If you've been a florist for any length of time, (like me!), you'll know that there are some jobs that simply make you smile. For me, creating planted arrangements is one of them. Of course, I absolutely love working with fresh flowers. There's nothing quite like unpacking the morning delivery, seeing buckets full of beautiful flowers and imagining what they'll become. We all create bouquets for birthdays, wedding flowers full of romance, sympathy tributes that say what words

Su Whale demonstrates how to create a simple yet elegant orchid corsage/buttonhole, perfect for weddings, proms, special occasions, events and formal celebrations. This design combines a stunning orchid bloom with eucalyptus, ivy leaves and hypericum berries, while demonstrating essential professional wiring and taping techniques used by florists every day. Su Whale is a florist and freelance writer with over Thirty years' experience in the floristry industry. She is the auth

No party should be without flowers, so get creative and start promoting your floral centrepieces and tablescapes!

Who doesn’t love the look of beautiful, colourful wildflowers? They radiate harmony, a sense of calm and offer a natural vibe with their delicate heads and random stem growth. I have found that in the last 5-6 years wildflowers have become even more popular with couples when discussing their wedding flowers. Often asked if I can create a ‘Meadow’ theme for their ceremony, reception and wedding party bouquets and buttonholes, wildflowers are my inspiration when designing and c

Heat changes the conditions a cut flower depends on to survive, and once you understand what happens inside the stem, summer wilt becomes easier to prevent or manage. You’ve likely noticed that a bouquet that would have lasted ten days in early spring can look tired within a few days once the height of summer sets in. Often, the temptation is to assume something went wrong at the flower shop. Cut flowers in a bouquet or vase should typically last a week or thereabouts before

Let's face it – summer can be brutal on cut flowers. While sunshine brings weddings, garden parties and plenty of business through the door, it also brings soaring temperatures that can leave even the freshest blooms looking stressed. Not every florist has the luxury of a walk-in flower cooler, especially if you're working from a studio, home workshop or pop-up shop. But don't worry – plenty of experienced florists keep flowers looking fabulous all summer long with a few clev

Go tropical this season with our selection of the best five flowers and foliage for that statement summer look.

The 'Campanulove' campaign helps florists to shift the whole mood of an arrangement. Some flowers are loved because they shout. Campanula is loved because it knows exactly where to sit in a design. With its bell-shaped flowers, long stems, and soft but clear presence, Campanula can do a lot more than many florists expect at first glance. It can bring height to a bouquet, soften bridal work, stand beautifully on its own, and help colour combinations feel more natural. It is a

Viv Bradford explains the threat of ethylene gas and how to protect your fresh flower stock from its effects.

There were some pretty amazing florals decorating the World Cup in Manchester; every one was constructed without using floral foam

Su Whale offers advice on how to create wedding cake flowers and what to avoid.

What a way to kick off the flower show season with blue skies and sunshine on the first day of the Harrogate Spring Show. A champion of floristry and flower arranging, the Floral Art Pavilion, one of the shows biggest draws, was buzzing with visitors appreciating the variety of floral artistry on view. The Pavilion was also the shop window for northern floristry colleges to show off their skills, and they took full advantage of it. College Successes All the floristry students