THE SEASONAL EDIT
Eucalyptus Leaves Spray 888.039 £ 6 | White Mini Daisy Spray 917.104 £ 6 | Kalanchoe Stem 888.048 £ 7 | Antique Cream Giant Hydrangea Stem 917.149 £ 8 | Peony Stem ‘ Real Touch ‘ Pink 888.046 £ 16 | Recycled Glass Vases , various , from £ 16
DARLING BUDS
Mixed BUNCH
Faux flowers are having a moment . Those in the know are already faking it and , with the Cotswold Company ’ s impossible-to-tell artificial flowers paired with our vases , you can too . Mix with real blooms for a chic home-styling trick , says florist Claire Morgan
Photography : Jules Rogers . Styling : Claire Morgan
” Early mornings . Cold fingers . Being a florist is hard work ,“ says Claire Morgan of Lewis Rose Flowers . “ But I love it . Every single bouquet is different and giving flowers to people always makes them smile .“
Claire ‘ s way with flowers is loose and organic . She uses native English garden flowers and plays around with colour , texture and natural shapes and forms .
“ I work with seasonal flowers and foliage to ensure minimal flower miles in my arrangements ,” she says . “ Silkeffect flowers are a good sustainable option as they can last a lifetime – lots of brides ask for them for this reason . And they are incredibly good value compared with real flowers ,” she says . “ You can use them but add seasonal foliage for the scent . A secret florist tip is to break a couple of hidden eucalyptus leaves or rub rosemary sprays in your hands to release their wonderful fragrance .“
When arranging faux with real flowers , work with a natural colour palette . “ Green and white is a classic – try spray roses or a spray of daisies with lots of foliage . Lovely pink peonies are fantastic , too ,” says Claire . Choosing a Cotswold Company bottle-neck or a tall hurricane vase will support your display . Then make sure you condition the stem of your flower or foliage .
“ Cut a few inches off the stem and take leaves off beyond the water . Do this for the silk flowers , too , using cutters as the stems are wire . You can then bend them into the shape you want and give your arrangement structure .”
See Claire ’ s floristry workshops at clairemorgan . co . uk
11 cotswoldco . com