Archive | Weddings

New Year Plans

It has been a long time since I wrote
my last blog, I think it was in June when the rain and wind came,
after that I was too busy battling with the elements. It certainly
tested my resolve as a flower grower as I watched countless flowers
rot in the ground or be flattened by the wind.

As we were not able to grow some G&G
favourites new flowers were discovered and took centre stage. Many of
these were from the group that really saved the season – perennials.
These proved to be far more weather resistant than many of the
annuals and because of all the rain grew taller and more prolifically
than normal and those prone to mildew like Asters, Monarda and Phlox
were spared.

 The real stars were the perennials sown
from seed in February/March which went on to produce buckets of
flowers from June onwards. They included Achillea, Galega and
Tanacetum which all proved to have good 'cut and come again' value and
a wildflower- look for our natural style bouquets.

 


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Our new field of perennials planted
mostly as bare root in the autumn of 2011 also grew in very well
thanks to all the rain. It was a joy to wander in there one evening
when supplies and spirits were low in the cutting garden to discover
row upon row of new and exciting things to cut.

So the extreme weather meant different
flowers to work with, a new palette with unexpected combinations and
some beautiful results.

 


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After seeing off the most challenging
year for growing cut flowers I am full of plans for 2013, which include adding to our mail order
range and developing a Pick Your Own cutting garden. More news on
that in the coming weeks. 

We have also come up with some new
courses:

Jo and I have put our heads together
and developed a two day course for DIY brides on how to grow and
arrange wedding flowers.

 


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I am offering an in depth growing guide
to three of our favourites – sweet peas, roses and dahlias as half
day workshops.

If you would like to find out more have
a look at our Courses page on the website.

Rachel Siegfried

 


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Heavenly Hand ties

The flowers are now coming thick and fast in the garden, which has been pure joy. I thought I'd share some shots of the bridal bouquets I have created over the last few weeks.

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This shot was taken by the Cambridge based wedding photographer JJ Muino www.jjmuino.com 

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I’m now looking forward to all the roses. Queen of Sweden has just made an appearance, so many others are in bud , it’s all very exciting.

Jo Wise

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DIY Brides – Have fun!

Most brides we see at Green and Gorgeous want to create a natural feel to their wedding. They don't want to fall into line and ride the wedding conveyor belt, they want to 'keep it real'. Creating your own wedding flowers can be a great way of expressing yourself and ensuring your wedding day is unique to you. Many arrangements can be done the day before and is an opportunity for friends and family to come together and feel involved.
At Green and Gorgeous  we offer a combination service, alongside our supply only and full floristry service. This is for those who would like to do some of the arranging themselves but not all. We could arrange just the bouquets and buttonholes or larger elements such as garlands and pedestals too. We also hire vintage china and host flower arranging courses and hen parties, so brides can pick up a few good tips before the big day.
Creating your own wedding flowers should be fun and as long as you follow a few guidelines there is no reason for it not to be a really positive experience. Our garden flowers don't need to be fussed or over arranged, they lend themselves well to being popped into a jug or jam jar.
My Top Tips are:
  • Be realistic about what you can achieve in the time you have available.
  • Make sure your helpers can commit and know what is expected of them.
  • Be mindful of the height of your containers for the tables, make sure the flowers won't mask your guests view.
  • Be prepared and have a plan. Know what you want doing. Have a work space prepared. Have a cool storage place for the arranged flowers to go over night (not the marquee!)  and allow time to tidy up.
  • Ask advice on conditioning and how the flowers will perform.
  • Have fun and most importantly enjoy the process!

 

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Thank you so much for all of our wedding flowers. We so enjoyed arranging the table centres (I put all my arranging skills from the hen do into practise – all your hard work paid off, thank you Jo!) And the bouquets and button holes were just wonderful. The soft natural look worked beautifully with the feel of our day. We can’t thank you enough. -  Anna & Bradley

Jo Wise

 

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