This is not a trend

In the deep midwinter, it is one of my comforts to start to daydream about the bounty that is ahead which will unfold as the year gets older. I am planning on growing a lot more this year, particularly annuals in soft colours, whites and creams as these are real workhorses in wedding designs. I still have two great flower growers either side of my studio (not *quite* within walking distance, but only a 10 minute drive in either direction). Both Nettlewood and Flitterbrook have provided my designs with some wonderful flowers over the last year and I am keen to incorporate as much locally grown stems as possible. The difference even a few homegrown blooms can make is astonishing. It still surprises me now. If I could sum up the difference I would say locally grown blooms provide movement, interest and surprise. And I think more and more we are in a society that values the truly unique. If you want flowers for your event that you will not see again, then make sure homegrown/locally grown blooms are top of your list.

If you have a wedding or significant event this year or next, have a look at the list below. Every season has its joy and its abundance, even winter and early spring, which are so often overlooked. If we have the imagination to embrace what is on offer from the land around us, we can celebrate and unite with nature to bring about a magnificent celebration that no one will forget!

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Spring: as winter overhangs into the New Year, spring often feels long overdue by the time it emerges from the ground. This is the season of bulbs! Tulips, Narcissus, Daffodils, Fritillary, Muscari and Cyclamen abound! Every colour is catered for in this season and interesting pairings of open spring blooms and twiggy winter branches can be made. As the spring unfolds, branches heavy with blossom catch my eye and more bulbs and corms develop, bringing forth flowers such as Alliums, Anemones and Ranunculus. Many of the spring blooms are scented, which is another joy and a real treat after the stark landscape of winter. 

Summer: whatever you can imagine is available during the summer! English gardens come to their fullest and best during these months and cutting gardens are extremely productive. After the spring bulbs have finished there can sometimes be a lag whilst the early summer flowers get ready to bloom. But be patient and you are rewarded with Sweet Peas, Peonies, Roses, Snap Dragons, Cosmos (one of my favourites), Dill, Foxgloves, Pansies, Cornflowers, Corncockle…there is such an abundance it is too much to write down! Any deciduous trees are also now in full leaf, providing impact and creating spectacular shapes in event designs.

Autumn: it has been a pleasure to work with so many couples celebrating their marriage in September and October. The weather is usually mild and the earth still carries the warmth of the summer without the scorching heat overhead. Whilst there is a traditional autumnal palette that springs to mind for this season, there is a huge variety of flowers still available from the summer months and a new flock of flowers getting ready to bloom throughout the autumn. Dahlias, Rudbekia, Chrysanthemum, Roses, and of course the turning foliage amongst the trees and hedges. Often autumnal foliage can span an entire colour palette along a single branch, and many hedgerow bushes are beginning to ripen hips and berries. 

Winter: We are so fortunate to have the temperate climate in the UK that allows for so many flowers to bloom so easily (or relatively easily, depending on each years’ local weather challenges!). As winter sets in and animals hibernate and vegetation dies back, it is easy to see this time of year as rather ungenerous and stingy. But some of the most striking designs have the most minimal of elements. There’s less to gather from the fields and UK-grown flowers are generally less easy to source. However, we can now see the stunning architectural shapes of the bare twigs of the trees and appreciate some aspects of nature that are overlooked when the cutting gardens are showing off in summer. Contrast the twiggy shapes of branches with nuts and fruit. Look out for mushrooms in the woods and take note of the evergreen trees that are still holding their leaves. Perhaps this is the season that requires more imagination from your floral designer, but don’t write it off too soon! Necessity breeds invention; think about different ways to add in colour using fabric, ribbons or gold leaf. Now is the time to have fun and see what can be created.

My own personal manifesto for 2023 is to show couples and event hosts that local, home grown flowers can be modern and impactful and cater for a wide range of style and aesthetics - home grown flowers does to necessarily mean rustic. Looking to florists such as Hart Floral for inspiration. I am also enjoying a few fresh designs such as…

Single variety bouquets and small bouquets

COLOUR

Large scale for events of all sizes

Playing with proportions within design