Last month, we packed our bags (and our flower-loving hearts) and headed off to visit Alexandra Farms and honestly, where do we even begin?
This wasn’t just a farm visit. It was a full-on, rose-immersed, pinch-us-is-this-real kind of experience. And the best part? We got to share it with one of our lovely customers, Felix, and our floral friend Steph from Fairynuff Flowers, which made it even more special.
Roses, roses and more roses.
We’re lucky enough to buy from Alexandra Farms all year round, but seeing everything in person is a whole different story. Imagine walking into spaces filled with rows and rows of blooming roses. Not just one or two varieties, but so many of the ones we work with every single day.
From the beautifully romantic David Austin Wedding Roses to the elegant Princess Roses, the innovative WABARA, and the timeless Meilland, it was like stepping into a living catalogue, but better.
And can we talk about the head size for a second? Because WOW. Photos do not do these roses justice. Seeing them in real life, with those huge, full, perfectly formed heads, honestly stopped us in our tracks more than once.
The Scent Test (aka our new favourite thing)
Now, let’s get into one of the absolute highlights of the trip. The scent test. Think wine tasting, but make it roses. We were presented with a selection of gorgeously fragrant blooms alongside different scent notes, and the challenge was to match them up. Sounds easy? It was not. But it was so much fun.
There was a lot of sniffing, a lot of second guessing, and a lot of laughter. More than anything, it made us slow down and appreciate just how complex and unique each rose is. Some were soft and sweet, others citrusy, some almost spicy, and all completely unforgettable. Some of the roses chosen were Princess Maya, Café Latte and of course White O’hara, so interesting to test their fragrance side by side.
It also reminded us why garden roses are so special. They are not just about how they look, although they are stunning, but how they feel and smell. That full sensory experience is something you just cannot replicate.
A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Magic
Walking through the farms and trial areas was honestly surreal. Seeing so many varieties blooming at once, including new and developing ones, felt like being let in on a little industry secret. And again, what stood out most was the sheer abundance. Roses everywhere. Big, beautiful, perfectly imperfect roses doing their thing.
It was also incredible to see the care and attention that goes into every single stem. Something we already appreciated but now understand on a whole new level.
Sharing it with our people
Trips like this are always amazing but sharing it with good people makes it unforgettable. Having Felix there with us, someone who knows and loves these roses too, made it even more meaningful. And Steph? Let’s just say there was a lot of floral excitement, plenty of “have you seen this one?” moments, and endless inspiration flying around.
Final Thoughts (Still Not Over It).
We came home feeling inspired, slightly obsessed (more than usual), and even more in love with roses than we were before, which we did not think was possible.
Getting to see the full range, from WABARA to David Austin Wedding Roses and everything in between, reminded us exactly why we do what we do.
To learn more about Alexandra Farms click here
