening!
For full details of our seasonal cut flower service — including bouquets, subscriptions, delivery options, Pick Your Own sessions and workshops — please visit:
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