Abbey Farm Flowers in West Dorset is busy getting ready for another year of flower-picking and workshops, and this year it has launched a new initiative to help people connect over flowers and cake.

Set in the grounds of a medieval abbey in Abbotsbury, Abbey Farm Flowers grows sustainable flowers for sale locally, and welcome visitors to come and pick their own. In its first two years, the business has gone from strength to strength and is now launching a monthly flower club.

Co-owner Amy Ralph said: "Over the last couple of years we have learnt how much people enjoy just being here - soaking up the atmosphere, looking at the flowers, having a chat and a cup of tea in the sunshine, so we've arranged a monthly flower club.

"Members will get a tour of what's in season and what we're doing on the flower farm, time to pick a bunch of flowers, a talk or demonstration and time to share a drink and a piece of cake with like-minded people.

"We hope this will become a lovely little group, and everybody is welcome. You can book on the website, or pop in and see us."

Abbey Farm Flowers has also scheduled more of its popular workshops, including a whole day of flower pressing and some evening picking sessions to make the most of the beautiful light in the summer.

They have already got lots of bookings for visits from WI groups, gardening clubs and 'pick your own' brides, and have lots of events in the diary, including Mother's Day, an Easter trail and a village open garden event.

Admission is free, dogs are welcome and there is a shop on site selling locally-made crafts and Baboo Gelato ice cream.

The wider Abbey Farm site will also be buzzing this year, with Cherries Cafe, From My Mother's Garden exclusive clothing label, Make and Mend's multiple craft workshops, Clare Hawkes' artist studio and the tithe barn now available for weddings and events.

For more details, visit www.abbeyfarmflowers.co.uk