The Garden Atelier

16/06/2026

One last video of my headdress from the BFA hub heats the other week. Headdresses are so much fun to make, and this one was no exception. I just loved adding all the extra details with the pine cones and the locally foraged foliage.

Lots of work and practice to do before the finals in October at but I am really looking forward to it.

13/06/2026

I still feel like I'm about to wake up from a dream but now I can show the floral headdress I made that won the regional heat in Washington and scored high enough to take me to the finals for Newcomer Florist of the Year at in October. The task was to make a headdress to be worn at a Spring equinox event held by the Woodland Trust.

Many thanks to the organisers for arranging an interesting event, the sponsors and the judges from for their kind words and tips.

12/06/2026

12/06/2026

A big bit of excitement here at the Garden Atelier. Last weekend I competed in the regional heats of the 2026 UK Florist of Year Newcomer competition run by the BFA and won a place to compete at the national finals at Fleurex in October. I still feel like I am about to wake up from a dream.

Congratulations to everyone who won a place in the finals, I am looking forward to meeting you all there.

We're now allowed to show photos of our designs so I will be sharing mine soon.

10/06/2026

I absolutely loved pressing the rhododendron "Old Port" for our college exhibit at Chelsea Flower Show. The delicate flowers press so well, keeping all their details like their pretty nectar guides and colourful carpels. This specimen came from beautiful Gibside for our exhibit, but I am happily experimenting with other coloured varieties in my presses at the moment. Watch this space!

04/06/2026

01/06/2026

Celebrating the start of June by adding some of my garden clematis to my presses:)

29/05/2026

I have been a little quiet this week as I bask and relax in all the Chelsea buzz. It was amazing being just a tiny part of this huge and spectacular show, I still can't quite believe that my botanical plates were displayed there. The whole show was incredible with so many gorgeous plants, gardens and displays, and to think of all the work that went into them.
Here is a photo of my tulip with the busy Pavillion tent behind it.

24/05/2026

From Gibside in March to Chelsea Flower Show in May. This special Van Sion Daffodil is a little piece of the North East that made its way to the world's most prestigious flower show in the world via my flower presses and the Houghall exhibit.