Thoughts on the Bloom Show

Wow, totally exhausted after helping behind the scenes at the recent Bloom show held at Lingfield Rcaecourse and Marriot Hotel.
This has definitely been one of the most valuable experiences for me in my (so far)short career in the floristry industry. At university, gaining work experience is an integral part of the course and must be completed to gain a better view of the industry and how it works and what is expected by employers. On a personal level, I think work experience (if you get the right sort) helps you discover more about yourself and where your heading in life. You loose the safety net of the classroom and therefore you find out more about your strengths and weaknesses. Two days with some very highly skilled floral designers and trade magazine journalists and editors was fascinating, but also a little daunting.

I spent the Saturday morning conditioning a room full of flowers, and in the afternoon I set about making arrangements  to decorate the venue,  ( free rein on style and use of material really was a treat).  Speed really is everything in this industry, and I found myself in awe at the speed of the designers who were partially constructing designs for the Sundays' demonstrations. I began feel almost embarrassed at the speed I was working. Considering and remembering all the basic theories of floral design takes time. . . Correct placement of materials first time, principles and elements etc. However, for the 'seasoned' florist this is a doddle . . . but even so I still felt rather sheepish as I am expected to be working at an 'advanced' level. Nonetheless, attending the show, was a huge inspiration to myself and many others.

Having ranted away in my previous blog about funeral letter tributes and how awfully tacky they are, I have a new found respect for them. Designer, Heidi Lawley used a MUM tribute during one of her demos at the Bloom show.  Subtle colours, Polytear ribbon edging and the traditional spray done away with, and a simplistic use of materials made this tribute look classy. For me personally, letter and other 3D foam tributes will never be my thing but I have faith that florists will start to be more adventurous and move away from the pleated ribbon and massed Chrysanths and educate the customer on how pleasing these designs can look.

Design by : Heidi Lawley

Photography : Grace Walker

         Main Materials

• Lavender

• Waxflower

• Heather

• Eucalyptus

• Berries