CREATING BEAUTIFUL BOUQUETS // flower arranging workshop

I’ve always wanted to know how to arrange flowers properly.

My best friend growing up was a florist and I always envied the way she could take a sunflower and a few branches (it was the 90’s – it was ALL about the sunflowers and the willow sticks!) and make the most stunning arrangement.

I tried my best, but my flowers never quite looked right. The more I messed around with them the weirder they looked, until it finally looked like a bomb had gone off in a flower warehouse.

Which is why I was so excited to be accepted on a four-week online flower arranging course, with JULIE DAVIES FLOWER WORKSHOPS. Each week flower maestro Julie will be emailing me, revealing industry tips and tricks and setting me projects to do at home.

Then she’ll be (very kindly and politely) critiquing my efforts so I can improve my skills and eventually turn store-bought bunches into beautiful bouquets.

My first task was simply to arrange a bunch as I normally would, so Julie could gauge what (if any) natural ability I had. During a trip to the supermarket I picked up some pink lisianthus and some mini-gladioli (no, I didn’t know they were an actual thing either – but will you check out how cute they are?!).

I attempted to display them as nicely as possible, but it was clear I needed help. Stat. 

I haven’t even started the course properly, and I’ve already learned new flower facts from Julie – the lisianthuses are actually doubles, and that’s why they’re so deliciously full and ruffly. And the mini-glads are also known as bridal gladioli, as they’re popular for wedding arrangements.

Julie also told me that the stems looked a bit suffocated at the top of the vase – which could cause them to bruise and decay. I needed to remove more of the foliage, so there was room for air to circulate.

This weekend I’ll get my first official task (squeeee!). Keep an eye out for my updates, as I’d love to get your feedback on how you think I’m doing.

If you’re interested in finding out more about Julie’s flower arranging courses (she also runs ‘real-life’ classes in Kent) check out:

• JULIE DAVIES FLOWER WORKSHOPS.