Celebrating the Season: British Flowers at Columbia Road Flower Market

As we bask in the midsummer warmth, there's no better place to immerse ourselves in the heady beauty of the season than at the iconic Columbia Road Flower Market. It’s July, the peak of the British flower-growing season, and the market is at its vibrant best, brimming with an eclectic selection of native blooms such as dahlias, sweet peas, and delphiniums.

Nestled in the heart of East London, the Columbia Road Flower Market is a veritable horticultural haven. Every Sunday, this charismatic cobbled street transforms into an exuberant floral paradise. From the most delicate of posies to lush, leafy foliage, you'll find an awe-inspiring array of both plants and flowers waiting to be discovered.

But let's dive into the real gems of the July flower market - the stunning British-grown flowers.

First up are dahlias. Known for their radiant hues and intricate petal patterns, dahlias are one of the most popular summer flowers in Britain. Originating from Mexico, they were introduced to Europe in the 18th century and have flourished in our climes since. From flamboyant cactus dahlias to the sophisticated waterlily varieties, there is a dahlia for every garden and vase.

Next, we have the elegant sweet peas. These charming climbers fill the summer air with an intoxicating fragrance, reminiscent of old English gardens. They are perfect for adding a dash of romanticism to any bouquet. What's more, their vibrant colours, ranging from soft pastels to rich purples, are a visual treat.

The majestic delphiniums cannot be forgotten either. Their tall spires of blue, pink or white flowers, like brush strokes against a summer sky, can add a touch of drama and height to any flower display. Known for their association with lightness and levity, they offer a certain poetry to the summer season.

These are just a few of the treasures you'll find at the Columbia Road Flower Market this July. But there’s more to this floral wonderland than just the spectacle of nature's beauty. There's a significant advantage to buying locally grown flowers, which goes beyond aesthetics.

Buying British

Purchasing local flowers supports the British flower farming industry, sustaining the livelihoods of local growers. When you choose native blooms over imported ones, you're investing in the country's horticultural heritage, contributing to local economies and fostering sustainability. Locally grown flowers also have a reduced carbon footprint compared to those flown in from abroad. So, by choosing British, you're making an environmentally conscious choice, which is ever crucial in today's changing climate.

Moreover, locally grown flowers tend to be fresher and last longer, as they don't endure the long, stressful journeys that imported flowers do. They're cut at the peak of their freshness and make their way to your home or office in a much shorter timeframe.

Don’t forget the plants

The British summer season isn't just about flowers; it's also an ideal time to appreciate the rich variety of local summer plants that bring life to our gardens and homes.

Let's start with the Hardy Geranium, or the "Cranesbill". This sturdy, low-maintenance plant is a mainstay in British gardens. Their delicate-looking flowers bloom profusely from early summer to late autumn, covering the plants with shades of violet, blue, pink, or white. They pair excellently with other summer perennials and are a reliable option for beginners.

The Lavender plant is another popular summer species, adored for its heavenly fragrance and attractive purple flowers. Lavender loves the British summer sunshine and dry soil, making it a perfect addition to any garden. It also carries the added benefit of being a magnet for pollinators, attracting bees and butterflies that add life and movement to your garden.

For a tropical touch, consider adding some Fatsia japonica, or Japanese Aralia, to your space. Despite their exotic look, these evergreen plants are surprisingly hardy and thrive in the milder UK climate. Their large, glossy leaves create an impressive backdrop in any garden and make a striking addition to summer bouquets.

Let's not forget the hydrangeas, a classic British favourite. Known for their large, vibrant blooms, hydrangeas are a key feature in many British summer gardens. Their colour varies from pink to blue, depending on the soil's acidity, providing an intriguing botanical twist.

Adding summer plants to your garden or indoor space not only enhances the visual appeal but also contributes to local biodiversity. Many of these plants are great at attracting pollinators, which are crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems.

To find these and more, the Columbia Road Flower Market is the ideal place to start. From delicate flowering plants to lush foliage, the market offers a diverse range of British-grown summer plants. Just like with flowers, buying locally grown plants contributes to supporting local growers and promotes sustainability.

Columbia Road Flower Market also offers more than just flowers and plants. It’s a sensory delight where you can engage with passionate growers, hear their stories, and learn about the love and labour that goes into growing these botanical beauties. As you wander among the stalls, taking in the riot of colours, fragrances, and the lyrical patter of market traders, you're not just buying flowers - you're partaking in a unique cultural experience.

In essence, the British summer season offers us a chance to revel in nature's finest offerings, from vivid dahlias to robust Hardy Geraniums. This July, let the Columbia Road Flower Market be your gateway to explore the best of British flowers and plants. Embrace this botanical journey, and enjoy the lasting pleasure these natural wonders bring to your everyday life.

So, as we relish the warmth of July, why not take a Sunday stroll down Columbia Road? Bring home a bunch of British-grown dahlias, sweet peas, or delphiniums. You'll not only be adding a splash of summer to your surroundings but also contributing to a sustainable, local economy. Let's celebrate this floral season by cherishing the remarkable range of British flowers and plants that Columbia Road Flower Market has to offer.