The Pickery

Name: The Pickery
Address: Kaitoke Loop Road, Upper Hutt, 5018, NZ
Telephone: +64276646335
Rating: 5

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The Pickery

A tiny flower farm with big ambitions to bring the freshest flowers to help people celebrate, commiserate and connect.
(2)

04/09/2024

Imagination and optimism are the keys to growing dahlias for cutting. Imagination that something so unflattering can turn into something so beautiful and optimism that with a little TLC dahlia seeds and tubers will work their magic. It’s why spring is the time to kickstart your dahlia growing so you can ride on the coattails of nature as it burst forth for another flowering season. If you’ve suffered pain of growing dahlias or fearful of all the rumours that they are hard to grow, come join me and (that’s Jodie) to learn how as flower farmers and gardeners we grow dahlias from seed, cuttings and tubers with tried and tested techniques that don’t involve convoluted systems or plant pampering that’s frankly exhausting. You’ll learn simple and straight up ways to grow dahlias for cutting and take away seeds and tubers to get you started. All the deets are in a link in my bio or DM me to book a place. We only have a few spots left so be quick. 😀

02/09/2024

Dahlias have a reputation for being the divas of the flower world which is strange given the complete mania there is for growing them. Perhaps it’s their reputation for trickiness and frailties that keeps us wanting them more. More likely it’s because of all the flowers you can grow its dahlias can have you gasping with delight. We’re thrilled to be teaming up with my mate Jodie who knows more about growing dahlias than I could ever hope to learn. Join Jodie and me for a deep dive into growing dahlias as cut flowers on SATURDAY 14th SEPTEMBER. You’ll have the chance to quiz us on any dahlias related matters and see Jodie in action propagating dahlias from cuttings and divisions. Plus I’ve imported rather special dahlia seeds from Waiheke Island from so we can grow dahlias from seed too. This combo of walks and talk around the Pickery, chats with other dahlia lovers and going away with precious dahlia cargo will get you revved up for this coming dahlia season. All the details are in the link in my bio or DM me to book. Places are limited so if you fancy it, don’t wait in case you’re disappointed. Let all the dahlia dreamers join us😀

08/08/2024

It’s time to get started with next seasons flowering in the Wellington region. So we’ve teamed up with to host a GROW TO BLOOM workshop. Swipe above to get all the details. DM or email your book your spot.

20/07/2024

It’s been just a few weeks as a resident stall holder with . We have been so humbled by the support for our little plant shop. We’re selling seedlings for flowering plants - perennials and hardy annuals. All perfect for planting now for spring and summer flowering. So many more varieties to come when the weather warms up. Plus fresh flowers! We can’t wait to bring the freshest flowers sown and grown right here in Upper Hutt for locals to enjoy. So even if you don’t want to grow your own flowers we’ll have you covered. 😊🌻🌷💐

30/01/2024

The same way an artist doesn’t paint by numbers, there are no formulas applied to our bunches and bouquets. Everyone one is unique. Our job is to bring out the beauty and personalities of the flowers from the garden to you. Things can get very personal. We can spot a flower as we pick that we know one of our regulars will love. We curate colours, shapes and textures for mixed buckets knowing the combination of flowers will bring delight. Knowing the look and feel florists want to create in their designs we can pinpoint the flowers and foliage that we know will bring their creations to life - those special touches impossible to predict till we pick especially for them. Practically speaking we sow and grow flowers but it’s so much more. We’re observers, psychics and clairvoyants of the spirits and personalities of nature helping to bring the magical beauty of flowers alive for others to see what we sense. The life of flowers is fleeting - our job is simple; to help nature thrive and spread the joy flowers to people’s lives. It’s a beautiful thing and something we never take for granted.

23/01/2024

It was a promise to myself this season - slow down, stop living in your own head and start experiencing garden life in all its senses. Turns out going slow doesn’t come naturally to me and my canine companions only know zooming or snoozing. Yet the Christmas and New Year break has been a perfect time to enjoy the garden more deeply. Tuning into the sights, sounds, smells, feels and tastes of the garden is harder than it might seem. You have to switch off the to-do list, turn a blind eye to imperfections and tune into your five senses. Taking a mug of tea to sit on a bench helps. It’s been fun to lean into summer and let things slide a little. But we’re back on the tools again and delighted that the full on flowering has started. So if you’d like flowers to ignite your senses with the essence of a summer garden the ship on our website (link in bio) is open again. Can’t wait to bring the best in bloom to you - we deliver flowers for Upper Hutt on a Friday or you can collect from us in Kaitoke any day of the week. Happy 2024.

24/12/2023

It’s reaching the point of no return towards the holidays. Whatever you have planned with whoever this festive season I hope you have the happiest of times. Christmas can be tricky for many people as well as the highlight of the year for others. And as the fortunate among us settle in for rest, relaxation, fun and celebration there are so many other people in the world facing danger, hunger, sickness and persecution. Reconciling those things gets harder. I truly hope we can all find a peace and equanimity today and everyday from here. For the saddest of times I take comfort in the simple beauty of life wherever I can find it. Sometimes it feels like grasping emptiness but reach out often enough and you’ll find something worth holding close to your heart. In this strange insta world there is so much to celebrate and I am so grateful for all the friends and acquaintances who cheer me along and cheer me up. I thank you for your kindness, creativity and comedy. May you have the happiest of times over the festivities and your dreams expand exponentially into the coming year.

28/11/2023

It’s an illusion that flower farmers live a dreamy existence amongst flowers. You’ll mostly find us at soil level amongst the weeds, the seedlings and worm spotting. Or hauling heavy loads with one eye on the weather and the other on the clock.

And when the field work stops for the day the paper work takes over. Even making up bunches and bouquets happens in batches - a race to create bounty for others to enjoy.

Most of us wouldn’t have it any other way. We’re driven to coax beauty from seeds and earth that makes the world a marvellous place if only for a few moments.

If there was one thing I would change about life growing flowers it would be to carve out more quiet time to appreciate the flowers close up.

Time to slow busy hands and calm a rushing mind. Space for the therapeutic benefits and creativity to flow. The precious time to find perspective.

To feel the joy of flowers and the enormous power of nature to make flowers in all their glorious shapes, sizes and personalities.

It’s a real treat when I do and even though what’s in my minds eye rarely appears in the actual arrangements I make. But that’s a whole different illusion …

28/10/2023

Chaos of Spring is running full throttle. There’s never enough hours or energy to get ahead. So all you can do is let nature have its head and not lose yours in the process. Garden In in Spring is not as therapeutic as I’d like it to be. When you need to settle your nerves and calm your mind I find a mug of tea and pickings from the garden can work wonders. A chance to get close to nature without the overwhelm. Instead of beating yourself up for not picking the asparagus in its prime enjoy its petulance in other ways. Enjoy the kale gone to seed in all its floral glory. The seed pods of hellebores for their reproductive bounty. And the beauty of brassica that is Hesperis. The blousy ranunculus always make me smile - who doesn’t love a buttercup?

23/08/2023

Surrounded by big landscapes it’s easy to overlook the tiny winter flowers. Their cheerful faces shining through the windy chills and persistent rain. Spring is on the horizon but let’s enjoy the miniature florals while we can. Minute packages to be mindful about lest you miss their wintery glory. Snowdrops, iris, crocus and scented geranium are in abundance right now. Hard to pick a favourite. Could you?

13/07/2023

It’s been weeks in the making and months in deciding. We are now the proud owners of a new polycarbonate greenhouse to replace the well past its useful life poly plastic sheet house. The old frame will be repurposed into a shade house for growing on seedlings. The primary purpose of the greenhouse is to grow food crops but there’ll be room to sneak in a few flowers too. It will be the hub of our plant propagation operations and it’s ready to use in the nick of time. Although the beds need a lot of TLC to bring them back to health and vitality. We’ll fork the beds, add humates, organic fertilisers, worm castings and a good drench full of good microbes. Then it will be covered with cardboard and topped with home made compost before being covered to mature for a few weeks. Tomatoes and greens will be the first crops with some sweet peas as they are my favourite flowers and the sooner I can pick some the happier I will be.

04/07/2023

After a fun few days meeting so many dried flower enthusiasts we are finishing up the collection this week. If you’d like flowers shipped (anywhere in NZ) DM me for a list of what’s available. Bouquets and bundles will be delivered this Friday in Upper Hutt. Orders close 1000 Thursday 6th July.

15/05/2023

This was too be the year of the chrysanthemums. Given new homes in the cutting garden, three layers of support netting and individual canes for reinforcements against the harshest Wellington winds. They bloomed beautifully whilst I was away in the UK. I will dig up one of each variety and give them special love over winter as a ‘mother’ plant for cuttings in spring in case fate delivers a blow to the plants left in the ground. And so the cycle of optimism, hope and hard work starts again. Next year will be THE year of the chrysanthemums. 🤞🏻

16/04/2023

Our flowering season has ended like a movie with an inconclusive storyline. For once it wasn’t the flowers or the weather that dictated this decision but more pressing priorities in life. Normally we’d herald the heritage chrysanthemums as the grande finale. But an urgent call to return my homeland of the UK has unexpectedly meant leaving the season unfinished. We’ll be back to tie up the loose ends soon. In the meantime, massive thanks to all of you who have supported us this season.

21/03/2023

Thank you My Upper Hutt - appreciate your support and encouragement.

19/03/2023

No doubt now. Autumn is here. Sunflowers are all smiles. Zinnias are heralding their finest and the dahlias are determined to have their spotlight while they can. Alas the rest of the garden is looking raggedy around the edges and begging for a rest. And so begins the new cycle of seasons. We’ll be clearing beds and sowing cover crops over the coming weeks. Seeds are starting for planting out next month. And some of the self seeders being potted up for transplanting. A sense of renewal that’s so exciting and energising. Gardeners delight 😊

14/03/2023

Flowering is not all beautiful blooms and sunny days. and I are hosting a webinar this evening talking about what tests us as floral business owners plus the five tests that we think all flower growers should take each year season. These tests help take more control of what’s happening your seasonal flower business. At least in those parts that you can change and influence. You can join us live for some candid and fun conversation or catch the replay until next Sunday. sign up link in my bio. Everyone welcome wherever you are in the world 😊

11/03/2023

It’s still a pinch me moment to see flowers we grow and pick en masse. An utter privilege to be surrounded by hundreds of flowers knowing that they are going out to a wider world to bring beauty and joy to others. After weeks of thin pickings we’re delighted (and relieved) to be helping people decorate their homes, halls and tables as they celebrate weddings, birthdays, loved ones and gatherings around the table. Doing your own flowers might seem daunting yet it doesn’t have to be. A vase, bottle, jar can be transformed with a few stems. The flowers really do all the hard work of beautifying so you can relax and enjoy the display. Our flowers are packed with personality, fragrance and will charm whoever they meet. If you fancy doing your own flowers but don’t know where to start just get in touch and we’ll help you figure things out and help you get arranging in a fun and creative way.

04/03/2023

Stage fright almost got the better of me this week when I stood in front of more than 100 gardeners. All knowledgeable and attentive I could feel the pressure to perform rising. Yet when you get into conversation with an appreciative audience it’s amazing how time flies. Of course driving home I thought about all the things I could have said but didn’t. And all the questions I’d have liked to ask others. Always the same, get keen gardeners in a room it’s never quiet, always something to learn from others, to talk plants, seeds and of course the weather. We all agreed it’s been a challenging summer for gardens. Not enough light, fluctuating temperatures and more or less rainfall than we’d like depending on where we grow. And judging by the questions afterwards a huge interest in growing flowers especially for cutting. Sitting in the garden when I got back it made me appreciate how much joy gardens bring to people. Whether it’s enjoying their own or other peoples. And how gardening clubs are thriving communities who enjoy a good cuppa and natter.

14/02/2023

Here’s a little valentines love for my flowering colleagues. Cyclone Gabrielle may be beating down on the seasonal flowers grown outdoors in the North Island today but we are a hardy bunch. In fact there are over 200 seasonal growers listed in the directory. The NZ Collective website was a 2020 lockdown project that points anyone who wants to buy local flowers where to find them. If you want to support local growers use the link in my bio to find them. Tell your florists, friends and whanau too. You’ll find the freshest, funkiest and fragrant flowers grown with loving hands and hearts. Please go show them some aroha 💕

02/02/2023

Like a slow saunter down the catwalk, the dahlias are starting to show off. Hard to believe these divas are being so shy this year. They will of course be beautiful when they come on masse to share with you. Our flower pen pals will get first dibs - our next e-letter goes out next week - packed with information on our summer subscriptions, personalised garden retreats and flowery events for the coming weeks. Sign up via our website (link in bio) to join our inner circle of flower friends. In the meantime I’ll be giving the dahlias all the attention they deserve 😊

16/01/2023

Finally it feels like summer has arrived. If only for a few days. It feels like a constant race against the weather to be planting, watering, not watering, weeding, mowing, tying up and typing back up again. When it feels relentless the best medicine is to stop, walk away and find a corner to admire. Better still take a cuppa outdoors and just be amongst a the bees and birds. Listening to the breeze in the trees and the chatter of nature going about it’s business. It’s a beautiful thing. We’re waiting on the dahlias and zinnias to put in an appearance so begin flowering. This has to be the season of stop- start. Our usual flow of flowering interrupted by unusual weather. Times like this it’s all about patience and plodding on. Resting awhile while we can to dream of dahlias.

19/12/2022

Just finished picking for tomorrow's market and there are so many beauties that smell fantastic. Come see us for the final time this year to grab a bunch or bucket full. Flowering and I will be there from 12.30-1.30pm. If you want to pre-order to avoid disappointment DM us.

16/12/2022

There comes a point of no return at this time of year. Ready or not the festivities start in a week. More than ever I feel very torn at this time of year. So many people are struggling economically. Bombs are showering down on Ukraine. Covid and other flus are striking people down - it’s the kind of viral transmission we feared yet now shrug off as normal. Once again it’s raining on our flowering parade. My challenges are minuscule yet my self of helplessness to the ills of the world overwhelming. Time at tough times like these talking flowers seems trite. Yet their symbolism and their power to uplift the human spirit seemingly limitless. Flowers are inherently optimistic, a celebration of natures artistry and innocence. As much as flowers make me happy it’s the power of flowers to bring joy, comfort , kindness, creativity and compassion to others that keeps me going when I consider all world is facing. I’m so thankfully to all the people who support The Pickery - people who give themselves and others a little lift through flowers. Whether it’s a bountiful arrangement or a single flowers. It’s a powerful thing. Humbling. Perhaps it’s just me looking for a force for good I can have a hand in. Am I alone feeling this way? Do tell.

06/12/2022

We're back again tomorrow for another lunch time pop up flower market. Flowers grown right here in Upper Hutt. Come say hello. Flowers from $15 - cash only. Ready made bunches or make up your own bouquet. Let us know if you'll be popping by!

30/11/2022

Decisions decisions. So much to choose from. It was fascinating to me how decisive people can be when it comes to buying flowers. Or not. And the number of people who said - oh I don’t know what makes a good bouquet and then proceeded to choose a fabulous collection. Either way and I were thrilled to meet so many flower lovers at our first mini flower market yesterday. We’ll be back next Wednesday lunchtime (and every Wednesday until Christmas) bringing floral therapy, gifts and treats to the people of Upper Hutt. Each week we’ll bring new varieties including blooms from other growers. Thanks to everyone who supported our market - every conversation, question and bunch sold means the world to us. And every recycled jam jar dropped off by our generous customers the more precious. Can’t wait to be back.

27/11/2022

Starting this coming Wednesday - 12.30-1.30pm at Whirinaki Whare Taonga we've teamed up with / Wellington Flower Collective to bring our local and seasonal flowers to Upper Hutt. Treat yourself or someone else - ready made bunches or make your own. Perfect Floral Therapy for midweek. Please tell/bring your friends. CASH only.

15/11/2022

Our web-shop is open again! We’re delighted that flowers are back and I can finally say yes to all those people who’ve been messaging me. If you’re after flowers for Friday delivery to Upper Hutt or collect from our garden gate shed any day you can order via our website straight away. If ranunculus are your thing then we have some rather special colourful blooms to share. But they won’t be around for much longer so do get in quick. 😊

21/10/2022

What’s thinner than thin? Let’s say it’s skinny pickings in the garden right now. So much so I had to hotfoot 10 minutes down the valley to to raid her equally skinny pickings to fill orders for this week. If my journals are to believed we should have ranunculus flushing and all manner of early blooms. Alas, the weird weather has set us back weeks. It’s times like this just holding faith is all you can do. And keep seeding like a maniac - zinnias, cosmos, millets, sunflowers, basils, celosia, amaranthus, atriplex - for summer flowers. If you have warm thoughts send them our way. Warm sunny days and overnight showers would be perfect 🤞🏻 otherwise send patience in a parcel please. You can be sure we’ll let you know when we’re flowering again. Enjoy the long weekend in NZ to celebrate all your hard labour. Whilst the cutting gardens do their thing we’ll be hard at it in our house gardens and planning new plantings in the potager. It’s a worthwhile distraction while we wait 😉

Address

Kaitoke Loop Road
Upper Hutt
5018

Telephone

+64276646335

Website

http://www.thepickery.co.nz/

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Videos

Planting tulip bulbs has to be one of the most optimistic acts of a flower grower. It’s the inception of an explosion of floral happiness come spring. We missed having tulips last season so we’re excited to see these flowers back at The Pickery again. This how this years tulips have started, tucked away in new beds that will go on to become our first pick your own garden. A place for locals to come for a spot of floral therapy. All we can do now is wait with 🤞🏻😊

Really has been four seasons this week. Autumn colours, wintery starts, spring promise and summery days. This is what we mean by growing seasonally 🤣. When it’s cold I’m hunkered down in the office working on the @floralbusinessactivator then soon as the suns out is all play outdoors. How’s your week going?

Layers not linens. Long not shorts. Socks not sandals. Although it’s flowers not fashions that guide our seasons the wardrobe has had a makeover in the last week. There have been moments when I wondered if we’ve skipped autumn and gone straight to winter. 🥶 overnight temperatures are dangerously close to freezing making me nervous for the dahlias, zinnias and cosmos. As we swing from warm to cool and light to dark it’s a scramble to refocus from picking to planting. If you’re anything like me with your head and heart still in summer in denial fear not! Enjoy the autumn equinox it’s time to move on and enjoy the harvest. To part nature in its back and give thanks for its efforts. To drag out your favourite woolies, warm drinks and start planning for hibernation. This autumn I’m joyful for what has been and mourning loss. Bitter sweet. There’s poetry in my heart but spreadsheets in my head. How are you finding autumn equinox? Or for my friends in the north - has spring sprung?

New greenhouse still needs to be fully prepped but loads of room for seedlings at least😊

The Wellington dried flower pop up is over but @florist.stylist and I put together bundles of everlasting flowers this morning for people who couldn’t make it in person. Available to buy from @florist.stylist website.

Snow adventures part two - at least the dogs are enjoying snow zoomies.

Only second proper snow in 15 years and whilst pretty to see it’s really the last thing we need at this time of year. Thankfully most of our flowers are tucked up under their duvets and this will melt pretty quick. Wish us luck. We’re going to need it.

We are trialling Sunday opening of the flower shed. Fresh flowers and fresh-for-you-to-dry bunches available now. 32D Kaitoke Loop. Text 0276646335 for directions if you’ve never been before as Google maps keeps sending people off elsewhere 🙄

Watching these bees was as though they were plucking the keys in a music box mechanism. A little bit addictive to watch. Just like the bees we can be so busy being busy that we miss the true brilliance and beauty of nature. Poppies have to be one of my favourite flowers for their fleeting blooms and architectural structures. Their promiscuity means they spread their wonder around the garden with wild abandon. Poppies pop up in places I would never have sown them myself yet perfectly placed. Nature is clever like that. Don’t you think?

Special trial - Sunday flowers. Come treat yourself or someone else. 32d Kaitoke Loop. Have great Sunday, rumour has it the sun might shine 😍

We can’t change the weather but we can help you with floral cheer. The Flower shed is loaded with goodies at 32d Kaitoke loop. Let us know by 12noon today if you’d like flowers tomorrow so we can make up your bunch or bouquet to collect.

Spring bounty all waiting for new homes in the flower shed - 32D Kaitoke Loop Road. $15 posies and $20 bunches. Mixed tulips, forget me not, cerinthe, anemone and ranunculus.

Here’s a little something to help calm and ground us in positive nature. Taken just a few days ago before to polar blast arrived and COVID-19 wasn’t nipping at our heels here in NZ.

Day 20 of #flowerfarmerama - what flowers do you sell to whom? Here’s a peak of the small posies that went out to a local grocery store in my local town that sells my flowers from Friday’s each week. It really chimes with one of my aims as a business to make flowers available as an everyday treat. People who buy flowers there have been spreading the word and bookings are coming in buckets of flowers for weddings. These are people who are having a ‘low key’ wedding with a wildflower/garden vibe. It’s such an honour to play a part in celebrating people’s special days. And, helping our local florists who really care about sourcing local flowers have fresh flowers, especially those not available at the wholesale markets.