In a trade where appearance is everything, colour and design are the most important aspects of floristry. Any florist worth their salt will tell you that passion for the ‘wow’ reaction is what they live for.
Our love affair with blooms dates back to pre-history, in particular for occasions such as burials and medical therapy. Gradually we began to use flowers to express our feelings and enhance our surroundings.
Some flowers such as roses originated in Asia 5000 years ago, some a little later in Italy and Greece. However, it wasn’t until the great global explorations of the 18th Century that the variety of flowers began to grow and capture the imagination.
With this in mind, it could be suggested that the perfect flower bouquet was one that matched exactly the mood of the occasion, so much more than just ‘flowers’ if the colours and scent that accompanied them was fresh, natural and almost therapeutic!
Superstores are no match for the high street quality in this trade. What some may see as convenience, others see cost-cutting and that is where their power lies, but selling and smelling power are of equal strength; the former can be outweighed by taste and sensibility.
There are many excellent high street and on-line florists, many of whom produce exquisite bouquets but their elegant and ancient trade is dying in the name of convenience.
So, the next time you want to say it with flowers, say it with flowers that have been created with love. Thank you.
