Well-known dianthus breeder and grower Whetman Pinks is combining two different elements of the horticulture industry – the growing of young plants and the supplying cut flowers – in its new cut flower service.
The Dawlish (Devon)-based firm is achieving this fusion by giving those customers who are ordering a bouquet from its new Scent to You range the option of also purchasing a box of six young plants. The box of young plants is then delivered alongside the cut flowers.
Whetman Pinks representative Johanna Strickland said: “We started up a cut flower delivery service at the start of this summer and instead of delivering chocolates with the flowers we are delivering young plants with a note explaining how to grow them. One of our customers told us it was ‘a brilliant gift – especially for a lady who is on a diet.’”
She added that Whetman Pinks owner Carolyn Bourne and her team drew inspiration from the way in which many of their customers enjoy raising Whetman’s young plants at home and growing their own bouquets. Strickland also pointed out that the boxes Whetman Pinks uses for its young plants actually resemble chocolate boxes.
“We thought – rather than send a box of chocolates people could instead send a box of young plants with a bouquet.”
As well as introducing a cut flower range to its service, Whetman Pinks, which was set up more than 60 years ago, has also this year introduced a range named “Cocktails.” It includes five “Cocktail Pinks” – namely Cherry Daiquiri, Mojito, Cosmopolitan, Shirley Temple and Tequila Sunrise.
Strickland said: “We did very well with our range of ‘Cocktails’ at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show. We sold a lot of retail boxes.”
Customers can order the Scent for You bouquets online until September, at www.whetmanpinks.com.