Flora's Garden : Creative Floristry... Behind the Scenes

Our blog is moving to Floras-Garden.com

2011-06-02T08:29:00.001-07:00

Thanks to all who have followed our Blog over the past year - we will continue to update on our new blog which can be found at: www.floras-garden.co.uk/blog

Thanks again flower lovers!

Flower Workshop Instruction Sheet

2011-05-24T07:44:00.000-07:00

Flora's Garden

Workshop Instruction

Sheet - April 2011

Today’s Flowers and Foliage:

Aster (Painted Lady)

Mini Gerbera (Rowan Aqua)

Rose (Avalanche)

Chrysanthemum (various)

Aspidistra leaf

Rosemary

Galax Leaf

1. Easter Box Arrangement

Definition:

An Oasis foam based gift arrangement which can be

arranged to form a ‘dome’ shape of blooms within a plant box or box vase.

Stages of Construction:

· Cut Oasis to size, approx ½ inch taller than container.

· Soak Oasis

· Apply to box using floral fix and a ‘frog’

· Begin arrangement using foliage to create a dome shape.

· Place focal flowers within the arrangement to add flashes of colour.

· Add remaining flowers finishing with spray flower for texture.

· Finishing touches.

Skills Learnt:

Using floral foam

Preparation and use of a range of flowers and foliage

Wiring/Taping

Design and layered construction of a floral arrangement

2. Buttonhole/Corsage

Definition:

A collection of wired flowers/foliage which is pinned to a person’s garment as decoration at an event.

Stages of Construction:

· Cut head of focal flower at the base and wire and tape.

· Cut leaves and spray flowers, wire and tape.

· Hold the wired elements together and tape altogether to create one stem.

· Trim and tidy, apply final touches such as pearl pin and bouillon wire.

Skills Learnt:

Wiring, taping.

3. Floral Favour

Definition:

A small floral decoration often used in weddings or large dinner parties as a place name or small gift.

Stages of Construction:

· Cut a small cuboid of Oasis foam and soak.

· Wrap in aspidistra leaves which have been cut to size. Pin.

· Cut rose head to 1 inch of stem. Push into Oasis foam.

· Add galax leaves and foliage

· Add pearl pins and wire to decorate.

Skills Learnt: Using floral foam, pinning and wiring.

Flower Arranging Workshop!

2011-05-21T11:09:00.001-07:00

Another fantastic floral workshop last night - this time we were creating summer baskets of flowers. We used an array of chrysanths, mini gerbera, solidago, alstromeria tiesto, santin chrysanths and bear grass. The results were lovely!

For details of further courses please see our Facebook Page Events Section

Happy Easter!

2011-04-23T17:12:00.001-07:00

Easter Flowers!

Mother's Day Flower Workshop

2011-04-03T15:38:00.001-07:00

Well, we had a fantastic afternoon on Saturday. Some real natural talent and creativity! I encouraged everyone to use their own design style by choosing accessories and colours for their arrangements and the outcome was fantastic. We had such a range of designs!

See above for the arrangement I demonstrated and our group photo with all our creations!

Next Workshop is in May. Check our Facebook page for other Northampton Flower Workshops, Flower Arranging Courses, and Floral Design Demos.

Exciting!

2011-03-30T12:04:00.000-07:00

Very excited to see how many of you view my Blog from around the world! Will try and keep it a bit more interesting from now on - I have been writing these posts wondering if anyone EVER reads or views any of it... Apparently 3 of my viewers were from Cameroon, amazing!!

Will update after the Mother's Day Workshop this weekend.... very excited :-) Then next weekend it's a gorgeous purple/orange/green wedding in Coventry. The photos are gonna be niiicccceee....

Spring delights!

2011-03-30T10:45:00.000-07:00

Have been enjoying the yellow flowers of spring with these arrangements...

Mostly looking forward to this weekend's Mother's Day Flower Workshop! I am also planning further Floral Design, Flower Arranging, Floristry Courses and Workshops over the next year. Check out my events on my Facebook Page. Planned so far - Summer Flower Arranging Workshop, Vintage Flower Arranging Workshop, Floral Design Day Course and Halloween Flower Workshop.

Also, I will be running a Boutonniere Demonstration and Workshop at 78 Derngate on 9th June 2011. This will be followed by glorious Cream Tea in the Gallery! Lovely!

Harriet
xxx

Flower Workshop!

2011-03-16T13:50:00.000-07:00

My workshop is now all up and running, it's soooo fantastic. Minty green and spacious, it's a paradise to work in. I love it best when the sun's out and I can have the windows and doors open - it's like working outside with mother nature herself! Which is just how floristry should be in my opinion...... :-D

Mother's Day Flower Workshop

2011-02-22T16:51:00.000-08:00

After the success and fantastic feedback of the Christmas Workshops, I shall be running an afternoon Mother's Day Workshop for you to create your very own Mother's Day flower gift! Or come along with your Mum and spend the afternoon together creating and arrangement each :-)

You will be making a modern luxury box flower arrangement perfect as a table centrepiece or mantel decoration. You will be using Oasis foam and will learn ...some basic wiring skills too!

The arrangement will last for up to 2 weeks (as long as it's taken care of!) so it will give your Mum weeks of happiness!

Men and women welcome - men don't be afraid to get girly, it's for your Mum afterall :-)

Total cost of the workshop including all materials, demonstration, afternoon tea and (homemade) cakes: £35.00

BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW:
harriet@floras-garden.com
07876 788 005

Look forward to seeing you all!
♥

*UPDATE* 21st Feb:
I have had some requests for Mother's/Daughters to come along and work on the arrangement as a pair - this is fine too, you will have the materials and equipment for one person but simply create the arrangement together. £35.00 per pair.

Click to See the event on Facebook

Valentine's Flowers!

2011-02-11T15:39:00.000-08:00

Well I am loving the Valentine's flowers already this year! Take a look at these Valentine's themed Reception decorations... I've used passion roses for these. I love passion roses as they are small, delicate but velvety and a gorgeous deep rich red. You'll find they last ages when cared for - love them!

Pink Wedding...

2011-02-09T13:02:00.000-08:00

Check out our most recent wedding in Flore, Northamptonshire. Really different with a black and pink theme! Congrats Leah and Martin!

Country Life February 9th 2011

2011-02-09T12:57:00.000-08:00

Take a look at the feature in this week's Country Life Mag! 'Invest in Yourself'....

Bright and blousy!

2011-02-01T00:48:00.000-08:00

I'm loving the fact that it's nearly springtime and the daffodils and tulips will be in abundance! This arrangement was for the Mackintosh House and Galleries - they asked for 'bright and blousy' - think it just about fits the description :-)

Happy New Year!

2011-01-19T09:24:00.001-08:00

Happy new year everyone! I have so much planned for 2011 - it's gonna be great! Workshops galore - Mother's Day, Easter, Summer, Halloween and Christmas :-)

Order your Valentine's roses - free delivery in Northamptonshire! Email harriet@floras-garden.com

2010-12-15T14:57:00.000-08:00

It's been an incredibly busy 2 months with some wonderful events and flowers! The workshops go ahead next week and I am very exciting to impart my passion and knowledge onto others :-)

Christmas Flower Workshops - Make your own Wreath!

2010-10-21T05:56:00.000-07:00

We shall be running Christmas Floral Workshops in December - please let us know if you are interested and for more information. Should be a great festive evening for you and your friends - plus you leave not only with a gorgeous wreath for your Christmas table, but also with the skills to do it again next year!

White and Red Wedding with Freesia and Gerbera

2010-10-21T03:39:00.000-07:00

This beautiful wedding at St. Giles Church Northampton was a joy to work on. The combination of gerbera, freesia and eucalyptus not only looked elegant, fun, quirky, but it also smelt divine! The gold handles and pearl trimmings added that extra bit of luxury. The church was dressed with pedestals and pew ends to match the bridal party.... A fantastic day all round, for a lovely couple.

Garden Party Wedding

2010-10-02T03:52:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to Sarah and Adam on their amazing wedding day. Purple and clover was the theme, along with wildflower garden party elements. The bouquets were made up of veronica, cornflower, freesia and lisianthus. Buttonholes incorporated thistle and stephanotis and the whole look was really effective!

Busy times!

2010-09-27T13:24:00.001-07:00

It was lovely delivering purple wildflower wedding flowers last week. I especially love working with thistle and stephanotis.

Equally adored creating the anthurium arrangement and yellow/blue table arrangement today too!

Tomorrow is all about the Iridium 10th Anniversary - bring it on!

Making an Impact

2010-09-22T05:33:00.001-07:00

Next week Flora's Garden is privileged to be doing the flowers for the 10th anniversary of consulting company Iridium (www.iridiumconsulting.co.uk)

The venue is the Rennie Mackintosh House 78 Derngate (www.78derngate.org.uk) and the flowers are certainly set to make an impact on the day! Bold colours and linear structures should make for some eye catching pieces :-) Photos to come!

Mini bouquets!

2010-09-14T10:09:00.000-07:00

I loved delivering these mini bouquets to some lovely friends recently... nice way to say 'thanks' for those little but still oh-so-important moments in life... love you ladies!

Purple heaven :-)

2010-09-05T15:31:00.001-07:00

It was a long but exciting day on Friday organising and arranging garlands and table ends for a wedding vow renewal that evening. The end result looked great and I was very pleased! Thank goodness for my trusty florist asisstants - priceless :-)

Colourful bouquets

2010-08-17T03:11:00.000-07:00

What a lovely varied range of bouquets and buttonholes I've delivered this month, quite a few newborns so congratulations to those families :-)

White wedding!

2010-08-03T12:54:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Claire and Simon Lister who got married at the weekend. The wedding was beautiful and the bride looked stunning as you can see in the pics! The flowers used were akito roses, delphi dianthus, and ivory lisianthus with a skirt of soft ruscus. The button holes were akito roses with lisianthus along with teal ribbon curls and pearl pins. Lovely!

Bouquets Bouquets Bouquets!

2010-07-30T04:40:00.000-07:00

Mmmmm I've been working with dried lavender today - the whole workshop is filled with the aroma, it's gorgeous. Had some lovely bouquet requests recently - purple and red, country lavender, I love it when I am asked for something specific but get to add a little twist of my own too... creativity at it's best!

Article in Princes' Trust Mentor Quarterly Update

2010-07-26T15:07:00.000-07:00

My Big Career Change: Administrator to Florist & Business Owner

I suppose you could say it all began when I was 17 and I was asked by a relative the obligatory question: ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?!’ Growing up itself seemed an ominous prospect let alone the idea of an actual career. My love of English literature and reading lead me to answer ‘perhaps a writer…’ shortly followed by ‘…or a florist?’ To which most people would laugh light heartedly. It may have started light heartedly but it has developed over the years from a suggestion, to a dream, to my reality. I now own and run Floras-Garden.com, my very own Creative Online Florist.

I finished my degree in English Literature with a feeling of excitement and apprehension; I was going to enter the world of work with the advantage of a solid education and bag loads of ambition to go with it. However, around the time of the recession we all know it wasn’t as easy as that. I was lucky to land a job but it was at this time when I began to take a look back at my real dreams – and floristry was one of them. After making the decision that floristry was a creative and colourful industry I was eager to explore, I searched for a training programme that would suit me. I signed up for the prestigious private tuition of Judith Blacklock. I felt ready to step into the world of self employment. And so that’s exactly what I did.

The Princes’ Trust Business Programme was where I turned next. I was given endless support with marketing, accounts, branding and general business advice. The support was priceless and boosted my confidence incredibly. Equipped with my confidence and business plan I finally felt able as a florist and as a business woman. I went to a dragon’s den style panel and secured myself some investment with the Trust to help me with start up costs. This has enabled me to set up a website www.floras-garden.com, carry out some marketing, set up a workshop and allow me to buy all the initial materials needed for such a business. The mentoring began a few weeks after this and has been the key factor in keeping me motivated through the more difficult times. I soon realised that self employment can be an intimidating and isolating prospect; my mentor has not only given me business knowledge, but the most valuable gift any new business owner needs: encouragement. Through the mentoring I have gained confidence and realised my potential. I have also been able to talk about my weaknesses and how these can be addressed – it’s so vital to be able to recognise that you cannot be perfect, but that this is ok!

I have since had a feature in a local cultural magazine and have numerous wedding and events bookings as well as selling gift bouquets weekly. A few of my clients have defined me as their ‘personal florist’ and are constantly enhancing my reputation through word of mouth. The orders and bookings are now snowballing and I could not have done it without the support provided by my friends, family and The Princes’ Trust.

Fire!

2010-07-25T14:15:00.000-07:00

Had some lovely 'fiery' coloured bouquets to deliver this week. I loved using the gold feathers!

Luxory

2010-07-21T15:47:00.000-07:00

My favourite rose is the Luxor. Nature's genius art.

Recent Bouquet Orders

2010-07-21T15:41:00.001-07:00

From bottom up:
Firstly we have a lovely country bouquet with violet stocks and soft asparagus fern...
Second is a simple yellow rose wrapped bunch...
And last but most beautiful, a luxury passion rose mass hand tied...

Spanish Delights

2010-07-20T05:29:00.000-07:00

What a lush and vibrant area Manilva is! I saw some fantastic flowers and gardens on my trip to spain recently. A lot of rich purples and pinks - my favourite! I really recommend the area - Port Duquesa and Sabinillas not only have some beautiful views but fantastic food and local people too!

Anniversary Flowers

2010-07-06T09:42:00.000-07:00

I loved delivering this luxurious bouquet of aqua pink roses and aspidistra - I have never seen a wife look so delighted!

Festival Flowers

2010-07-06T09:21:00.001-07:00

Glastonbury and Blissfields were as fantastic as ever this year! There were flowers galore, mother nature was celebrated with vehemence and it was a delight to see!

This year's key accessory seemed to be the hair garland - everyone had one and they were pretty & intricate.... Would have been lovely to don a fresh flower garland but unfortunately the weather would have sizzled them in no time and there's nothing worse than brown limp flowers is there?

We had Flora's Garden bags and stickers this year and flaunted them proudly :-)

Bonny babies!

2010-06-18T06:36:00.001-07:00

I made a bright pink delivery to the labour ward this afternoon! I love a bit of pink indulgence so very much enjoyed creating this bouquet....

Craft Stall

2010-06-17T06:43:00.001-07:00

I have been getting ready for the Duston Show this Saturday :-) - we shall now be selling vases, candles, flowers arrangements and gifts. I think it will be great fun to get out in public and promote the business - sometimes it's hard not having a shop window so this is perfect! Check out my attempt at painting a banner...not toooo bad! :-) See you Saturday!

eFairplace

2010-06-06T12:31:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Fairplace for their continued support through the growth of Flora's Garden.
Please take a look at my article on eFairplace.

Flora's Garden in the Park!

2010-06-03T14:48:00.000-07:00

Flora's Garden will be selling at Duston's annual 'A Day in the Park'! I am very excited about this and promise to provide an eye catching display of colour and style! Come and check out the stall, make some purchases and enter our competition to win a free delivered bouquet worth £50.

So far we plan to sell a range of products including:

artificial arrangements
fresh arrangements
modern potted orchids
floral accessories such as corsages, wrist corsages and hair pieces
sweety bouquets

Don't miss out! See you there....

Flora's Garden @ A Day in the Park

Saturday, 19 June 2010 at 11:00 - 17:00

Errington Park, Duston, Northampton

Birthday bunch

2010-05-29T08:35:00.001-07:00

Pink and lime is a classic combination and always looks great!

Sunny Helianthus Sheaf

2010-05-28T02:43:00.000-07:00

Like our Facebook Group! :-D

2010-05-27T05:35:00.001-07:00

Take a look at Flora's Garden on Facebook and become a fan :-D

Flora's Garden

FLORA'S GARDEN LOVES MAN FLOWERS

2010-05-26T10:28:00.000-07:00

Check these out! I was asked to provide some flowers for a young male artist - something funky and quirky... So here we have hot red anthurium, hot pink celosia, aspidistra, decorative feathers and twirl, a zip handle and a sparkly bird of passion!

Celosia...

2010-05-26T02:57:00.000-07:00

Working with hot pink celosia today! Stunning velvetty flower...

Enterprise Club

2010-05-24T13:29:00.001-07:00

Check it out! Flora's Garden is featured on the front page of Northampton's Enterprise Club site: http://enterpriseinc.ning.com

Thank you to Datsa for her continued support!

Birthday gift ideas? Party decoration?

2010-05-20T06:49:00.000-07:00

These funky letters can be used to spice up any event! Perhaps to advertise your company or as a birthday gift? Many flowers and colours can be used to create really striking results!

R Magazine Shots

2010-05-19T14:49:00.000-07:00

Check out the flowers, hair pieces and 'R' provided by Flora's Garden in these lovely shots - expertly styled and co-ordinated by Laura Corcoran (www.lauracorcoran.co.uk).

Man Flowers

2010-05-18T05:24:00.001-07:00

So, flowers for men? A modern token of thanks or a waste of time?! I have been asked by a few clients to deliver flowers to their male relatives and to endeavour to evoke masculinity within these bouquets - what a fun challenge! A bouquet of gorgeous blooms does not have to be princess-girly or overly feminine - there are many choices that produce a modern androgynous style and with some creative packaging a bouquet can look masculine-chic!

I have a bouquet to deliver to a male contemporary artist next week so check back for photos!

Gorgeous wedding...

2010-05-15T16:24:00.001-07:00

Congrats to Cheyenne and James... the lime and green theme turned out lovely!

I love Daniel Ost

2010-05-13T08:10:00.000-07:00

This arrangement is by Daniel Ost...he has got to be one of my favourites in Floral royalty! His designs are so perfectly visioned and crafted I envy/admire/aspire-to-be him all in one moment! What a genius...
http://www.danielost.be/

2010-05-13T01:56:00.000-07:00

Happy 50th Birthday Mrs. Ramm!!!

Wedding flowers

2010-05-12T13:34:00.000-07:00

Sneak peek at some behind the scenes shots of a recent lime & white themed wedding I did recently....

Enterprise Club

2010-05-12T13:30:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Northampton's Enterprise Club for supporting me! I really do appreciate all of the positivity and support everyone has given me along this journey... sorry to be cheesey but I look forward to each and every step thanks to you! :-D

http://enterpriseinc.ning.com/

Magazine feature

2010-04-30T13:41:00.000-07:00

Flora's Garden is featured in this month's R Mag - pages 88-89
Check it out @ www.r-magazine.co.uk

Look out for the hair pieces in the floral themed fashion shoot!

Website

2010-04-30T06:42:00.000-07:00

I love my website... Huge thanks to Michael Goyen (Goyza!) for the artwork and Ant Nettleship @ Big Purple Fish for the technical genius stuff. You boys are amazing!

Gifts

2010-04-30T03:57:00.000-07:00

Here are some pics of recent bouquets I have delivered. These are in the £20-£40 price region, but I will create bouquets and deliver to suit all budgets from £20 upwards...

I love weddings!!!

2010-04-30T03:54:00.000-07:00

It's wedding day today! Creating some gorgeous bouquets for a wedding taking place tomorrow. The theme is white pearl and lime - stunning! Pics to come soon!

Business Support

2010-04-27T06:54:00.000-07:00

To all of you who have a passion and would love a chance at turning that into your very own business I can't highly recommend it enough! So rewarding and challenging - it certainly keeps you on your toes. This year has flown by! I would like to recommend the Princes Trust Business Programme and also a scheme called Enterprise Inc - these initiatives have helped me so much and given me the confidence to get this far. THANK YOU!

http://www.enterpriseinc.co.uk/
http://www.princes-trust.org.uk

I love Baccara...

2010-04-27T06:07:00.000-07:00

I love this close up shot Claire took - really shows the velvetty luxury of the roses! In this arrangement there were 3 types of roses used, baccara, grand prix and passion. I love the dark gothic style of the baccara rose and will probably use those if/when I get married myself!!

Photoshoot!

2010-04-25T08:19:00.001-07:00

Had such a fantastic day at the Spring 2010 photoshoot. Thank you to Claire @ Rock It Up Photography. Hopefully we will be working on future shoots together! Also thanks to my gorgeous models Rachael Kaare, Chloe Loasby and Jodie Gardner. Special thanks to Caroline Kaare and my lovely mum Grace, who supported me throughout the day :-)

See more photos in the gallery section @ www.floras-garden.com

Contemporary gifts...

2010-04-15T06:51:00.000-07:00

I have had some fantastic orders for contemporary gifts recently and have chosen to use shape and colour to provide eye catching pieces...