Pick your own flower and lavender fields near Southwold, Saxmundham, Hadleigh and Haverhill to visit this summer
With summer in full swing, you might be seeking something a little different to do this month.
Vases full of freshly-cut flowers are one of the most cheerful sights to have around the home, luckily August is a good time to visit one of the pick your own flower fields across the region.
Read on for information on four fields in Suffolk and North Essex you might want to visit for a relaxing activity this month.
Buxlow Blooms
Buxlow Blooms near Saxmundham, which has a poignant back story, is in its first full season this year.
After Kevin and Diane Tye lost their eldest daughter in 2019, they decided to move to Buxlow Cottage in 2021.
Their new home came with 10 acres of land – but they did not know what to do with it.
Diane said: “Kevin kept coming up with various ideas but it wasn’t until one day I came in with another bunch of shop-bought flowers that he had the idea to grow our daughters cut flowers.
“After a trial last year which was very successful, we opened our gates on July 13.”
The pick your own flower field is open daily during August, 9am-4pm, and for appointments out of hours.
You will be provded with snippers and a choice of three sizes of containers, then just stroll around picking at your own pace.
Prices range from £6 to £20, up to £55 for a florist bucket. Flower food is provided and you get to take the jars home.
Diane added: “So far the response has been amazing and everyone leaves with a big smile on their face. Families are welcome to sit and have a picnic under our 550-year-old oak tree.”
The field has been set out in lanes and is wheelchair accessible, while friendly dogs are welcome on leads.
For appointments, call 07967 382951 or email buxlowblooms@gmail.com
Buxlow Blooms is at Buxlow Cottage, The Green, Knodishall, IP17 1TH
Dedham Vale Flower Company
Dedham Vale Flower Cmpany is based on a family-run fruit farm on the edge of the Dedham Vale, on the Suffolk/Essex border.
It was founded in 2022 by husband and wife team Chris and Kimberley, who say they want to share their love of flowers, farming and the delights of the beautiful countryside.
Pick your own flowers is open every Saturday 10am-4pm and Sunday 10am-3pm, June to September.
Prices start at £6 for jam jars, £12 medium container and £20 for a large container.
You will be provided witha water-filled jam jar or container and scissors while in the field – under 12s will not be given scissors and will need to be supervised.
You will be told what varieties are ready to pick. You are advised to wear sturdy shoes or wellies. No dogs allowed.
Find Dedham Vale Flower Company at Willow Farm, Polstead, CO6 5DL
The Southwold Flower Company
Pop on a pair of wellies or old shoes and make your way to the Southwold Flower Company to pick your own flowers.
Booking is not necessary, just turn up between 9am and 4pm Monday-Saturday and 10am-3pm every Sunday.
Snippers will be provided, while it is recommended to wear scruffy shoes or wellies.
Dogs on leads are welcome.
Prices start at £6.50 for a jam jar, £18 for a pickle jar and £35 for a reusable zinc vase (£30 after first purchase).
Southwold Flower Company is just off Wangford Road, Reydon, IP18 6SJ.
Finchingfield Lavender
While over the border in North Essex, Finchingfield Lavender is worth driving a few extra miles for.
Describing itself as a small and friendly lavender farm (and campsite), a limited number of visitors are allowed each day so tickets must be booked online.
The lavender field is planted with lavandula × intermedia 'Grosso', which is known for its deep purple flowers and aroma.
There is a café on site serving hot and cold drinks, cakes and savoury baked goods. Afternoon tea boxes are available to pre-order.
There are deck chairs, sun loungers, chairs and picnic blankets in the lavender field – picnics are welcomed.
No dogs are allowed due to the site’s chickens, ducks and geese.
Entry costs £6.50 per person, with pick your own lavender an extra £4 per person .
Finchingfield Lavender is at Finchingfield Camping, Howe Street, Finchingfield, Essex, CM7 4JB.
