A little about us

For the past 19 years Martin and I were tenant farmers of a fish farm and fishery in West Sussex. He was the fish farmer and I ran the wedding side of our business. We held 12 marquee wedding receptions beside the lakes each year. My role was to support couples through what can sometimes be the most challenging months, sometimes years leading up to their very special day, and more significantly the 48 hours before the wedding. It was always an honour and privilege to sit beside couples and their families and play a small part in their celebrations. We always prided ourselves on going that extra mile to ensure every couple had a unique and wonderful day.

I began to gather flora and fauna from the hedgerow to create little posies of flowers which I popped in a jam jar and placed on the tables and chairs positioned outside the marquee. Then came the entrance to the lakes, the jetty, and finally Rosie, our little rowing boat, who was moored up in front of the marquee, all became adorned with flowers. This is where my love for all things floral began. So when we decided that it was time for us to take a slightly slower pace of life we began to look for a property where we could grow our own flowers. Our search ended when we found Rose Cottage. A beautiful home with a secret terraced walled garden with the potential for a little studio space to condition and create flowers together with an area to welcome couples and families.

So the fish farmer has become a flower farmer, he says there are similarities, and the wedding planner a flower grower and florist.


The Studio

A peaceful space for us to chat through any floral requirements that you may have. A comfy seating area makes the studio homely with tea and cake always near by. We will be surrounded by a collection of beautiful vessels, ribbons, crystal vases and brass candlesticks together with a multitude of floral paraphernalia. There will even be a box of tissues for tears, be they happy or sad. We have created a space where we can get to know each other. For me it’s all about personal relationships and connections; I look forward to welcoming you to Rose Cottage in the near future.

 

The Flowers

Cottage garden flowers primarily grown here on site at Rose Cottage. Although there may be times when I have to source flowers from other local British growers when I am unable to supply all the flowers from our own growing patch. My style is natural garden gathered, lots of foliage, twiddly bits, together with traditional cottage garden flowers.

Bouquets and Posies

A beautiful country styled bouquet or posy makes the perfect gift. Be it for a birthday, anniversary, housewarming, dinner party gift or maybe just to say thank you and I am thinking of you. All my posies and bouquets are created with flowers from our own cutting garden. They are wrapped in tissue and brown paper and tied with string or a beautiful ribbon.

Weddings

I can supply flowers for your wedding, there is nothing nicer than having locally grown seasonal blooms to celebrate your very special day. I can provide bridal bouquets and posies for bridesmaids, together with buttonholes for the gentlemen. Flowers can enhance the beauty of your chosen wedding reception venue. I will work with you to ensure your flowers reflect your personality and style. Church flowers are a favourite of mine. Floral arches over the lychgate or entrance to the Church; pedestals beside you as you take your vows and window sills covered with beautiful just gathered garden flowers all compliment the beauty of an ancient or modern Church building.

DIY  Flowers

It is possible to buy flowers by the bucket. This option is perfect for DIY brides or to decorate your home for a special celebration or garden party- the possibilities are endless.

Farewell Flowers

Farewell flowers are something I am passionate about. After my own personal experience of standing in a florists shop having to choose flowers from a plastic folder, I decided there must be another way of making this very sad time a little more bearable. So if you would like to visit Rose Cottage and have a cup of tea, chat about your loved one, and take a walk through the flowers, it would be my pleasure to walk beside you over those very painful few weeks. All my arrangements are biodegradable so perfect for a natural burial. Again only British seasonal flowers will be used to create your farewell flowers. Although a special touch is to add some personal flowers from a loved one’s garden. I can visit and we can choose blooms together, you do not have to feel alone.