IT’S harvest time for Hampshire Hops at East Worldham, near Alton, and orders are already coming in for bines to decorate venues for September weddings.

A Hampshire Hops spokesman said: “The bines are glorious, with three different varieties to choose from - Phoenix, which are marginally smaller and harvested first; then Northdown and Challenger, which are very similar aesthetically, at about 12 inches wide.

“The difference between these two comes in the taste when brewed.

“Olly and the team will cut the bines and bring them straight to your venue on the specified day, for hanging and decoration. They have a lovely organic, earthy aroma and will add a beautiful, fresh, bright green colour to your venue.

“They will, of course, also draw the beer lover’s attention to your floral arrangements!”

While the hops will stay fresh through September, after that they will be dried for Christmas sales.

The spokesman added: “When dried in our barn, the colour will likely still be a beautiful green come the yuletide season, but may be just starting to turn a lovely warm golden.

“The colour tends to turn with light, so if you wish to purchase now and hang in an area of daylight, this will increase the speed of coloration and will look stunning adorning your fireplace, doorways, or even in wreaths or as little bunched centrepieces.

“They will last for a few years and as they dry further, the golden colour will become more intense.”

Call Hampshire Hops on 01420 86229 or e-mail [email protected].