Summer Lilly’s has a team of dedicated, artisanal florists who have the knowledge, experience and expertise to provide floral arrangements for any occasion and with a same day delivery service it is guaranteed that an order will be delivered on time. Our team are rightly proud of their home town and find daily inspiration on their doorstep. By sharing a brief history of the local area, and the stunning scenery that inspires them, they firmly believe that they can inspire others, too.
Located in the English Channel and separated from the mainland by the Solent, the Isle of Wight is the largest and second most populous island in England. It is between two and five miles from the Hampshire coast and the quickest way to travel between the two is by hovercraft from Ryde to Southsea. There is of human settlement here from the lower Palaeolithic period, approximately 424,000-374,000 years ago. Owned by a Norman family until 1293, the Isle of Wight was earlier a kingdom in its own right, Wihtwara. More recently, the island has been a holiday destination since Victorian times, due in large part to its mild climate, verdant landscape and coastal scenery and has been designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The poets Alfred, Lord Tennyson and Algernon Charles Swinburne have called the island home, as did Queen Victoria who built her final home, and much loved summer residence, called Osbourne House, at East Cowes. Annual festivals are held on the island, not least of which is the Isle of Wight festival which in 1970 was the largest rock music even ever held, and featured a memorable set by Jimi Hendrix.
There are numerous examples of well-preserved wild areas, and some of the most fossil rich quarries and cliffs in Europe, on the island. What else can be expected from a UNESCO site? With no grey squirrels to be found here, it is one of the few places in the UK where the red squirrel still flourishes. In addition, the island is the UK’s last remaining habitat home to the Glanville fritillary butterfly. One of the reasons for this is the existence of flowers such as the pyramidal orchid, which was named the Isle of Wight’s county flower in 2002. It is little wonder florists think the island is an inspiration.
There is only one National Nature Reserve on the island, Newton National Nature Reserve and Old Town Hall, but what stunning example of natural beauty it is! It is home to a range of diverse habitats and has something for everyone. There are meadows rich in flowers, salt marshes and ancient woodlands alive with wildlife. The harbour was saved from the threat of a nuclear power station in the 1960’s by the efforts of locals who conducted surveys to prove how important, and special, the area is. The areas medieval origins are apparent in the pattern of fields that have remained untouched for decades.
Brading Marshes is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and home to the RSPB@S first reserve on the island. It covers the majority of the lower River Yar valley and the stunning flowers and plants found here attract a variety of wildfowl, waders and migratory birds.
For over a century the Isle of Wight has been known as the Garden Isle, and it is home to vast landscape gardens created by the world renowned Capability Brown as well as colourful, tropical paradises in the south. Many budding florists, both resident and visitors, have found inspiration here.
The dedicated, artisanal florists at Summer Lilly’s are confident that they abundance of nature on the doorstep has given them the passion and expertise to fulfil anyones floral desires. Our florists offer a same day delivery service which will ensure that deliveries will always be made on time.
