Hello everyone.  Happy New Year.!

I hope you all had a lovely Christmas and New Year.  

Perhaps over the Christmas period engagements might have taken place.  Congratulations.
Now comes the preparation for a wedding maybe this year possibly next.  If you need to discuss
flowers, please do not hesitate to contact me.  Budgets for flowers can be put on the back burner, but it
is always good to have an idea on costs to add to the mix.

Last year I was trying to run a more sustainable business.  No floral foam and moving on to use wool blocks instead. It has been a learning curve but getting there I have to say.  As a suggestion to anyone organising an event and wanting to use many flowers - lovely - it might be worth thinking about re-purposing some arrangements.   Those used in the church being transported to the reception and those used at the reception being gifted to someone special at the ended of the day.  Or use plants as part of the design.  I love using these., for tablescaping they are invaluable.  As are bud vases.  Choose one variety of vase or joy of joys different varieties.  Look fabulous.

I have had the honour of providing bespoke flower tributes for funerals last year.  This made them particularly special for the  families.  Speaking with the funeral directors to make sure we get everything right is a must.  

Bouquets for every occasion have flown out of the workshop.  Some favourites have been with some rather spectacular French tulips, which are a particular favourite of mine.  Then dahlias, hydrangea of the deep red variety, and many many more.  

​I am looking forward to another year of being surrounded by gorgeous flowers and foliage.  Unfortunately I do not have a shop in Lavenham, but you are always welcome to visit - phone ahead first - to discuss your flowery needs.

It always amazes me how we race into Summer these days.  With that extremely hot spell we have all recently experienced, the flowers and foliage have coped pretty well all considering.

Over the next few months I am going to sort through some of my vases which have accumulated over the years.  
I am a big advocate of glass and have many to share, so if you follow me on Instagram let me know if you are
interested in any.  I will price them individually.  Some of them are really great for wedding table centres.

I also have some Church Pedestals - original black iron with scrolled feet.  I have to say they are really fabulous to use
and can disguise the legs using copious amounts of foliage.   

​

Above is one of the vases that will be on offer.  I believe they are called a "sweetie" vase.  Quite chunky and perfect for holding a hand tied posy.  

I have been involved in trying to switch away from using floral foam and plastics in my arrangements.  Floral foam in particular is very poor for the environment as it takes so long to break down when thrown away.  Plastic can be difficult especially when providing a long and low table arrangement - but I work on the theory that these can be used again or indeed passed back to the florist for re-use.  Some of the lovely arrangements used for the Coronation of our new King were recycled, which is fabulous.  

Finally, I have been dipping into a book called the Flower Colour Guide by Darroch and Michael Putnam.  The illustrations alone are worth the purchase of this rather splendid flower guide.  If you visit them on Instagram @putnamflowers you can view some of their rather splendid creations.  They are based in New York and have a wide following.  Do take a look.

Good to catch up - hope this finds you all well and enjoying the beginning of the Summer.

​x Wendy B   WB Floral Designs

It seems an age since I have written here, and we are racing toward Christmas now Halloween and Bonfire night have both been and gone - however their could be a few more Fireworks this weekend!

For Christmas this year I am concentrating on one design for a door wreath sticking to a glorious mix of
foliage with a ribbon finish - however if someone would like a more traditional wreath I could be tempted to
provide one or two.

I love the lush Christmas colours - red, burnt oranges - but soft white and greens can work too.  

Whatever your preference this year you can always phone to discuss.  

​Have a great time leading up to Christmas this year.  

Here we are heading into March and Spring - thank goodness!

The evenings are drawing out and the garden is beginning to blossom with Spring bulbs - even tulips are
trying to break through.

Unfortunately I will not be about for Mother's Day this year to provide lovely bouquets.  However I do have some
top tips on who to go to for an on line alternative.

Firstly Flowerbx.  You can find them on www.flowerbx.com.  They have some lovely flowers to choose from
although the arrangement is usually just one variety of flower or just foliage but having had a number of
deliveries from them the experience has been excellent.  Packaging wonderful and a message card supplied.

Secondly, being a complete tulip freak, Smith and Munson from Lincolnshire are the way forward.  
They are tulip growers on a massive scale.  Again you can choose a variety of tulip, of which there are many,
and these are sent out, beautifully presented, again a message card can be supplied.    

​English tulips are really wonderful.

I am sure any Mum would be more than happy to receive either of these.  

However you decide to treat that special person remember to book early to avoid disappointment.  



 

A belated Happy New Year 2022.

Having packed Christmas away for another year it is time to look at what flowers and trends we shall see
for the coming year.  In the floristry industry sustainability is high on the agenda and I shall be trying to
do my best to follow this.  

Having a love for Dahlias, I have just ordered a new selection to grow and cannot wait to use them in
bouquets for later on the in year.  For the moment tulips are the order of the day - they are also a
particular favourite and it will not be too long before English varieties are available.

The next big date in the floristry diary is of course St Valentine's Day.  

Instead of the usual dozen roses, how about a lovely basket of flowers or even better two dozen tulips!
I shall be providing some arrangements, but do not forget to order early as Valentine's is on a Monday
this year..

It is lovely to be back with all the beautiful flowers and foliage that Spring brings.  Hope to hear from you
​soon.

There are so many beautiful dried wreaths at the moment, so thought I would try making one for myself.  Knowing it will last until replacement with a Christmas version is lovely.  You can view the above on the door of our local butcher.  I am now inspired to make some more.  

Sustainable floristry is being mentioned time and again.  I am seriously working on this now.  Trying not to use oasis green foam - even the biodegradable variety can take up to three years or more to break down and then there is, in some cases, the plastic tray they are attached to.  I will be trying to do my bit.

I have always tried to use glass vases for weddings and can even remember speaking with a lovely couple about
using plants - namely herbs - for their centre pieces.  Have to say they looked stunning and were given to guests as
presents at the end of the day.  

In that respect I have accumulated a variety of lovely vases, from plain chunky round vases to those lovely delicate sweetie vases and of course the very simple but effective jam jars, in all shapes and sizes.  Finally some rather gorgeous white vases that have a wonderful texture to them.  Have to be seen.

It is lovely to be back working with flowers and I still gain inspiration from so many wonderful florists. Have a happy Halloween . 

There has been a significant change in activity for weddings and events now that restrictions have been lifted and indeed these restrictions might go further.  So lovely that finally all the preparations for weddings postponed can now go ahead.  Wonderful news.

For florists this can be a challenging time, as we try to meet the expectations of our brides.  Maybe those Spring wedding flowers that were thought of might have to change if dates have moved to Summer or to Autumn.  Working with the seasons might be a good idea.  Also working with a colour scheme too.  Trust your florist to provide you with lovely arrangements on your day.  

Thinking about environmental issues of late, I would like to move toward providing arrangements that do not involve
oasis and more importantly cellophane and too much packaging.  This could be a challenge as many top table and possible table centre arrangements tend to be made in oasis.  An on going project and some research.  I have to admit I do like to use vases - a lot.  Watch this space later on this year.  

I hope you all get to enjoy the Summer sun, when it shows up!  Look forward to hearing from you with flowery requirements.     

Wendy B x

.January 2021 - a Happy New Year to you all.

I think we thought we might have turned a bit of a corner on the Covid-19 front, but unfortunately it is proving
the opposite.  So I have made the decision to stop trading, as in our area, the spread of the infection and therefore
the numbers are at an eye watering high.  I need not only to protect my family, but also my lovely customers.

I am hoping this will not be too long as many of the Spring flowers are coming through, and the wholesalers
are doing an amazing job getting these on to the market.  Ranunculus, tulips (too many varieties to mention here),
Tete a tete, hyacinths, and grape hyacinths - my particular favourites.  I have these growing in my garden and
always get very excited when the gorgeous white variety start to come through.

Although I will not be providing lovely arrangements - which I shall miss so much - I will be monitoring
e-mails and be at the end of the phone if you need to contact me about any future events you might be
planning later this year.  

There are florist shops in the area that are still trading, but behind closed doors, on a click and collect and
delivery basis only.  Visit their websites as most of them are stating a start back time after the Christmas/New Year
​break.  

​In the meantime, stay safe - stay well.  I shall be posting photo's on Instagram, Twitter and even Pinterest
 

I think everyone will agree that it has been a bit of a rollercoaster ride since March of this year and some of us have had time to enjoy meeting up with friends and some family members, with the weather being so good too, but now we are back to Lockdown, but I get the feeling it is slightly different this time round.  

Two very special Brides and Grooms, in the meantime, managed to have their wedding days, be it slightly different to what they had originally planned..  Many congratulations.  Some couples have pushed their dates forward to later next year and some even into the following year.  Flexibility is the key here I think.  If you are thinking of organising your wedding and need to discuss flowers, then please feel free to give me a ring.  

On the flowers front I can still provide bouquets.  If you need to order something special, then phone me, allowing at least 24 hours as I hold a limited stock.  Payment can be taken remotely and flowers will be delivered by myself, all socially distanced.  Unfortunately I cannot do face to face ordering.  

Funeral flowers are also available.  Please visit the floral tribute page on my web site for designs.  Again phone me to discuss your requirements.

Take care, and stay safe.  These weeks will fly by.  Christmas is on the horizon - it will be what it will be.

Love to you all and a big thank you to those who have continued to order flowers.  

Something new for 2020 - the lovely Lienne from Posy in Lavenham has drawn a new logo sticker for me.  Just needed a little something fresh.  Beautiful.  Thank you Lienne.  You will be seeing more of this over the next few weeks.  Keep
an eye out.  

Back at work with lovely flowers again, it has been refreshing.  Some beautiful bouquets and some equally lovely tributes .
There have been a flurry of bridal enquiries for 2021.  Unfortunately a bit of a hold on weddings for the rest of the
year with the uncertainty of numbers allowed for receptions at the moment.  Lets hope these will be resolved soon.
However 2021 is looking slightly more optimistic .  We have to be careful still.

On the flower front agapanthus are in - beautiful blues and whites.  Just devine.  Roses of all types.  Just love the garden roses.  Full blooms with equally lovely scent.  Enjoy whilst they last.

Remember if you need any bouquets, or arrangements give me a call on 07779 017923 or you can e mail me at
[email protected].  Hope to hear from you soon.  In the meantime take care and stay safe.