Coming up smelling of Roses . . .

Celebrities launching their own clothing and perfume ranges really does get me flustered, especially when people flock to buy these products. However, upon discovering this morning that, Jane Packer, one of the most accomplished British floral designers of the present time will be launching her own perfume range this October, I thought I would have the same old feelings I usually do on this issue. Although, I was pleasantly surprised to find myself congratulating the floristry icon on such an achievement. Its not a new idea but it certainly is a first for the floristry industry.

I applaud her for creating a product that fits a market/industry that she has much experience in. Floral  perfumes are a fantastic add on product for a florist. . . who wouldnt want to recieve a beautiful bouquet of flowers accompained by a perfume made by people in the know. It seems to me that the A- list stars drum up these product ranges only for more publicity and to keep their 'disciples' following their every move. Where's the individuality in smelling and looking like Britney Spears or Victoria Beckham. . . .

Link to the article on Professional Florist newsletter. http://www.professionalflorist.co.uk/article-210-jane-packer-launches-fragrance-collection/

A Two Person Handtied

Constructing a large handtied bouquet for my aunts birthday.

All photographs courtesy of Mrs. A. Walker

Handtied Bouquets have not always been my strongest point. I have always admired the spiralling technique that allows the stems to support themselves and makes the design free standing, but had trouble grasping it. When I under took the challenge of making a bouquet for my aunts birthday, I was  very nervous. I had no guidance from a tutor or trained florist and this was one of the biggest designs I have created since starting my training. I did, however, have my dear mum on hand. She has a critical eye and a second pair of hands was indeed needed when it came to tying everything together. I must say I was thrilled to see it finished, and even more so that I finally mastered the all important technique.

Materials used:

• 
  
  Pink Rosa
• 
  
  White Rosa
• 
  
   Pink Lathyrus (Sweet Peas)
• 
  
  Pink Alstroemeria
• 
  
  Purple Syringa (Homegrown Lilac)
• 
  
  Gaultheria shallon (salal)

Layering round with Cream tissue paper.

Bouquet finished and ready for delievery. One very happy florist, one very messy kitchen (apologises mum) and one delighted Aunt .

Eco Floristry Products 2#

This article found on The Professional Florist Newsletter really does make for interesting reading (http://www.professionalflorist.co.uk/article-207-going-green-without-going-into-the-red/) .

 However, the government are helping supply energy friendly machinery to small businesses like photocopiers etc, but what about the thousands of florists up and down the length of the country who would like to stock more environmentally friendly products eg packaging and eco add ons but find them too highly priced. . .  Will there be reduced pricing in the future for items like these that form an integral part of our trade? On another note, florist shops are usually old buildings with poor heating/ insulation. . . resulting in an often draughty, cold work environment. Not so wonderful for the fingers and toes of the florist, but certainly provides the right storage temperatures for flowers and foliage. Because of this Ive found many florists do not require chiller units for their stock. Should we not recieve reimbursement for the frost bite? ? :)

Floristry and Jewellary

Just this minute signed up for some Jewellary workshops at my university. Thought whats the harm . . .its free and once you have  the basic techniques covered wire work can be used for all sorts of floral products and services for example,  Bridal work. I have noticed that contemporary floral jewellary is increasingly popular for weddings and I have been inspired in the past by beautifully crafted designs  for floral shows.  Any work I produce at the workshop will be showcased alongside other students work at this year's COMFORT PRIMA charity 'Hight Street Fashion Awards' event supporting Breakthrough  Breast Cancer! ! ! Very exciting stuff. (pictures coming soon)

Career Change

Firstly, for those of you who dont already know about or subscribe to Florist & Wholesale Magazine, really must visit the newly vamped website. Bursting with inspiration and ideas.

I was particularly touched by one article posted on the site, about a ex RAF soldier who had returned home and decided a change of direction was needed after experiencing traumatic situations fighting abroad. The ex soldier set up a floristry business near his home.  (http://www.fandwb.com/the-news/159-from-fighter-jets-to-flowers.html)

I have found now that it is not unusual to see or hear such stories. Individuals who have come from stressful, high profile jobs are turning to Horticulture or Floriculture as a form of rehab and a refreshing career move. It really goes to show that its not just the receipents of floral gifts that benefit, but the people who put their creativity and passion for all things growing to good use.

When Words Wont Do. . .

Sometimes words just arent enough to show someone you care. . . So naturally I turn to flowers to show my emotions and share my love.

My Grandmother had recently been admitted to hospital after a stroke. I went to visit and took her a small  modern vertical design in oasis in pretty pink and white Rosa, the based filled with Freesias ( for their beautiful scent) to make her bedside table look homely. The display was on the ward for barely an hour, when it was whisked away and placed in a holding area, much to my grandmother's disappointment. It was later explained due to the nature of the ward's activities and patients condition, flowers were not allowed incase of transferal of infection.
Although this was a terrible shame, I now understand the hospitals reasons. Many of our beautiful flowers are grown worldwide and flown to Britain. Naturally they will be carrying insects that are not native to us Brits and different strains of bacteria that we have not necessarily been exposed too. To those with lowered immune systems this poses an extra problem when it comes to fighting off the previously mentioned bugs and beasties.

However, I do find it hypocritical of the health system to ban flowers on many wards, when visitors rarely use anti-bacterial handwash before entering a ward and more importantly the shoes that pace the warren like corridors. I dread to think of the types of bacteria that the soles of our shoes host! ! !  Ok, a little dramatic perhaps but it certainly shines a different kind of light on my favourite boots that stomp through all terraines and weather. . . . .

Eco Friendly Floristry Products

A thought that struck me whilst dismantling my large Indian themed flower display from my early 21st birthday party ( picture coming soon), was how wasteful the floristry industry can be. To create the meter long free standing display took 16 blocks of floral foam. None of which could be reused. . . or broken down into organic matter. The industry as a whole promotes its products as bringing the 'outside in', bringing us all a little closer to nature. But underneath, our mechanics are unfriendly to the natural world we take so much from. Growing flowers in temperature controlled greenhouses, most of which are not heated using a renewal source, importing products worldwide by airoplanes, en mass use of floral foam, cellophane packaging. The list sadly goes on. . .  However it is not all doom and gloom. In the small amount of experience I have and through personal research, there has been in recent years a surge for locally produced flowers, a demand that came from the public. . . BEST OF BRTISH. I really do think this is the way forward for florists to turn around their 'wasteful' image, and it boosts the once great British industries. . . We loose many every year  to imported products, made cheaper elsewhere. . . Food for thought . . .

Please drop me a line if you know of any up and coming eco floristy products that deserve a mention!!

Here is a photo of the Indian inspired floral display I used in the marquee.

Wannabe Florist: First Blog

Wannabe Florist: First Blog: "Well Hello..... This blog has come about through odd circumstances. A child hood dream to be an author combined with my passion for floricu..."

First Blog

Well Hello.....
This blog has come about through odd circumstances.  A child hood dream to be an author combined with my passion for floriculture. . . and a rather wet and windy  Tuesday afternoon.

I am a student studying a Foundation degree in Professional Floristry. This september I will be returning to Writtle College, Chelmsford to complete my second year. For those who are looking into a career in floristry, this really is the place to go. I have attended now 2 out of the 3 universities  in the UK, offering a full BA Hons degree in the subject. The teaching and level of oppertunities available  at Writtle, really is second to none for such a specialised subject. But enough PR for now.

When leaving school and choosing A Level subjects I fancied a creative career involved with natural products. . . Horticulture and Landscape gardening was sugguested. It seemed to make sense. As far back as I could remember I would spend hours in the garden with my grandmother ( god bless her ) and my mother. They would be hard at work pruning, cutting grass, attending to vegetables. . . Me, making mud pies sprinkled with Lavender and Rose petals and other prized plants from the garden. I distinctly remember the rattly noise of  pushing my own mini green and yellow wheel borrow along the paths. . . mini trowel, fork and bucket to the ready. However, something was a miss. All of a sudden Landscaping lost its appeal and I was back to square one. I trawlled for ages through listings of all the careers available that combined design and nature. The last on the list was Floristry. A creative art using natural products. BINGO!!

And  so, here I am. Almost 21 and making a career out of a hobby.