Our Story
Welcome to The Darling Buds of Wade
A family run flower farm and florist nestled in the village of St Nicholas at Wade, along the picturesque banks of the Wantsum Channel in Thanet, Kent.
How It Started
From a Vegetable Plot to a Flower Farm
Our journey began when my daughter, a talented florist, was working long hours in high street florists, creating countless wedding and event arrangements and becoming disheartened by the fast-paced, imported flower industry.
After reading about the British flower movement and the growing demand for locally grown, seasonal blooms, I had a simple idea — I would grow the flowers she needed myself.
I cleared my vegetable plot, planted my first bed of flowers, and what started as a small garden experiment quickly blossomed.
— Emma
Today
Growing on the Farm
Today, we are proud to be growing on a farm, producing sustainable, field-grown flowers for weddings, events, bouquets and flower subscriptions — all freshly picked to order and inspired by the beauty of the English country garden.
We specialise in growing and designing British seasonal flowers for all occasions, from weddings and events to sympathy flowers and everyday bouquets.
Our flowers are wrapped in paper or other compostable materials — never plastic — and all organic waste from flower arranging is composted on-site.
Our Approach
How We Grow
Chemical-Free
No pesticides or artificial chemicals. We grow using sustainable, chemical-free and peat-free methods — just healthy soil and sunshine.
Compostable Packaging
We use only compostable, recyclable, or reusable materials. Our flowers are wrapped in paper — never plastic.
Peat-Free & Sustainable
We are proud to be part of the British cut flower movement — locally grown, seasonal flowers that celebrate the beauty of our countryside.
Seed to Bouquet
Every bloom is nurtured from seed to bouquet with care, love, and respect for the environment. All organic waste is composted on-site.
Our Florist
Meet Ellesse
Ellesse is our talented in-house florist. With years of experience creating wedding and event arrangements, she brings a natural, garden-inspired style to every bouquet she creates.
Our bouquets are freshly picked from the farm and bursting with beautiful seasonal flowers. Lovingly arranged by Ellesse, each bouquet is ready to enjoy — simply unwrap and place in your favourite vase.
Wrapped in fully compostable packaging and delivered straight to your door, these bouquets make the perfect gift or a treat for yourself.
Our Journey
How We've Grown
The Seed Is Planted
Emma reads about the British flower movement and clears her vegetable plot to grow the first cut flowers for Ellesse.
From Garden to Farm
What started as a small garden experiment blossoms. The family move their growing to Downbarten Farm in St Nicholas at Wade.
Weddings & Events
Ellesse creates bespoke wedding florals using farm-grown blooms, thoughtfully designed to bring your dream day to life.
Bouquets & Subscriptions
The Darling Buds of Wade arranges hand-tied bouquets, Field to Vase buckets, and flower subscriptions — bringing seasonal British flowers to homes across Kent
Today & Beyond
Growing sustainably on the banks of the Wantsum Channel — with so much more to come.
Our Credentials
Growing With Pride
Through our work, we aim to inspire a meaningful connection to the seasons, the soil, and the simple joy of British-grown flowers.— The Darling Buds of Wade
Get in Touch
We'd Love to Hear From You
Whether you're looking for seasonal bouquets, wedding enquiries, or any other enquiries or questions — we're always happy to chat and look forward to hearing from you.
