This weekend will mark the 10th anniversary of our annual charity Christmas bulb sale. Let’s face it we all need something to cheer us up during that long stretch between the shortest day and the moment when the first green shoots appear in spring. And what we have on offer will hopefully do just that. For to me there is nothing better to lift the spirits than to bring a little bit of nature indoors – evergreens for Christmas yes, but after that the colour and perfume of hyacinths, paperwhites, muscari and cyclamen. Potted up and mossed in a variety of pretty receptacles, they are the perfect Christmas present. Or as gift for yourself, a treat to look forward to as you check for those first blooms, exploding into your home with a heady mix of intoxicating scents.
I start collecting the containers almost immediately the New Year arrives. I delight in rooting around in charity shops and local markets; excited when I return with a Victorian jelly mould, a bowl in a riotous design, or the occasional piece of Wedgewood at a knock down price. Friends have started collecting for me too, and many now return the pots to be resold for which I am most grateful. Bulbs for forcing are ordered from Parkers Wholesale in August. The hyacinths with the now familiar names of ‘Delft Blue’ (beautifully pale), ‘Aiolus’ (snow white) and ‘Miss Saigon’ (violet and the most perfumed), with iris reticula and muscari for the smaller pots. Planted up in October they are placed on shelves in the dark of the cold garage, until they begin to shoot. ‘Paperwhites’ need less time and more light, and so are installed in their tall vases later, the timing is tricky but with any luck they will be growing tall and straight for the sale.
And later, when their leaves begin to droop and their flowers are spent you can plant them in the garden, alongside the new growth. They should continue to bloom for many years to come, later than the indoor ones but just as strong. The gift that keeps on giving as they say.
I am delighted to be joined as usual by Gina Cowen, who this year has been busy at the sewing machine producing tea towels, napkins and lavender bags in exquisite fabrics. And Emily Stewart from Dark Horse Roastery will be here with delicious speciality coffee beans as well as at hand to serve our visitors their favourite brew.
Money raised will go to Kestrel Theatre Company – an extraordinary charity that takes theatre professionals to work alongside people in local prisons, a nurturing, creative force that like the bulbs brings colour and hope into dark places.
If you fancy coming along we will be here 10am – 4pm on Sunday 10th December. Please email us at theoxfordsausage@gmail.com for the address. You will be most welcome.
Emily’s coffee is available at:
https://darkhorseroastery.co.uk
Gina is a jeweller making pieces mostly from sea glass. You can find her on instagram:
@ginacowenseaglass
If you’d like to know more about Kestrel Theatre or would like to donate to their amazing work:
https://www.kestreltheatrecompany.co.uk
Pots of bulbs are sold when the shoots are just emerging. But over the years we’ve received pictures back of them when in full bloom. So very gratifying. Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the years. Here’s a small selection of your photos.
