Earlier this month, flower farmers in the North West came together for an inspiring regional meet-up to share flowers, learn new skills and make new friends. The event was organized by the North West Regional Coordinator, Carol Siddorn, who runs Carol's Garden near Chester and co-founded 'The Business of Selling Flowers,' offering training for career flower farmers.
"I have been a member for around 9 years and definitely wouldn't have built the business I have without Flowers From The Farm. I learned practical floristry skills as well as business and selling ideas, and a belief that I could make this business work for me," Carol says.
As Regional Coordinators, they aim to help others to feel the same to share skills and knowledge as well as to bring people together and forge lasting, even life-changing friendships. They are all spread out geographically, and it takes real effort to travel to meet people, but the more everyone puts in, the more they get out of it.
Members were asking for support in developing real skills in floral design using foam-free, sustainable floristry techniques and homegrown flowers for larger installations and the beautiful, airy, and delicate bowls that are so popular for weddings. But they also wanted fun and to get to know people.
Eighteen people came from all over the North West and a few from neighboring regions armed only with buckets of their flowers, snips, lunch, a bowl, and the widest smiles. After quick intros, Sarah Statham of Simply By Arrangement and Becky Hindley of Erda Botanicals started everyone off, discussed options and mechanics, and then everyone pitched in together. Shapes and foliage were discussed, flowers and tips were shared, and colors debated. Everyone put something in and had a say. It was all about the process and the experience.
Flowery people are the happiest and loveliest of people, especially if you are happy and lovely too. Loving flowers is infectious and addictive.
For more information:
Flowers from the Farm
www.flowersfromthefarm.co.uk