CLARKE'S FARM CHRONICLES
EP. 1
Welcome to your monthly updates from Clarkes Farm! We have so many things going on right now that I wanted to make a space for proper catch ups with you - so you don’t miss anything and I can take a moment to reflect / share our plans with you.
THIS MONTHS HEADLINER - PLANT SALE / OPEN GARDEN / BLOOMING FABULOUS FRIDAYS
The month of May has seen the start of something brand new here at Clarkes Farm and two weeks in, I think it’s safe to say it has been a hit with you lovely lot! We have started selling plants!!
Every Friday in May 1.00pm - 5.00pm
It started as an idea inspired by our visit to a Spa Hotel in February, we thought it might be a good idea to offer plants along with our garden accessories this season.
During the Winter months things are quieter here, which gives us more time to dream up new ideas. We found our plant supplier @thehairypotplantcompany, a family run plant nursery who supply stately homes and garden centres plastic free cottage garden perennials in their unique coir plant pots, which can be planted directly into the ground. Kay negotiated our lovely ‘gifted’ greenhouse from @forestgardenuk and we also became suppliers of the wicker planters, all of which gave us the opportunity to offer our guests a some garden products which are eco freindly and a little different. We also have our usual garden accessories and solar lights to enhance your outdoor space
We asked our online followers for suggestions to name the event and settled on ‘Blooming Fabulous Friday’ which has been very apt as the weather has been very kind so far, and we have been thrilled to welcome so many of our wonderful supporters and guests who now feel like old friends. Its great to have the opportunity to chat to you in person and we are so grateful that you come along to support our whacky ideas.
Our Recent Adventures
We love a day out when we get the chance of a break from Afternoon Teas and Bed & Breakfast and thought it would be nice to share some of our adventures with anyone who is unfamiliar with what Lincolnshire has to offer.
Keeping things very local to start with, I thought it would be good to tell you about the beautiful destination which is practically on our doorstep. Whenever I have a couple of hours to spare I head to the Bailgate in Lincoln. We are so lucky to live so close to this historic gem. The magnificent Cathedral is definitely worth a visit with guided tours available to book, awesome architecture and picturesque grounds.
The history of this area of Lincoln is well documented, with relics of Roman History still existing when you know where to look.
The independant shops of the Bailgate and Steep Hill have retail offerings for everything from Fashion, Artisan Belgian Chocolates, to Art Galleries and Dog Boutique, along with plenty of opportunities to stop for coffee and cake - or a glass of wine/beer.
A visit to Lincoln Castle, which hosts many events throughout the year, offers the opportunity to enjoy the ‘Wall Walk’ with fabulous views across the City, explore the Victorian Prison, view the Magna Carta and Museum displays, or just have a walk in the grounds (for free!).
Through the back of the Castle gate you will find ‘The Lawns’ a former Victorian Asylum which now houses a Hotel, Tapas Restaurant and Coffee Shop, Green Space, Play Park and the beautiful Dawber Gardens, a fabulous secret walled garden which is a haven of peace and tranquility maintained by volunteers, and one of my favourite places to spend time.
This area of Lincoln is always a joy to visit and have a stroll, packed with lovely independent businesses, places of historic interest and venues to eat and drink - but also never uncomfortably overcrowded - a definite ‘must’ if you’re visiting the area.
What Is Coming Up?
May is my favourite time of year, with longer days, and the promise of Summer on the horizon. The garden will soon be in full bloom and filled with the scent of the the roses. I really enjoy spending time outside, things change so quickly at this time of year that I fear I may miss something if I don’t get out there every day!
Life here can get really busy in the Summer months with Afternoon Tea celebrations and Bed and Breakfast guests. Sometimes it can feel as though there aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done - laundry and baking can become a little overwhelming. At the same time, I constantly remind myself how lucky we are that guests still want to come here for their special treats and celebrations. A pipe dream which got me through difficult times when I was still working in the Fire Service has come to life in a way which I would never have dreamed possible. All of it has only been possible because of the continued support of our friends near, and far, which we appreciated enormously and never take for granted. We have no major plans in the pipeline at the moment - but I’m sure we’ll manage dream something up before long!
Garden Jottings
If you’ve made it to this point in my ramblings - Well Done! (I know I can go on a bit!)
Let me know if there is anything you would particularly like to see (just hit reply and let me know). I’d be delighted to share details of the journey which has brought us from day dreams to where we are now. Running a small business is fabulously fulfilling and also completely life absorbing. Even when you aren’t actually delivering the elements of your business, you are thinking about it, and there is also the element of jeopardy that it could all fall flat at any moment! It is great to share this little corner of the world with you all when there is so much turmoil elsewhere.
Thanks for being there!
Julia
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