Our background
first generation
I’m not one for superstitions, but I do believe that often our lives can be shaped irreversibly by a few people, chance encounters and events over which we have no control. What will be, will be. My first encounter with flowers was at the tender age of one. It is said that I was being particularly obstreperous and uncooperative (I can’t quite believe that but…) until in desperation the photographer gave me a rose to hold! I don’t remember the occasion but the flower had the desired effect.
Much later seductive black-faced pansies, quirky snapdragons and the vibrant green snowballs of Viburnum opulus fascinated me when we visited my Granddad, and to this day competition pieces often have a black pansy tucked in somewhere.
At school I loved books, writing and crafts, and two teachers in particular brought their subjects vibrantly to life, and left me with indelible, life-long passions for books, writing and flowers.
Similarly, the notion of earning an RHS Chelsea Gold Medal was lodged firmly in my mind, but it was nearly thirty years later that the ambition became a reality, as a completely different life took precedence. Qualifications and retailing from a small shop in Bury St. Edmunds and lots of competitive work resulted in a hectic 1990’s, and the first of the RHS Chelsea Gold Medals. The idea of ‘books’ came along again when a customer requested flowers for inclusion in a book by Anton Edelmann, which rekindled my ambition of doing work for, or creating books, and a voluntary stint of editing Focal Point for the Society of Floristry made me realise that it may be possible to write and publish my own up to the minute floral design books. It never dawned on me that it was perhaps a reckless, costly exercise. But then I suppose I never did understand ‘can’t!’
So what of the future – I love to see flowers and natural materials used well. Not necessarily in highly intricate designs but appropriate and in keeping with the requirements of the brief, and chosen surroundings or theme. I love competition work - seeing dozens of different interpretations of a given theme and learning from the ideas. I love flower books and creating flower books. It is a privilege to be invited by Claire to work in the new company where we hope we can grow our ideas. We have lots of them; share them with us.
second generation
Flowers have been part of my life from an early age too. I remember picking daffodils from our garden with my sister and brother and selling them at the gate to make some pocket money, taking part in a flower arranging competition at school when I was 9 years old, even doing a project based around flowers when I was 13. It had lots of writing, plus I actually made a pressed flower picture, some Fimo flowers and a lovely silk flower wedding bouquet!! – I brought it out of the box a few years ago (yes I am a hoarder) and it actually wasn’t that bad!!! I remember helping with church flowers; even being cajoled into taking part in a flower festival (on my own), stepping in for a lady who was ill.
Having always lived in the Suffolk countryside I have had lots of opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and appreciate its beauty – whether walking the dogs, going out on my horse or riding my bike. I always knew I loved flowers, plants and the natural world, but I had no inclination that I would be fortunate enough to work with them as my chosen career!
After my mum decided to open her own florist’s shop, in Bury St. Edmunds, I agreed to help in the holidays, after finishing a completely unrelated college course... whilst the shop got established and staff were found. There was no real intention of stopping long, but I soon realised that I did actually enjoy what I was doing and was also not bad at it, so enrolled at my local floristry college for some part-time tuition; it wasn’t long before I was making things up in the shop well before I had learnt about it at college! I developed many of my skills at Fleur de Lys, I guess having my own personal tutor was a great bonus! I would often take part in competitions - starting with small ones at local events and trade shows, then as a team from the shop at the biggies such as “The RHS Chelsea Flower Show”, gaining good PR and improving confidence in my own work. After the shop was sold in 2000 – making time for lots of new exciting projects, I took the opportunity to develop my skills and style further by attending demonstrations, trade shows and workshops - with very talented and inspirational Master Florists from across the world.
I was even lucky enough to spend some time in Finland with Jouni Seppanen, a fantastic Finnish Master Florist, as one of his little helpers. Whilst in Finland I learned a great deal about constructions, technique and the importance of allowing each flower a space in which to flourish – to show its beauty. I gained so much from my visits to Jouni & his team and really appreciate his generosity in sharing his skills, knowledge and passion for nature and the materials he worked with.
I have thoroughly enjoyed creating designs which were included in the Straight from the Heart series and being one of nine featured designers in Best of British. I love experimenting and trying out new design ideas, creating pieces of work for special occasions, photo shoots and for inclusion in books and magazines such as Fusion Flowers and Flora International. I have hosted my own series of floristry workshops for professionals, students and those with a love of flowers. I’m really proud to have been selected as one of the UK featured floral designers in the International Annual of Floral Art 2005/06 along with world renowned Paula Pryke (curiously enough we both attended the same school in Suffolk, although at very different times!), Richard Haslam, David Ragg and Catherine Watson and the International Annual of Floral Art 06/07 with three of my four designs selected and also in the latest edition for 2007/08 which is due to be released from the publishers very soon. I am one of the only UK designers to have an individual collection of bridal designs in all three issues of Fusion Flowers Weddings magazine.
And right now? Thrive floristry... brings a different challenge everyday; whether working on designs or ideas for a new book, hosting a workshop, writing an article or something for the website, processing orders that have been placed…..
As you will see when you explore our website & catalogue, indulge in our floristry books or participate in one of my workshops, I am passionate about what I do and would like to share my skills and knowledge with you. I feel extremely lucky to be able to work in career that I love. I couldn’t imagine a better job – I know it has its down sides, but there are so many bonuses!! I love to learn – there is always so much to learn – you never know it all, or too much – even if you are learning by your mistakes (or someone else’s!) And nature together with the flower trade is always coming up with new gems….!
Thrive floristry is evolving from an ongoing desire to share knowledge, skills and expertise with a wider audience. We hope that you are inspired by our work and can share our passion and enthusiasm.
Third generation
Who knows? Watch this space… I must admit, my daughter has had plenty of experience!! These were some of her first arrangements – what do you think? (She is now 12!)
