Season of new beginnings
With excitement and some trepidation, I’m embarking on a new floristry venture.
After completing my Technical Floristry qualification last year (City & Guilds Level 2) and gaining experience in a busy florist shop, I’ve been reflecting a lot about what I enjoy and what really motivates me about floristry.
It seems obvious to continue my seasonal, nature-led practice which will inspire and influence the choices that I make and maybe help encourage others to appreciate and develop a deeper connection to the natural environment.
My aspiration is to use my own grown cut flowers, in-season cut flowers from local and UK based flower farms, and use free-from plastic, recyclable and compostable alternatives to many of the methods and materials commonly used in floral designs.
For me it’s a perfect addition and development of my activities which combines my love of nature and natural elements through a process of observation and creative, practical skills. Maybe, in the right location, I could develop a wild floristry walk to sustainably forage and collect natural materials, and use my own grown cut flowers, to make a seasonally inspired wild wreath. It is both the process and the connection with nature that is so nourishing and rewarding.
So where are my ponderings taking me?
For now, I’ve decided to develop a range of floral pet tributes. We all enjoy time shared time with pets, particularly outdoors, perhaps in our garden, walking in the countryside, a local woodland or the coast and open wilder-like landscapes of the New Forest. So, it seemed poignant and important to remember these treasured moments especially after experiencing the loss and companionship of a much-loved family pet.
My inspiration came from my sister and her beloved dog Archie who was cremated after he died last year. From a puppy and living until he was 15, Archie grew up with her young family and was a huge part of their lives. His ashes are in a scatter tube and will be dispersed into the sea along his favourite coastal walk. Until that time, it was felt that his scatter tube needed to be personalised and made special by the addition of flowers.

We are sensory beings, and a well thought out dried flower arrangement can create a rich tapestry of colours, shapes and textures that can help awaken memories such as the earthy smells of woodland soil after a rain shower or the coconut aroma of gorse flowers. Or evoke the feeling of warmth and brightness of the sunshine or the sounds of the waves on a shingle beach.
I love the opportunity in floral design to capture and celebrate these different elements, and layers of memories, that can help take you back to particular experiences and shared moments. Archie’s floral tribute was designed with a coastal theme and includes flowers that represent the yellow horned poppy, purple sea lavender and blue thistle. Together with dried grasses, seedheads and collected seashell and sea glass treasures, his tribute helps to honour and celebrate those special moments and shared experiences.
I hope to offer support and some comfort to others through the medium of flowers. Please have a look at my services and help spread the word.
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