THE MP for Taunton Deane Rebecca Pow and flower lovers from Somerset turned out to a farm shop in the county last weekend (Saturday, June 20, 2015) to celebrate British Flowers Week.

Rumwell Farm Shop teamed up with Lucy Gowar from Sweet Cicely Flowers to host two free posy demonstrations as part of British Flowers Week is a celebration of British flowers and the UK cut flower industry.

Anne Mitchell, Co-Owner of the farm shop, which is located in Rumwell on the A38 between Taunton and Wellington, explained: “We were delighted that Lucy was able to come along to the shop to host ‘How to make your own posy’ demonstrations and it was wonderful that Rebecca was able to come along too.

“Sweet Cicely Flowers supplies our beautiful flower arrangements. From two acres of fertile land set near Exmoor the company grows, cuts, arranges and supplies English country garden flowers. It grows more than 80 varieties of flowers, many of which you will not find in a florists shop.

“The free posy demonstrations took place at 10.30am and 12.30pm and there were also displays on the day including a bike covered in British flowers.”

British Flowers Week is a campaign from the team at New Covent Garden Flower Market, the UK’s largest Flower Market and also the hub for British grown flowers and foliage for centuries.

Rebecca Pow, MP for Taunton Deane, said: “As a keen gardener myself I know what wonderful flowers we can grow right here in Somerset and I’m delighted that the market for cut British flowers is taking off. I would urge more people to buy them and appreciate the value of their freshness and the fewer air miles.

“You can buy beautiful local flowers at any time of the year. I fully support Lucy Gowar and other local growers as they expand their share of the market and promote this enterprising and growing industry."

British grown flowers are estimated to represent just 15% of the £2billion worth of flowers sold in the UK every year.

Lucy explained: “The demos were a great opportunity for me to talk to people about British cut flowers and the benefits of buying them. Not only are people supporting local flower farmers when they purchase British flowers but the flowers also haven’t flown miles to be in your bouquet.

“British flower farms also help wildlife as the flowers provide food and a home to a huge variety of insects including butterflies and bees, which are in decline. It was great to see lots of people pop in during the week to see the stunning displays and support British flowers.”

Rumwell Farm Shop is an independent, family-run, award-winning business owned by the Mitchell family. It was originally a potato store, when David and Anne Mitchell began selling their potatoes and free range eggs at the gate.

Due to customer demand, the range of products soon increased and the farm shop grew into the place it is today. David and Anne’s sons, James and Jack, are now also involved in the business.

Rumwell Farm Shop has a traditional butchery counter selling free range pork and Aberdeen Angus beef reared just four miles away on the family farm. There is also a delicatessen, bakery, jam kitchen and food hall. 

Home grown potatoes are also still available as well as everything from fruit, vegetables and groceries to plants, flowers, gifts and cards.

The Rumwell Café, which opened in May 2015, covers 220 square metres and is able to seat approximately 80 people. The food prepared in the café kitchen is sourced from the farm shop, the Mitchell family farm, which is just four miles away, and regional suppliers.

Families are welcome to the café and there is a menu especially for children. The café also serves afternoon teas, carvery on a Sunday and is licensed to sell alcoholic beverages. To add to this it also has a separate gluten free menu.