Embrace the textures, colours and styles of Autumn flowers and foliage to celebrate the best of the season in your business.

However, commercially bleached flowers and foliage are far from environmentally friendly. Su Whale investigates.

Florist Kirsty Noble had to put all her knowledge and skill to work when she was selected to design one of Princess Diana’s iconic gowns for Fleur de Villes ‘DIANA’ exhibition. The hours spent and the organisational headache was worth it though when she picked up the award for the most Creative Design. So what is it like to be part of the Fleurs de Villes experience? The Trade Club caught up with Kirsty to find out more. How were you selected? My name was put forward to the o

A display of dried flowers will set the tone seasonally, will smell lovely, especially if it includes lavender, and is another reason to entice customers into your shop. Dried bunches can be popped into wicker baskets or something else equally rustic, but that’s not the only way to do it. You don’t have to be traditional, they are plenty of more interesting ways to show them off. Here are a few ideas: Picture This Picture frames are easy to pick up from charity shops. Ch

‘What message will I be giving out if I wear this?’ Diana, Princess of Wales to Jasper Conran. The message given out at Fleurs de Villes World Premier of ‘DIANA’ was that the skill and artistry of the florist is very much alive and well. Fleurs de Villes are renowned for their floral exhibitions in cities around the world. In support of the Diana Award, this celebration of fifteen of Princess Diana’s most iconic outfits, meticulously reimagined in flowers, was set against the

Being able to wire flowers and foliage is an essential skill that every florist needs to learn. Alongside that comes an understanding of when wiring is needed, how to wire and which gauge is the most suitable. Contents Why Wire? Choosing the Right Wires Wiring Do’s and Don’ts Frequently Asked Questions Why Wire Flowers? Broadly speaking, wiring is for two reasons, to either support and/or be able to control flower and plant material. Wiring for Support Support wiring covers

Su Whale looks into the good and bad of poly ribbon and suggests some environmentally friendly alternative.

Whether it’s called montbretia, copper tips or even more poetically, falling stars, the fiery colours of Crocosmia are unmistakable. Their tall, arched stems provide both height and structure in garden borders and floral designs, while the green seedheads that follow the vibrant flowers are an extra bonus. Buying Crocosmia Stem length: 65-90cm, generally sold in bunches of twenty, although it is possible to buy mixed colours in larger quantities. When to buy: Both flowering C

An at-a-glance guide to flowers and foliage at their best in September and October

Summer is Sweet Pea season. Su Whale explains the origins of this fabulously fragrant flower and how best to care for it in floristry.

Compact, with dark green leaves, Capsicum, or Sweet Peppers, produce white, star-shaped flowers in summer, followed by their unmistakable glossy fruits. Initially green, the fruits will change colour as they mature. Versatile and decorative these ornamental houseplants are great value for money and are particularly useful in the run up to Halloween and Christmas. How to Care for Capsicum Temperature: cool to warm around 10-18°C. Watering: Water using the immersion method (plu

The most popular flowers you can rely on being available all year round. Plus, for that seasonal touch a focus on September & October

The lavender blue Scabiosa or scabious, is a popular cut flower and a welcome addition to any garden border. Its delicate papery petals surround a distinctive hard centre that resembles a pin cushion. The relatively recent introduction of Dutch grower Danziger’s Scoop Series has expanded its previously limited colours of pale blue and cream to a dazzling range including rich red, deep pink, raspberry and maroon. Buying Scabiosa Stem Length: 50–80 cm. Typically sold in batches

Photosynthesis is one of the most important processes in nature and the reason plants can grow and thrive. By using sunlight, water and carbon dioxide, plants create the food they need while releasing oxygen into the atmosphere. Understanding how photosynthesis works helps florists care for plants more effectively and provide customers with better plant care advice. What is photosynthesis? The process that plants use to convert sunlight, water and carbon dioxide to create oxy

Su Whale shares her care and conditioning tips for this exotic houseplant.