

Flowering Heather
Tough, dependable, versatile; there are lots of good things to say about heather, or ling, as it is sometimes known. A low growing, evergreen shrub, with tiny, bell-shaped flowers, heather is typically associated with moors and heathland. A popular rockery and garden plant, it is also sold as a cut flower and foliage. Calluna and Erica are the two most well-known genera of heather. They flower at different times of the year, extending the overall flowering period. Erica flo

Su Whale
May 142 min read


Preview: RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026
Floral highlights to be brought to you by the Interflora Floristry Trade Club Bullring Gate 2025 There is a lot of floral fabulousness at RHS Chelsea Flower Show this year, not just the well-established Chelsea Florist of the Year competition, but large scale installations to look forward to as well. The iconic RHS letters will be decorated by Hamilton Floral Studio, while the London and Bullring gates at the entrances to the showground both promise an abundance of British

Su Whale
May 132 min read


Houseplant Guide – All About Ficus
There's a fig houseplant for every situation. Su Whale shares her top picks.

Su Whale
May 122 min read


Ravishing Ranunculus featuring Floristry Tips from Su Whale
One of the joys of spring, Ranunculus are an absolute delight. Su Whale explains how to make the most of them.

Su Whale
May 113 min read


RHS Malvern Spring Festival - Fabulous Floral Tablescapes
When is a shed not a shed? When it is overflowing with flowers, foliage and seasonal botanicals such as those on display at the RHS Malvern Spring Festival. The Floral Tablescaping competition was the show’s first foray into exhibiting professional floristry and the five competitors selected rose magnificently to the occasion. Gold & Best in Show ‘At the Threshold: The Garden Comes to the Table’ Ashley Edwards Ashtree Floral Designs Congratulations to Birmingham florist

Su Whale
May 82 min read


In Season: Lily of the Valley
This spring favourite needs careful handling and conditioning, as Su Whale explains.

Su Whale
May 82 min read


Bee-Friendly Flowers
Bees are in decline, so its up to the floristry industry to do our bit by promoting bee-friendly plants. Su Whale explains more.

Su Whale
May 51 min read


What's Available from UK Growers in May
As we approach peak growing season, growers across the UK are rolling up their sleeves and getting stuck into a full-on season of beautiful British blooms. During May there are still some delicate, late spring, early summer gems to enjoy before blousy, colourful summer flowers arrive to dominate the market. Polygonatum multiflorum Common Name: Solomon’s seal An unusual flowering perennial and a charming cut flower which prefers damp, shady conditions. Hardy, it will gr

Su Whale
May 12 min read


Lovely Longiflorum featuring Floristry Tips from Su Whale
Longiflorum lilies are at their best right now. Su Whale explains how to care for them to get the best from their scent, colour and form.

Su Whale
May 12 min read


Spring Flowers - Tall and Slender
Woody stemmed spring flowers are an essential part of the seasonal palette. Learn how to care and condition these stems properly.

Su Whale
Apr 302 min read


Seasonal Foliage: Silver, Nature’s Way.
Silvery foliage for designs has never been so relevant as we celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Su Whale finds some of the best.

Su Whale
Apr 272 min read


Success with Succulents
Marking RHS National Gardening Week 27th April – 3rd May. Why choose Succulents? Easy to care for, with an appeal to both adults and children, there is something very charming about the symmetry and muted colours of these slow-growing, sturdy plants. Their requirements are not complicated, making them straightforward to plant up, look after and sell. Where to display Succulents Succulents need a bright spot, away from direct sunlight, and as they appreciate fresh air, can be

Su Whale
Apr 232 min read


Seasonal Foliage - A Dash of Lemon and Lime
Just before we are overtaken by the lush shades of summer, there is still time to pep up your spring designs with brilliant touches of lemon and lime foliage. Citrus tones can bring a whole host of colours to life, particularly when combined with the jewel palette of late spring, such as deep pink Ranunculus, orange Tulips or cobalt blue Cornflowers. How to use lemon in designs Lemon is a tint of yellow; it radiates out of designs bringing warmth and freshness. It is associat

Su Whale
Apr 222 min read


Clematis as a Cut Flower
One of the few climbing garden plants to migrate successfully into the cut flower market, trailing Clematis with its simple, open petals, wiry stems and elegant leaves is now an essential summer flower. Used extensively in bridal work, competitions and installations, the range of colours and longevity of Clematis is constantly expanding and being improved. It all started in 2006 when Dutch growers Marginpar developed Clematis ‘Blue Pirouette’ which was at the time, the only C

Su Whale
Apr 212 min read






