About Us
I am Tess, I run our family business with the help of my husband Matt and our two children Iris & Wilf. We grow and sell fresh seasonal flowers in Fairford Gloucestershire, selecting varieties for their vibrancy, beautiful scent and individuality.
It all started with Dahlias, but we now grow a huge variety of flowers to give our floristry a natural ‘English country garden’ look.
Growing with the seasons means each week in the flower field is different.
We are always adding more perennials to the flower field, as they are a more permanent and sustainable way of growing flowers. Perennials are also more adept to cope with the effects of climate change.
Our season runs from April to October, but that isn’t the end of the story …
through the autumn and winter we work with dried flowers and potted plants.
Our approach to growing ...
Our flower fields are on farms in Southrop and Filkins, both part of the Oxleaze Estate, they are certified organic and embrace conservation, which fits perfectly with Iris & Wilf’s sustainable growing ethos.
We are very lucky to be surrounded by diverse wildlife, including buzzards, kites, lapwings, owls, hares, and insects.
The Cotswold brash over clay soil is very poor for growing, so we use the ‘no dig’ method to create new beds. This method also ensures soil structures are not damaged, and no carbon dioxide is released.
We are passionate about growing flowers, and do our best to ensure we cause as little environmental impact as possible in our growing methods.
Oxleaze & Bradborough Farms
(also home to Oxleaze Barn a sustainability award-winning wedding venue)
Our key principles ...
How we are working hard to be as sustainable as possible…
No dig method for our flower beds
Chemical and pesticide free growing
Reducing the use of plastics
Plastic free wrapping of flowers
Reducing wrapping around flowers
Sustainable floristry methods
Growing more perennials
Peat free compost
Who we work with ...
The Fairford Flower Collective
… a small group of like-minded growers & florists who are passionate about locally grown flowers & floristry.
… Ruth is a self-taught ‘flower faffer’ with a love of all things natural creating beautiful floristry in Lechlade.
… Beth creates exceptional seasonal floral arrangements in Fairford for life’s important occasions.
… Kempsford-based Fi and Alan create exquisite flowers and visual styling for weddings or events.
Who we sell our flowers to ...
Locally grown, natural British blooms, with 100% traceability and zero air miles, are available to order online, buy from our garden gate or order by the bucket.
We also supply:
~ Flowers for florists
~ Weddings
~ DIY Wedding flowers
~ Events flowers
~ Garden gate sales
~ Buckets of flowers
~ Flowers for local businesses
~ Flowers for Venues
We are proud to be members of ...
Flowers from the Farm is the UK’s leading professional trade association for independent flower growers, representing a network of over 1,000 members nationwide. They are dedicated to advancing agroecological growing practices that prioritise environmental responsibility and financial sustainability. Their mission is to empower their members with the knowledge, resources, and opportunities to thrive in their businesses while promoting the unique value of British-grown flowers. Through education, advocacy, and collaboration, FftF is driving innovation and excellence in the flower-growing industry, connecting growers with customers who value high-quality, sustainably produced flowers.
We are winners ...
In 2019 The Fairford Flower Collective entered the Malvern Autumn Show are and were awarded Silver Gilt for their display of beautiful flowers.
In 2021 The Fairford Flower Collective exhibited in the Great Pavilion at London’s Chelsea Flower Show, celebration of environmentally friendly floristry were Silver Medal winners.
