Gill Blease had long dreamed of starting a cut flower business but never had the space. In 2020, she sold her house and bought a derelict walled garden near Jedburgh and everything changed.
“Once the six-foot-high brambles and rosebay willow herb were under control, the first thing I did was build lots of long raised beds,” Gill explained.
“I’d always wanted to grow cut flowers, and suddenly I had the space. Funny enough, As a teenager, I worked Saturdays at the local florist in my village, so it feels like I’ve come full circle.”
Applehouse Flowers started small, with Gill running everything herself. For larger weddings, she calls on another local grower and credits her membership with Flowers from the Farm - which promotes sustainable, local flower growing across the UK - for helping her get established. “The advice, contacts and opportunities have been brilliant,” she said.
Gill works across the Scottish Borders, from farms and grand houses to yurts tucked away in fields. Her couples tend to know what they want: seasonal, locally grown flowers that feel meaningful and personal.
“They’re generally relaxed,” she says. “Many want to do some of their own arranging alongside the bigger, more technical pieces I provide,” she said.
The Borders countryside heavily influences her work. “The hedgerows, woodlands and wildlife all shape what I grow and how I style it. I feel lucky to discover hidden venues and meet people who really appreciate local flowers. I’ve made lots of friends since starting.”
Gill’s style is simple: relaxed, seasonal, informal. She doesn’t chase trends.
“I grow the classics including roses, sweetpeas, dahlias, clematis and lupins alongside traditional annuals like cornflowers, calendula and larkspur. I also try something new each year; this season it’s a viola called Chianti Shades, which I hope will work beautifully in bouquets.”
Her couples like natural designs. “They want a soft, wild look, with umbels and spires like ammi visnaga and foxgloves. They embrace seasonal colours, but I can still work with their favourite shades or source extra flowers locally if needed.”
Seasonality matters in Scotland. Winter weddings mean some compromises, but Gill says there’s still plenty to work with - winter blossom, hellebores, snowdrops, forced flowers, potted bulbs and dried stems. “You just need to be creative and plan ahead,” she said.
The Borders climate suits many flowers, especially with protective walls or a polytunnel.
“Most annuals, biennials, perennials and bulbs do well - poppies, nigella, cosmos, dianthus, clematis, tulips, daffodils. Tulips are grown in pots so the mice don’t eat them, and wind-sensitive flowers need netting.”
More couples are choosing locally grown or British flowers, and sustainability is increasingly important. Gill avoids floral foam, uses reusable containers and composts all her waste. For bigger structures, she builds frames from chicken wire and hazel with containers that can be reused.
Outdoor weddings bring their own challenges.
“Flowers need to be kept cool, and you need a plan for wind or rain. I weigh down arrangements and design flexibly so they can move indoors if needed,” she said.
One wedding that stands out for Gill was at Fairybraes Field, Glendearg Farm near Galashiels.
“It was a rustic yurt at the end of a hidden track, with space for camping and an outdoor fire.
“The weather was windy and rain was forecast, but everyone was relaxed. The couple transformed the yurt with lights and flowers - it felt magical and collaborative.”
She recommends couples speak to a florist six months to a year in advance. Popular dates fill up fast and seed-growing needs careful planning. On tighter budgets, DIY arrangements work beautifully.
“Informal table flowers are perfect. I offer everything from fully DIY buckets to a mix of bespoke and DIY pieces that can be reused across the ceremony and reception,”
Her advice for couples in 2026?
“Trust your florist. I take my contribution to their day seriously and couples can be sure I’ll pick the very best flowers. I’ll work hard to create beautiful bouquets, buttonholes and arrangements. It’s a privilege and I love it.” she concluded.
With Applehouse Flowers, Gill Blease brings the wild beauty of the Borders into weddings, combining local blooms, seasonal style and personal care to make every day feel special.
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