It hits us all . . .

Putting the politics to one side, the recession has hit nearly everyone in one way or another. We have either been directly hit by it or we know a close friend or family member who has lost their jobs, or worse their homes. I was incredibly saddened to read the news article on Florist & Wholesale Buyer website about part of Paula Pryke Flowers going into liquidation. An internationally known, long standing British brand, hit hard. I have watched over the last 2 years many other florists considerably down scale or close all together.

I think competition between one florist and the next in the industry is good. . . its keeps us on our toes, being ever more resourceful and innovative, but then again when something like this happens, it really stops you in your tracks. In such uncertain times, florists must support each other. Its a shame so many of us have to fight every step of the way . . . Against cheap supermarket bouquets and the department store giants  who are trying to break into the wedding flower market and now sadly the recession. I seriously think that education is the way forward both the florists to make sure they are providing the best service and up to date products and the consumer to educate them to the benefits of our industry and then maybe things will turn in a new and brighter direction. All for one, and one for all.

BLOGS

I am now a proud member of International Florist Blogs!!! An ever growing collection of floristry based blogs from around the world. A wonderful way to share and inspire each other!  TIME TO GET READING   . . . .

Funeral Tribtues and Donations

Sadly,  a family friend past away over Christmas. As a last goodbye, one usually takes flowers. However, it seems that recently there has been an increase in donations made to charity in memory of the deceased, in the place of flowers. This I feel is a great shame.

On a personal level, I prefer to celebrate a life lived, and flowers help to convey that final message. From a business approach, a decline in funeral orders is bad news for the average florist. Funerals, sadly, are a florist's bread and butter earnings when  things are quiet.

I wonder why people only permit family flowers . . I fear that tribute flowers have been stigmatised :

• They don't last long
• Flowers only needed for a day 
• Often need removing from crematoriums straight away.

Tribute flowers need not be wasted. I know of many florists who will dismantle the flowers and re- arrange them ( a service to seriously consider offering, customer service is key at such a distressing time) and the family can then donate them to care homes, local libraries and other public spaces, so the flowers are used to their full potential.

Whilst I agree that donations are of great benefit, to the wonderful work/ services that the hundreds of charities in the U.K perform, I still feel that flowers will always be more personal.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

I just love the start of a new year . . .  Chance to put those new ideas into practice . . . Clean the slate and start over . Its like starting a new excerise book at school :P  ( Ill admit now I am a stationary Nerd and forever will be. Coloured post - it notes are my down fall).

Out with the old, and in with the new . . . Down come the christmas decorations, most of which are flowers. White lilies with white Amarylis and contorted Hazel twigs . .  Beautiful whilst they lasted.

As a trainee Florist, Ive made some New Years Resolutions for my work.

1. Speed  - this is my ultimate downfall, and after lengthy chats with florists alike, it takes time to master speed and still produce beautiful high quality work. But I cry - I dont have time!!! I need it now! Perhaps its today's 'must have it now culture' that  have influenced my hunger for knowledge and skill?  Who knows,  but my patience is growing thin.

2. To have  confidence in my design work - I know I have the skills and the techniques to make a variety of different designs, and I love to have free reign on a design but once its made, it still not quite right . . . At heart I am a perfectionist but Im also aware that Im training and these things take time to get right first time round . . . . Ahh again, TIME!! has reared its ugly head. Scrap all of the above . . . My New Years Resolution will be to have more patience for my own developement.

And without further a do . . .

I wish you all  a Happy New Year!