A large part of the design is linked to floristry and Beth has been working with Leeds Castle’s head florist, Louise Roots, on the Christmas brief. Louise has been at Leeds Castle for seven years and as Head Florist for 18 months. The preparation for Christmas starts early in the year and 25th November saw the arrival of the larger items - such as the trees - with the garlands and finishing touches added just before the opening. One of Louise’s biggest challenges is to ensure that the plants and flowers are always fresh. The Castle is heated and Louise explained how she plans to keep the flowers alive, “I will have a team of 4+ people to ensure the trees are watered every day which sounds easy but we can’t spill a drop of water because of the antiques in the castle. Keeping things fresh is constant so we have to think technically to keep everything alive.”
Beth creates the design framework which is then passed onto Louise and her team but Louise is keeping tight lipped about the extent of the decorations because the full magic is partly in the surprise. As well as organising Christmas Louise also has to juggle the many corporate events and weddings at this time of year. It’s a busy job but Louise loves it, “There is no other job like this. At one point I could be making a florist swan and then the next a bridal bouquet. I get to work on a big scale and I love that – you can never have too much at Leeds Castle!”
As part of the festivities Leeds Castle are holding Christmas wreath workshops run by Louise where visitors can learn this artistic craft, “There are no shortcuts - in the workshops everything is done properly using traditional methods with fresh moss and holly from the castle grounds. The wreaths are backed and wired and I give a demo to the groups. Once people know how the real thing is done they can make their own wreaths year after year” Louise explains with enthusiasm.
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