This year has been a challenging one for all of us at Grown Local, and we know many of you have faced similar struggles in your own gardens. Unpredictable weather patterns—overnight temperatures dropping to 2°C in the height of summer, daily swings exceeding 40°C, and relentless rain—have tested our resilience. We’ve watched as our outdoor vegetable plants fell victim to slugs, and the constant wet conditions turned our garden into a bog, halting much of the development work we had planned after installing our larger greenhouse.

But amidst these challenges, we’ve also found moments of joy. Our flower displays this year were possibly the best we’ve ever had. Where we faced setbacks with our vegetables, our flowers flourished, bringing vibrant colours and beauty that lifted our spirits. We hope you enjoyed the pictures we shared on Instagram as much as we enjoyed sharing them with you.

We empathise deeply with the frustrations that come from such a tough growing season. It’s not easy seeing hard work undone by factors beyond our control. Yet, it’s also a reminder of the resilience and passion that define the gardening community. Autumn offers a chance to reconnect with nature in a different light—the stunning colours, the crisp air, and the opportunity to plan for the seasons ahead.

At Grown Local, we’re channelling these experiences into preparing for the future. We’re currently working on a list of new varieties we’ll be introducing next year, focusing on plants that can better withstand these unpredictable conditions. We hope to have these available on our website soon, and we’re excited to share them with you.

Thank you for being a part of our community and for sharing in both our challenges and our triumphs. Let’s continue to grow together, learning and flourishing despite the obstacles.

Warm regards,

Iain