I’m Frances, a flower grower florist and calligrapher living and working in Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales. I specialise in using seasonal British grown flowers that I grow in my own cutting garden wherever possible. I deliver bouquets locally within 15 miles, and will travel with wedding flowers up to around 60 miles from Kirkby Stephen.
Calligraphy items can be posted anywhere in the UK.
Why I do What I do….
I’ve been growing flowers for weddings and events since 2019. I’ve always loved gardens and gardening, and at my annual pilgrimage with my Mum to the Harrogate Flower Show in 2010, I met Gill Hodgson (founder of Flowers From The Farm; a supportive membership association for flower growers in the UK). This turned out to be an inspirational meeting, and is how my interest in garden plants developed into a business growing cut flowers.
Before meeting Gill, I’d only been aware of stiff imported flowers used in weddings and bouquets, (lilies, gerberas, gyp etc) and I didn’t have much enthusiasm for cut flowers at all. I wasn’t aware of all the bewitching beauty, scent and colours that come with growing your own. It really opened my eyes to the wealth of flowers that are available if you choose your varieties wisely, which led me to grow my own wedding flowers in 2012.
In 2020 I took a floristry course with the local Tallulah Rose School of Floristry, learning techniques to make my floristry methods more sustainable.
I’ve also always been a “little bit” obsessed with stationery and lettering (despite, or because of, not being allowed to take graphic design at GCSE as the cut off point to an oversubscribed class was decided by surname …I was a “W”, so no chance!).
In August 2023 I started practising calligraphy and totally love it, so adding wedding calligraphy to my offerings seemed only natural! It’s wonderful that you can now get glittery metallic ink that doesn’t contain micro plastics, and there’s lots of tempting coloured handmade and recycled paper and cardstock available too.
Before becoming self-employed (it’s always been a dream of mine!) I have worked as an archaeologist, worked in a high school, and most recently in a local bakery.
It is challenging growing flowers in Cumbria; the weather is unpredictable but it makes you really appreciate the seasonality of the flowers, and every month brings something different. Being able to buy flowers from other growers in the country helps extend the seasons and gives a bit more selection, as well as supporting fellow growers and businesses.
I love to help people who are celebrating, whether it be weddings, events, or remembering the life of a loved one. This can be in the form of personalised calligraphy, British grown seasonal flowers or a workshop with friends. If you’re looking for someone who considers the environmental impact of their actions, and who looks out for the wildlife along the way, you’ve come to the right place!
Things that matter to me:
- Recycling, Reusing and Composting…..
- Looking after wildlife, feeding the birds
- Plants and flowers being free of harmful chemicals, compost being peat free.
- Time to be outdoors, whether it’s a cycle ride, or a walk by the sea with my husband.
- Hobbies – I love having a go at new things, taking photos and becoming better acquainted with old skills. I’m a member of the Eden Valley Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Dyers.
- Reading – novels, autobiographies, diaries, gardening books, business books, as long as it’s not violent, gory or going to give me nightmares, I’ll give it a go!
- Gardening – might be an odd one for a flower grower, but I also love growing veg, and having a bit of garden that’s not for cutting!
- Making journeys by train and bike where possible; the furthest I’ve cycled in a day was 135 miles but it was mostly flat.
- I’m vegetarian and make my choices accordingly (non leather shoes, no animal parts in the ink)
- Time to cuddle my two house rabbits (especially now they’re rather old)
The End…..but if you want to read more….
So now you’ve made it to the end of this and you know loads of things about me….if you’d like to keep in touch, please sign up to my newsletter, (link below) and check your spam folder! You’ll also receive a free PDF guide to seasonal flowers with pretty pictures.
I send out an email on average once a month, but if something good is happening I’ll send extra ones so you don’t miss out.
If you’d like to enquire about calligraphy or floral services, please pop a few details in this form and I’ll get back to you.
Further reading;
My blog (here) where I sporadically write about things that have come up, for example answers to questions people ask me, new things I’m offering, or a round up of work I’ve done.
Contact Details:
Address: Oversike, Appleby Road, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, CA17 4PD (Visits strictly by appointment only!)