Number 10 Downing Street has joined in the excitement of British Flowers Week today, and welcomed a stunning display of British flowers and foliages into the magnificent entrance hall of the Prime Minister’s residence.
The idea originated deep within the bowels of British Flowers Week HQ – at New Covent Garden Flower Market, that is – but was made possible by a staggering team of supporters.
The first question: where to find the materials?
The award-winning Graeme Diplock of Zest Flowers stepped up to contribute beautiful British flowers from his stand at the Flower Market, whilst the ever charming David Gorton of GB Foliage gave bundles of fabulous British foliage.
Mr Charm himself, Grant Wild at C Best, lent a magnificent urn for the occasion.
The next question: who could create the flowers?
This was the perfect challenge for floristry students in their final week of their studies at Capel Manor College. Dozens were already volunteering their time with Floral Angels, creating British flower posies for local care home residents for British Flowers Week.
Under the supervision of tutor, Claire Curtis, four students – Collette Chester, Priti Rawal and Max Davey and Vanessa Smith – prepared the British flowers arrangement with great skill and flair.
What about the photographs?
Hannah Dunne of The Florist kindly agreed to work her magic with the camera, accompanying the visit to No.10. Thank you, Hannah.
The ultimate and all-important question: who could arrange for the British flowers design to get behind the door of No. 10?
The solution to the biggest question of all lay with Mr Brian Wills-Pope MBE, the Chair of the British Florist Association. Knowing his skills and charm in the political arena, the Flower Market team asked Brian whether he could make their idea a reality.
Brian not only arranged for the flowers to go into No. 10, but also organised for the students and their tutor to have a guided tour inside No. 10 and into its stunning gardens. Thank you, Brian.
Read Hannah’s blog of the visit on The Florist here.
