At last, we have some time to sit down and share what’s been going on at the farm!
Sunflowers at Rhossili
As you know, we had a great season down at the sunflowers in Rhossili. It was a far shorter growing season this year, and the rainfall helped germinate the crops quickly, so we closed by the end of August. Despite the shorter season, the sunflowers and wildflowers put on an incredible display, especially with some amazing Rhossili sunsets.
The wildlife trail, pick-your-own flowers, sunflower arches, swings, and the new butterfly wings feature saw many people, young and old, enjoying a wonderful day surrounded by flowers and the sea.
The café was a big hit, and with new seating area plans underway, next year is already looking promising. We’re especially excited about the new Rhossili lavender field, which will create a stunning contrast of colour and fragrance alongside the sunflowers.
Back at the Main Farm in Three Crosses
The rutting season is in full swing—mating season for the reindeer. Ringo, our bull, is strutting his stuff like P Diddy but with far more class! The baby reindeer will be born next May, which is always an exciting and stressful time. The reindeer are the most maternal animals we’ve ever had on the farm, and they truly love their offspring. Years ago, when we had 200 cows and 800 ewes, some of the sheep weren’t the best mothers, but today, with 400,000 Christmas trees and nearly 50 reindeer, we’re making it all work just like any other farmer.
Christmas Trees
The Christmas trees are nearly all labelled up and looking perfect after 10 years of growing on the farm. Many of them go to our loyal local customers, but a lot are also wholesaled to other sellers, mainly in London, where they grace many a lovely home in the capital.
As many of you know, we’ve had the honour of supplying the Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street a few times, thanks to winning Christmas tree accolades and competitions with the British Christmas Tree Growers Association (BCTGA). Each October, we attend the BCTGA AGM and competition, where 300 Christmas tree enthusiasts converge with their best trees. This year, the competition is in Hereford—fingers crossed for our entries!
If you’re looking to get your tree from us, they will be available from the end of November. You can choose one from the barn or the field, or we can deliver. We have Fraser Fir, Nordman Fir, Norway Spruce, and Korean Fir, both cut and potted. We also offer large display trees up to 22ft and will sell trees until December 24th, although the second week of December is usually the best time to get one. That said, folks in Swansea seem to be getting their trees earlier each year!
Halloween
In just over a week, we’ll be opening for Wales’ biggest pumpkin festival! We’ll have thousands of pumpkins of all sizes and varieties to pick from the field or in the Halloween barn. There will be so much to see and do: the dog arch, pumpkin house, autumn arch, giant’s chair, wheelbarrows for your pumpkins, roasting marshmallows, the café, and you can even meet and feed the reindeer.
No booking is needed to pick pumpkins, but we do ask that you purchase pumpkins if you’re visiting. If not, you’ll need a Reindeer VIP Pass.
At the end of October, we’ll wrap up Halloween and start preparing for Christmas.
Winter Wonderland
From the start of November, the site will be transformed into the UK’s largest indoor Winter Wonderland. Pre-tagging of Christmas trees in the field will be announced soon.
The Winter Wonderland is looking magical! The elves and Santa are busy making presents and reading letters, and it’s a world where it snows, full of Christmas animals, elves, reindeer, and holiday magic. Tickets are selling fast, and we have some great off-peak ticket prices for quieter times.
If you’re a school, we also run trips to the farm and Winter Wonderland, so please give us a call to book your spot.
Besides that, we can’t wait for you to come and choose your tree. You can pick one from the field (bottom site) or from the barn next to the reindeer, where you can come and feed them.
NEW THIS YEAR - Light Trail
Wander through the farm as it’s lit up with various scenes, then enter the festive barn for some food, drinks, and roasted marshmallows to get in the Christmas spirit.
We look forward to seeing you all! Please follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and visit our website for all the latest updates.
Cheers,
Rob and Dave
