June is the gateway to Summer…

We can hardly believe that the Summer Solstice is almost here. Doesn’t time fly when you’re having fun!

First things first, we are very exited to say that our Kingfisher blooms have featured at RHS Chelsea Flower Show this year. Local stylist Selena Lake has been working with the National Garden Scheme on their Great British Garden Party campaign. It’s very special to see the likes of Mary Berry enjoying afternoon tea at a table full of our British blooms.

There is so much to celebrate this month, we don’t know where to start! Kingfisher Farm Shop is 51 years old this Summer, I wonder how many of you have shopped with us since our humble beginnings? We have another birthday to celebrate…the Kingfisher Monthly Post is 2! In what is our 24th issue, are team is forever grateful to you lovely lot, for opening each Monthly Post with such positivity and support.

Of course, the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee is this weekend, which means the Kingfisher Kids Jubilee Crown Competition is upon us! Thank you ever so much for all the entries so far, the deadline is this Friday 3rd June. Good luck little Kingfishers!

How ever you are spending the Jubilee weekend, we hope it’s full of fun!

Kick off the Summer with Kingfisher produce…

How will you be spending the jubilee?

Our doors will be open in the run up to the Jubilee, so that you can gather all of your picnic treats. Pick up a Kingfisher Picnic and a bottle of bubbly to share with friends!

Book a place…

Come along on Friday 15th July or Friday 9th September 10.00am - 12.30pm, to the peaceful setting of Joy Farms in West Horsley in the heart of the Surrey Hills.

Father’s Day gift guide…

Gift your Dad something sustainably-made on Sunday 19th June. Wave goodbye to plastic wrapped hampers and introduce Dad to some ethical brands - which, of course, are always available in our Farm Shop and online.

Father’s Day can be a tricky time for lots of us, either way we hope you’re able to spend the day with loved ones and fond memories.

A thank you from our team…

The Kingfisher crew had a very busy day on Saturday 7th May, as we celebrated Surrey Day. Lots of local producers came, offering tasters and wonderful artisan products. We had such fun working alongside some of the most lovely people in the business, and we hope that those of you who came along had a great Surrey Day.

We were joined by Sir Stephen Lamport and Lady Lamport on behalf of the Surrey Lieutenancy as well as BBC Radio Surrey. Thank you to Local Food Britain for putting our event on the map and making it all possible!

Meet Vickie…

Accompanying Betty (my Nan) to work at Kingfisher, no doubt helped me at age 14, to get a Saturday shift in the Farm Shop. My first pay packet went on a new handbag, which obviously started off the collection…leading onto shoes, far too many to count now!

A school work experience opportunity led to a week in the Flower Shop. Excited to learn and see everything one very early morning, a market trip with Marion opened my eyes to the massive world of flowers. I totally fell in love; it paved the way to my floristry life - studying at Merrist Wood and achieving a master diploma.  

The foundations were solid from the beginning with Marion and the team’s teaching. I left in 2012 to spread my wings; working in various shops, teaching workshops, demonstrations, exhibiting, competing, freelancing and opening my own Flower Shop has all certainly increased knowledge and experiences.

In February 2022, I was honoured and thankful to say that I’m a Kingfisher Flower Girl once again! Favourite Flower: Parrot Tulip. Favourite Plant: Hoya (indoors), Geum (outdoors).

Photography Credit: @chloe.hardwick