B Y S A M A N T H A V A N D E P O L L

I N T R O

We've all heard of pick your own strawberries, pick your own apples, pick your own pumpkins even but have you even heard of pick your own flowers?

Pick your own flower fields are still a bit of a rarity in the UK but the few that have popped up have proven to be super popular and booked out over the season. Usually in bloom from June to October with different flowers each month it's a nature lovers dream and the perfect day out in the countryside.

B L O O M I N G G R E E N P Y O

Blooming green flower field, located on a fruit farm in leafy Kent was founded in 2007. Established on an acre of ground, that was once a Bramley orchard, the company now grows flowers and foliage on various sites - although the original flower plot at Loddington Farm is still at the heart of the business. Seasonal like most pick your own establishments, its open every Saturday from June, through until the end of October, with an ever-changing array of seasonal flowers and foliage for you to pick from. Book an appointment through their website (think about what flowers you like and when they're in bloom) then choose a time slot. When you arrive for your booking you'll be given a vase that you can fill to your hearts desire. All flowers and plants are grown chemical free and organic at blooming green.

My experiences and costs

On arrival you'll be greeted and given a metal vase with some water in it and a pair of cutting scissors. You'll be free to wonder the field and cut whichever flowers you wish until your vase is full. After my last visit I came away with a stunning array of dahlias, sunflowers, daises, roses and so much more. It's the ultimate mindful experience, picking your own bouquet, surrounded by nature. You feel completely at peace.

Once you've filled your vase, simply take it back to the entrance where you can have it wrapped up and pay for your flowers. To fill a vase per person costs £20 which is extremely fair considering how many blooms you walk away with. Theres an additional charge to get them wrapped up but alternatively you can bring your own vase to pop them into for the journey home. There's also tea and cake which you can pre-book if you'd like to spend a little more time at the farm and make an afternoon of it. In addition there is also parking, good access and toilets onsite.

Getting there

Located just outside Maidstone near Linton the farm is situated off the A229 on Loddington Lane. Turn off the A229 onto the B1263 for half a mile before turning right onto Loddington Lane. Continue for quarter of a mile, and Blooming Green is the first farm entrance on your left. More information on their website.

Final word

This is such a fun activity to do whether it solo, with friends, family or even little ones. They take larger group bookings if it's something you'd like to do for a special occasion as well as welcoming brides to book for their wedding flowers. In addition to this they run flower courses throughout the year including making your own flower crowns, flower arranging, wreaths and many more. Alternatively If you're seeking a change of scene and to gain some more gardening experience then why not volunteer at the flower field instead? I couldn't recommend this experience more especially if you're into nature or flowers. It's such a wonderful farm run by lovely people, you walk away with the most beautiful blooms and a little bit of zen.