British Flower week 19-25th June

19-25 JUNE 2017

British Flowers Week is the annual celebration of British flowers and the UK cut flower industry.

About British Flowers Week   

#BritishFlowersWeek          www.britishflowersweek.com

British Flowers Week is the weeklong celebration of British-grown cut flowers and foliage that aims to bring British flowers back into British homes. The brainchild of the team at New Covent Garden Flower Market, where British flowers have been traded for centuries, British Flowers Week runs from 19-25 June 2017 and unites growers, florists and wholesalers across the country.

www.britishflowersweek.com gives a full run-down of what’s on, information about seasonal British cut flowers, stunning images of flowers and specially commissioned floral designs by leading florists as well as details of where to buy the exclusive British Flowers Week bouquets. And join the conversation on social media too with the hashtag #BritishFlowersWeek.

Here at Sandra's Flower studio we are doing our bit for #BritishFlowers. My wonderful wholesaler is now making it so much easier to source our seasonal delightful flowers direct from our growers - many of them here in our county!

On Wednesday we will be receiving this weeks order amongst which will be Sweet Williams, Stocks, and Sunflowers. Keep an eye on Facebook for updates of what arrives each week! If you would like to order a mixed design of #British Flowers then call us today to secure yours.

#BritishFlower Stocks and Alchemilla Mollis 

As the season progresses and more growers come on board we will have a greater selection of flowers. We will also be offering entirely #BritishFlower designs for local delivery. These will change with the seasons and availability (due to our wonderful British summer weather!!), but that will just add to the surprise!

If you are wanting #BritishFlowers for your wedding these can now be sourced in the season.

These photos were taken during our tour of local farms, in Lincolnshire, with our wholesaler. The top is Smith and Munson and their Lilies and below is Lambs Flowers and some of their stocks.

It really is an exciting time to be in the flower industry as growers/wholesalers and florists are working together, just like the food industry, to keep our product local and therefore seasonal. This allows us as florists to create stunning designs with highly scented flowers that are forever changing in size, texture and shape that will create more interest for the consumer.

If you are a bride, a restaurant, business that wants to know more please get in touch to discuss your requirements.

Sandra x

BFA Conference and British Flower revival

On Sunday after dismantling a wedding from Saturday I set off to go to Crewe Hall for the annual BFA conference.

This is the only Floristry Association we have and I feel it is important to support them so that they in turn can fight our battles in the wider worlds of politics and economics.

We had some lovely speakers from Tim Huckabee on how to improve the workspace environment, Helen Goodwin on advice for visual displays for shop windows and exhibitions (I do it all wrong!!), John Young from The Bank of England on all matters of money and Brexit, Jonas Zwitserlood from Florint on all things social media, Tracy Tomlinson of the Florist Fight Back from The BFA (I wouldn't want to mess with her) and Brian Pope on creating a stronger future for all florists.

There were two others and these were all about the flowers;

Gerben Ravensbergen, a Dutch lily grower on how his farm has evolved from Grandparents setting it up to modern day technology. Who knew chickens would be at the forefront! (Some varieties are at the bottom of this post)

And the one whom I definitely wanted to hear, along with most of the other attendees, was Jonathan Moseley, who many will know from TV appearances. He was speaking on his passion of British Flowers. He is leading the British flower revival and is working closely with various grower organisations and wholesalers to form a network so us independent florists can source and buy these beautiful blooms more easily.

Jonathan and Gerben answering questions

Jonathan being passionate about British Flowers

A few varieties of British flowers available from growers, soon be available to buy from me!

These all smelt divine, so much stronger than their Dutch counterparts.

My favourites, Sweet peas and such strong stems and flowers

Not to be out done, the Dutch lily special varieties. I can source these now when in season, more lovely colour combinations than just white and pink.

These ones were tiny (for lilies) would work really well in bridal bouquets

It was a truly inspiring day. BUT we as an independent business cannot survive without the support of you, our clients. If we can sell flowers, we can support independent growers, who can support the network provided by our wholesalers to support us both. We need customers who want to buy to keep the chain going.

As Jonathan said, why buy those plug in scented oil/fragrance things when you can buy a bunch of British scented flowers and get the joy of the scent and the visual impact of the flowers too.

British Flowers will be available within the next few weeks, if all goes according to plan. If you are looking to buy homegrown flowers for your wedding please get in touch as I can now order and buy with confidence from my wholesalers.

If nothing else was learnt on Sunday (and oh boy, I have a list!!) then this in itself was worth the long trip to Crewe and sitting indoors on such a glorious day!

Keep an eye out on here and Facebook (Sandras Flower Studio) for the latest developments and varieties in stock.

Sandra x

The Lincolnshire Show

Purple and lilac shower bouquet

 Last Wednesday and Thursday I was one of a selection of suppliers in The Wedding Marquee at The Lincolnshire Show.
The marquee was provided by Keymarque and was full of a selection of suppliers including Elegant Touches by Emma Louise, Ed and Maggie Sewell photographers, Gillian Michelle bridal, various venues, a cake supplier, bridal hair stylist and a make up artist.

Crystal gem candelabra

 The colour scheme for my display was purple, lilacs and pinks with a British Flower theme running through the display to mark British Flower week.

English flower bridesmaid bouquet

 I have now found a few British flower suppliers that grow a good selection of traditional flowers and can now offer British flowers as well as the Dutch and Columbian flowers. Just ask when ordering if you would prefer a British flower selection.

English garden inspired candelabra ring

 The above display was a mix of flowers but inspired by a country garden.

Hanging birdcage

 My hanging birdcages are a great alternative in a marquee to add some much needed colour high up and are always hung high enough for your guests to see under.

 All my shephard crook displays were full of gorgeous British flowers that were full of scent and colour, great for lining an aisle or walkway as they are free standing.

 My display stand from The Lincolnshire Show.

 We were also treated to 2 bridal fashion shows a day, with the dresses provided by Gillian Michelle bridal.

 Hudson Lewis kept us entertained throughout both the shows and on and off all day with a varying range of songs. A great entertainer that will keep your guests up and dancing all night long.