A farm near Cowbridge in the Vale of Glamorgan, more normally known for Strawberries and Raspberries in the height of summer is trying a brand new venture – for 2 days only, this weekend, it is offering the public the chance to come and pick their own St David’s Day Daffodils for the first time.
“We’ve been growing soft fruit here at Hendrewennol for over 30 years.” notes Peta Keen, who with her late Husband Tom started their Pick Your Own fruit farm with an acre of Raspberries in the late 1970’s. “This this will be the first time we’ve tried our hand at Daffodils, so it’s a bit a change for us, as we normally open in June, or possibly May, but never before in February.”
Hendrewennol had originally envisaged that its first crop of Daffodils would come up for Mothering Sunday in early April but the cold snap before Christmas, followed by a wet February, has brought our national flower on at a record pace, so the decision was made last week to let customers come and pick their own St David’s day button holes.
For anyone expecting to see a field of golden flowers however the Keen family suggest a note of caution: “Our daffodils are right for picking” notes Peta’s son Toby, “ as this is when they are at their green bud stage, not in full bloom. Once put in water they should open with 36 hours, or quicker if the water is slightly warm – right in time for St David’s Day.”
For those who’ve never tried their hand at flower picking the news is good, all pickers will be given guidance in selecting the best blooms, and all they require are their hands, as daffodil stems snap very easily and can be harvested by customers of all ages. However the team at Hendrewennol strongly advise wellies or walking boots, rather than the array of sandals and summer dresses often associated with the delights of Summer berry picking, as the ground under foot is likely to be rather muddy.
The daffodil pick your own will be open on Saturday 26th / 27th February at 11am and run until 4pm each day, weather permitting.
Hendrewennol is signposted off the A48 between Bonvilston & Cowbridge, 10 minutes west of Cardiff. Maps and directions are available online at www.hendrewennol.com
