Football derby turns to floral themes
It has become a case of the battle of the baskets – as a family farming business at Essington has found blooming success by offering plants in the colours of local football clubs.
Fans are flocking to get their hands on the baskets in the colours of Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Bromwich Albion.
The success follows the release of black petunias which the Simkin family realised when teamed with gold made up the Wolves colours.
Farmer Richard Simkin, aged 70, a director of Essington Farm, said: "It is a family-run business and we grow bedding plants.
"With the release of black petunias we realised we could make up baskets in the Wolves colours.
"So as not to show preference for any particular club we decided to also make up baskets with blue and white flowers for the Albion.
"It has now become a battle of the baskets as people ask for plants in the colours of their favourite team.
"The whole idea has come about because of the release of the black petunias as there are not many black flowers.
"They are a proper black and they are creating quite a bit of interest.
"Last year because of the pandemic was the first time in 30 years that we did not open and I must admit the battle of the baskets is really taking off and attracting a lot of attention.
"We have not told the football clubs what we are doing but I suspect that we might sell out without any demand from them.
"The football themed baskets are selling for £11.95 and the bigger baskets for up to £40 or £50.
"We have poly-tunnels, garden plants, a farm shop and pick-your-own as well as an award-winning butchery and are due to re-open catering for afternoon teas."
