It’s a wrap

2017. What can I say?  On a personal note it was a pretty incredible year. 

So many great events. Weddings, photoshoots, installations...working with some pretty awesome industry pros, growers, creatives and planners. Collaborations are something I am aiming to work on again in 2018, more editorial/art based projects and creative shoots in the pipeline. I like taking risks (not the type that makes you lose your house or anything!), but not playing it safe when it comes to design.  It is not in my make up, I'm all up for a challenge.  

Growing my first ever chrysanthemums was pretty cool too.  This is definitely something I want to grow more of next year.  And at the plot the exciting news is that we've been accepted into the National Garden Scheme and will be flinging open our doors to the public in July. 

The Greenery trend for 2017 really did take off, and was wholly embraced by many of my clients. I covered everything from arched stairways, chandeliers, ceilings, lychgates...you name it.  I will be looking at design trends for 2018 in my next blog. 

But for now I'm reflecting on the year, taking stock and appreciating life over the last twelve months.  So many high points.  Seeing my wife run London, Berlin and New York marathons was incredible (see the world, marry a runner).  And the quiet moments of simply hanging with my dog in my PJ's.  2017 was pretty awesome!  

Grunge Shoot

When a brunch of creatives come together to just create. Simple as that.  Keeping it authentic, showing what we can do.  Jenn Brookes, the photographer and I came together a while back when I did a one-to-one with her to show her how to 'do the flowers' in a simple relaxed way.  Her love is art photography and film, in a digital age, it's refreshing.  I adore these polaroid shots, they have an ethereal feel to them.  Shot in the Northern Quarter of Manchester, my home town, it gives them a real edge too.  Handcrafted Bridalwear by Wilderness Bride.  Shoes by I Am Florence. 

The flowers were all grown by me, and offer a true seasonal snapshot.  The chrysanthemums and dahlias were on top form, the orache just moved over from shocking pink to setting seed, equally beautiful. And malus in the hair crown. Perfectly modelled by the glamorous granny/small child that is Martha! 

Installation and inspiration

I'm not entirely sure which was harder, making this, or trying to photograph it.  It was somewhat of a challenge, particularly the mechanics.  Getting in the cherry picker to hang the wire cables and wondering if it was strong enough to hold the weight of the design.  So my new found skill of wire cables, fixing, mechanics and cherry pickers aside, there were flowers, and around 200+ trips up a ladder.  2017, it's all about ladders.

My feed today is full of 'how can it be September already' posts.  This year has flown by, but there's still so much to look forward to. Not least a huge Tipi Wedding, a creative photoshoot and a trip to Berlin.  On the growing front, my two new must haves are Begonias (for the unusual leaves, not the blousy flower varieties).  I had the pleasure of meeting a grower at RHS Tatton, I'm a huge fan of foliages as you know, so knowing where to source the unusual from is a big bonus for me.  And there may be a slight Heuchera fetish developing, to go with the Dahlia fetish obviously!

Half Way

We're at the half way point of the year.  The blogging has been non-existent. The weddings have been plenty.  So I thought I'd do a little 'past six months' beauty parade. 

At the start of the year there was the announcement of Pantone Colour of the Year, Greenery. Some may scoff at trends, but seriously I've been greening up everything from ceilings, tennis court posts, arches, bannisters, you name it.  That trend aside, I'm feeling a real backlash again the rose.  I know!  But there's lots of bride's out there that just want something a little more textured or less traditional perhaps. That said, peonies are still firmly a massive hit.

It's also the week before Tatton, I'm off to chat about logistics with the RHS. Mechanics and logistics, about 50 per cent of the work. And then it's list writing. Flower lists (the best bit), sundries lists, tools lists. Time to dig out the hi-vis and doc martins. Passes at the ready.  It really is quite a daunting prospect, I just hope the judges are kind.

Pretty pastel Spring wedding

Goodness it's been a whirlwind of a week.  Monday saw the prettiest of Spring weddings over at Eaves Hall in Lancashire.  One of those trips that sees the landscape changing quite rapidly.  One minute it's all pretty villages with crazy road layouts and the next it's middle of nowhere, rural moorland with sheep. 

So what went into this heap of pretty?  The double Ellen hellebores were rather special, and mixed with the Libretto Parrot and Menton French tulips gave the overall design such a soft romantic spring look.  Keeping it seasonal I added a little flowering currant and pussy willow.  Jasmine trails, I can see this being a bit of a theme this year, with the soft blush tips.  I have invested in a large number of Jasmine plants, with the usual 'no room' where on earth they are going to be placed remains to be seen.  I'm thinking pots for the time being. 

On the growing front all the spring bulbs I planted, have popped this week because of the warmer weather.  And I've just delivered another wedding this morning, the bride squealed with delight.  More of that in the next blog.  Or follow on Instagram for sneaky peaks.