Whilst it is only the second week in January I’m already feeling a bit behind in saying the words ‘happy new year to you’. However, I decided to give myself a bit of an extended break over Christmas and New Year and I’m really pleased I did! We were somewhat plagued by coughs and colds - all a total bore really.
I’m not one for New Years resolutions - it sends me into a panic that I somehow have to better myself. In staying off social media over the extended period I was able to dodge the insta bombardment on new ways and new dreams! This year I intend to just focus on doing what I know has worked for me in the past and enjoy the garden and creativity…no need to take over the floral world just yet!
This year, my 13th(!) feels like the year to catch my breath after the fall out of Covid - it is set to be much more normal in terms of bookings and I’ve even got them fairly well spaced out!
However, if you are reading this and got engaged over Christmas, firstly congratulations and if it’s an autumn wedding you are planning….I’ve got some space! It does seem that June is THE month for weddings this year and April and May have fallen a bit quieter. However, I don’t mind as for me the early part of spring requires a lot of gardening. And….if you have been following my news I have been pouring my soul and back(!) into our new garden at the Victorian cottage.
It is a small space but I’ve re-designed it for maximum growing opportunity - well that is the plan anyway. Obvisously I’m already wishing it was three times the size but the reality is that I didn’t win the lottery over Christmas and land prices are still eye-watering in Cornwall!
The growing field at Trezare Farm - 2014
This year I will continue to grow flowers in my space at Duchy of Cornwall Nursery. The nursery is going through a huge expansion and the new restaurant(s) sound so exciting. I shall have to limit my ‘oh I forgot my sandwiches’ if I’m to keep my bank balance in check. Along with the Duchy I have my garden at Mum’s, where my floral studio is, she is amazing at keeping me fed through the season and if you have booked me you might meet her on your wedding day as she loves coming to help with the set up. Geoff continues to research new varieties and ensure the autumn stock; dahlias and chrysanthemums are all ready for the 2023 weddings - he is a complete superstar.
Floral Classes
If you saw my previous blog post ‘Returning to Teaching’ you will hear that I am back to floral educating!! I am delighted to be teaching a lovely group from Italy this March, a bespoke course designed around growing and arranging for floral designers.
I will also be running at least three workshops that I am just finalising at the moment. These will be at Duchy of Cornwall Nursery and Boconnoc House. Please do sign up for my newsletter, I know I’ve not written anything in ages, but now I have exciting courses to share with you I want this to be the first place to announce them.
Trends
Finally, I wanted to share a bit of floral trend thoughts and this is why so many old images are peppering through this blog post. Having started this business nearly 13yrs ago with my friend Maz, often in winter I have loved going back on really old images as inspiration and a reminder of where this floral business has grown from. From the fields of Trezare to the gardens in the Duchy it is a business that has had to evolve. Flower trends also evolve but they do have a habit of coming back…just like fashion!
I love how our creations used to focus on small and delicate, the trend at the beginning for that ‘meadow’ bouquet. Oh and this bouquet that started it all. The blue and white one. So popular that one of our brides had the late Vivienne Westwood design her wedding dress around this exact bouquet - no pressure for us on the day then!
So fast forward 13yrs the need for big bouquets, all foliage bouquets, no foliage bouquets, scented bouquets and I think a cabbage thrown in for good measure and I now see a lean towards the delicate again…..and I love it.
Happy 2023 you lovely people - lets make it a colourful one x
Courses
If you are a small group and would like a bespoke designed course for your floral requirements please do drop me an email and we can arrange a chat.
Credits
Wedding flowers - captured by Studio 1208
Floral Dutch Masters Class - captured by Britt Willoughby Dyer at Arne Maynards.
