A cottage garden classic, Astrantia has tiny, star-shaped flowers surrounded by a ruff of colourful petals. Their slim, wiry stems project a delicate appearance, but they are actually quite sturdy and long-lasting as a cut flower. Commonly known as Great Masterwort, or Hattie’s pincushion, as the centre of the flower looks not dissimilar to pins stuck into a cushion, although who Hattie was remains a mystery. Hollow stemmed, they are in the Apiaceae family, alongside Angelica

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

recreate a slice of that feel good summer sunshine by stocking vibrant summer climbers such as Bougainvillea and Gloriosa.

There is something magical about the arrival of Summer in Britain. I think it’s because the gardens come to life, we start to see buzzy bees, white butterflies and bursts of colour in the hedgerows. We are so lucky to work with flowers, they are beautiful, they are unpredictable, they bring joy (and lots of hard work) and when the Summer season arrives, British-grown flowers come into their own. Every season has its beauty, but summer belongs to British-grown flowers. Their f

Our ambassador Madita from Grace and Flowers got to work with gladioli, and became an instant fan. The gladiolus might once have had a bit of a corny or boring reputation, but a lot has changed in gladiolus-land. Madita, for instance, highlights the remarkable texture the flower has. Just look at the jagged edges of the Flamenco varieties.

Su Whale enjoys the colour and scent of chocolate cosmos and shares her tips on using it in floristry work.

An attractive, delicate flower, Achillea has feathery foliage and slim stems topped with flattened clusters of small, daisy-like flowers. Sometimes overlooked as a cut flower, it is incredibly versatile, it’s long-lasting, it can be dried and dyed and is really easy to grow too. There are two varieties of Achillea grown as a cut flower: Achillea filipendulina Colour: Mustard yellow

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

Nothing says summer more than the industrious buzzing of bees as they harvest the rich pollen of Lavender. This highly scented evergreen is not just for pollinators though, as a fresh cut or dried flower it has a myriad of uses in floristry too. Fresh Lavender Fresh Lavender is generally sold by weight and can be bought in bunches wholesale from March onwards (depending on the weather). In the garden, Lavender flowers naturally from June to September when it can be cut and

These floral arrangements are not merely spring bouquets with different flowers dropped in. The season has its own palette, and the flowers that belong to it tend to echo that. Summer has a way of making flowers and their colours generous. The season runs long, the light stays warm and the range of what is available at any given time is wider than at any other point in the year. Regardless of whether you are cutting from a garden, shopping at a farmers' market, or working wit

High summer means flower growers across the UK are in full production. Su Whale guides you through the best UK-grown flowers available now.

Love your houseplants? Need to know what’s trending? Chelsea Flower Show’s popular Houseplant Studios were the place to head for everything new and innovative in the world of indoor gardening. Now a permanent feature at the event, the plants are displayed in attractive wooden summer houses in a leafy corner of the showground. The six studios are practically gardens in their own right, as they take over not just the interior but the exterior too, allowing visitors to get the f

Su Whale offers you cultivated solutions to the wildflower challenge.

These tropical houseplants will provide welcome shade and give a jungle vibe to conservatories or courtyards.