A Day in the Life of a Florist.

Available at Lily Blossom

The expert florists at Lily Blossom in East Molesey, describe why the humble craft of floristry, is far from the ‘daily grind’. 

“It’s like giving colour to your words. Flowers have their own language” says Nicholas, Lily Blossom Florist’s business owner, sifting delicately through the flower market’s morning offerings, “And the words they express can heal, let someone know you love them, celebrate successes, and wish good luck. They encapsulate the essence of so many life events; they can sometimes say what words can’t. And they last a while. So your message lasts too.”

A customer's 'Thank you' note 2014

Available at Lily Blossom

Nicholas explains, that when his florists get a phone call from a partner in the proverbial dog house, a blushing future bride, or a mourner who has lost a treasured loved one, the first role of a florist is to lend an empathetic ear. Choosing the right flowers for the current wedding trend, or season, is important, certainly. But understanding the customer’s situation is the most important thing:

Available at Lily Blossom

“If we understand what is happening for the customer, and a little about how they are feeling, we can help them to express with flowers, what they want to say, within their budget. Some customers say this is a little cathartic. Especially when it comes to funeral and sympathy flowers.”

Knowledge of floral symbolism is what can set the passionate florist apart from those who simply view the craft as a day job. So too does design, and knowledge of current trends. Both these skills are equally important when designing floral displays for weddings. After all, your wedding day, is one of the most emotional days of your life, and the most photographed, making flowers a key aesthetic in your wedding.

The quality of fresh blooms, is paramount, and will immediately, and visually, differentiate the leading florist from the less quality ones. As Nicholas says, and any woman will tell you, she can tell a petrol station bunch of carnations, from a hand-tied boutique florist’s bouquet.

 

Design by Lily Blossom 

But what of the practical side, of becoming a florist? What skills are needed, and how do you take the first steps to realizing such a career?

“The first skill a florist needs is creativity. You must be able to combine flowers to form beautiful displays, taking into account colour, texture, height, fragrance, and often symbolism. With weddings especially, we like to help our brides-to-be, to develop their own ideas, no matter how vague, to produce something unique and special for each bride.”

Buttonhole Available at Lily Blossom

Nicholas points out, that although his florists want to work with a bride-to-be, or any customer, to develop their ideas, it is just as important, to let the customer know, if they feel something will not work visually:

“Your wedding day is an extremely important day. The last thing we want to do, is have you walk away with a bouquet that will not help you and your venue to look at your very best, even if we have to (delicately) explain that a part of your idea will not work in practice.” 

Design by Lily Blossom for Ben & Joo's Wedding 2014

Design by Lily Blossom for Ben & Joo's Wedding 2014

In this way then, an expert florist will safely guide you towards the most beautiful floral products obtainable within your budget. To achieve this, people skills are a must, as is tact and diplomacy.

One the more practical side, a florist’s day begins very early. The staff at Lily Blossom Florist begin their day at 8am, when they check the inbox for orders that have come in from the Internet. They begin crafting these orders from Lily Blossom’s bounty of beautiful blooms, and the London florist usually opens at 9am.

“The benefits of the job far outweigh the cons” says Nicholas, “the morning starts are not too early. There’s bags of room for creativity, plenty of contact with lovely people. It can be done on a part-time basis quite easily, and you’re surrounded by the gorgeous scent and sizzling colours of beautiful flowers every day!”

Rose & Aspidistra Cross
Available at Lily Blossom

 Not the best career choice for Hay Fever sufferers then! But with the average florist earning between £16000 and £25000 a year, a chance for a good work-life balance, and opportunities to show off your artistic flair, Floristry is a valid career choice. A common way to start a career in floristry is to get a job in a florists, and learn on the job. However, if you would like to train first, you have a few choices: floristry apprenticeships are available, as are B Tech National Diplomas in floristry, throughout the UK. See the National Careers Service website for more details. 

Funeral flowers Double heart at Lily blossom florist from £105

Funeral flowers Double heart at Lily blossom florist from £105

Small £105

Medium £135

Large £155

call shop 0208 979 5656

Description:

The elegant form of this beautiful contemporary design is reminiscent of traditional Celticknot work. It comprises two hearts entwined. The heart symbol was first depicted as anything other than a physiological illustration, in a French manuscript during the 1250s. In the miniature illustration, a kneeling lover, offers the heart to a fair maiden.

Golden-yellow roses and exotic Peruvian lilies delicately interweave on a bed of sweet-scented dill, snake grass, steel grass and potent rosemary. Slender, glistening white calla lilies curve gracefully around the hearts’ edges. The glistening amber-pink berries of the hypericum sit nestled like jewels among the blooms and foliage. Cream carnations crown the rim. 

The rose as a species of flower represent love, kindness and strong emotion. Yellow roses especially, symbolize platonic and familial love. They are often sent as a gesture of goodwill, to show a loved one that you care for them. They also mean friendship and joy. The lively yellow roses featured here, form the perfect homage to a loved one, family member or friend, who could brighten a room with their smile, and brought sunshine into your life.

Carnations were often used in ceremonial crowns, and its name originates form the word ‘corone’, meaning a garland of flowers. Ancient Christian legend dictates that the delicate carnation first bloomed when Mary wept for Jesus on the cross. This design features three shimmering cream carnations.

Potent rosemary finishes this gorgeous design. Folk herbalists attribute the powers of purification and protection from malignant spirits, to this strong-scented herb. Similarly, dill is said to have the powers to soothe or lull.

Lily Blossom’s Twofold Heart, with its cream and golden blooms, and gorgeously scented dill and rosemary, makes the perfect tribute to a loved one whose sunny personality will be sorely missed.

.

Features: 1 Green Mini Cymbidium, 3 Cream Carnations, 2 Cream Alstroemeria, 1 Molucella, 4 Dill, 2 White Small Calla Lilies, 5 "Elite Amber" Hypericum, 10 Yellow Short Stem Roses, 2 Phormium, 1 Snake Grass, 10 Steel Grass, Rosemary, Moss and foliage. 

Flowers for someone special olny.

Lily Blossom florists

www.hamptoncourtflower.com

Funeral flowers Contemporary Heart at Lily blossom florist from £130

Funeral flowers Contemporary Heart at Lily blossom florist from £130

Small £130

Medium £160

Large £190

call shop 0208 979 5656

This striking, contemporary heart design combines passionate orange-coloured blooms and vivid green carnations. Even the stems of the flowers become a beautiful, structural feature thanks to the clever design of the frame. Two fiery orange calla lilies curve gracefully around the outer rim. Nestled within, are ten large-headed roses, like tangerine kisses. Yet more generous are the eighteen green carnations. Shining within, the pale glistening berries of the amber hypericum, while the sweet scent of dill binds the selection of grasses.

The first use of a heart, apart from an anatomical graphic, occurs in a miniature decorating a French manuscript during the 1250s. In the picture, a kneeling young man literally gives his heart to his love, a fair maiden. Now, it is a universal symbol, used as a declaration of true love.

Calla lilies are a rich, traditional symbol associated with resurrection and rebirth. However, they usually appear in white, when in mourning bouquets:

Related to the Greek Goddess Hera, calla means ‘beauty’. It is said that as Hera nursed the baby Hercules, a few drops of milk fell to earth, and where they landed, the calla lilies grew. Esoteric Christians believed that the lily was originally yellow, until the Virgin Mary picked one, and her purity was transferred to the flower, turning it pure white. Hence their use in festivals associated with the Virgin Mary.

Green carnations are an intense and unusual feature in this chic display. They have a clove-like scent, and are laden with modern symbolism. They were a favourite of the famous author Oscar Wilde, who would often be seen sporting on in his lapel. However, they are also a well-used symbol in Ireland, linked to St Patrick’s day, and often given as gifts, along with their white cousins, to signify and bring good luck to the receiver.

The appearance of mango-coloured calla lilies featured here, means that although they carry the traditional symbolism, they make a unique and very special tribute. They are enriched still further by the orange roses that accompany them.

But, it is the glorious orange roses that give this arrangement its name, for orange roses are symbolic of the all-consuming fire of passionate love and desire. This beautifully executed design, with its slender, curving form and vivid, fiery hues, is a striking tribute to one whose passion for, and love of life, will be missed. For a unique, special individual who brought warmth, enthusiasm and a fiery personality, who could light up a room, this is a perfect tribute.

Features: 2 Mango Calla Lilies, 10 Orange Large-headed Roses, 18 Green Carnations, 2 Ivory Dendrobiums, 3 Asclepia, 2 "Elite Amber" Hypericum, 4 Dill, 1 Molucella, 9 Craspedia, 6 China Grass, 6 Cornus, Rosemary and Moss.

Flowers for someone special olny.

Lily Blossom florists

www.hamptoncourtflower.com

Funeral flowers Classic White Heart (with Red)at Lily blossom florist from £110

Funeral flowers Classic White Heart (with Red)at Lily blossom florist from £110

Small £80

Medium £110

Large £140

call shop 0208 979 5656

Classic White Heart (with Red)

UK Code:TR1281LC

Description:

Classic Heart design with shimmering white…

Just like its alternative (Pure of Heart Lilac & White), this classic heart-shaped display is adorned with twenty-five crystal white double spray chrysanthemums and three glistening white roses. This striking arrangement though, is generously studded with a spray of jewel-like ruby red freesias and complimented by heavenly-scented eucalyptus leaves.

The heart symbol was first depicted as anything other than a physiological illustration, in a French manuscript during the 1250s. In the miniature illustration, a kneeling lover, offers the heart to a fair maiden. In our modern times, it is used universally, as a declaration of love.

Chrysanthemums were originally thought to have been yellow-gold in colour, hence the origin of its name: the Greek word for gold is Chrysos, while anthos means ‘flower’. Its name in full then, is ‘the golden flower’. Brought to Japan by the Chinese, the Japanese Emperors fell so deeply in love with the chrysanthemum flower, that many an emperor sat upon a throne of them. And Japan still hold an annual festival in its honour. It is said to bring happiness. Although the chrysanthemum’s best known symbolism is happiness, it is also representative of long life, friendship, and rest. White chrysanthemums in particular, represent truth, and loyal love.

Among the ruby-red Freesias, the crowning glory of this display, are three white roses, their crisp purity contrasting beautifully against the deep red blooms. The rose is a well-known symbol of strong emotion, particularly, different kinds of love. But each rose has its own, unique symbolism as well, and the white roses featured here, when given in the context of mourning and remembrance, symbolize silence, purity, innocence, honour and humility.

The meaning of Freesias is versatile. In particular, they are often used to express strong friendship that perseveres through hard times, and the ability of the receiver to remain graceful under pressure.

Complimented with china grass and potent, healing eucalyptus, this perfectly formed arrangement is a lovely tribute to one whose faithful, steadfast friendship will be missed, and a meaningful way to pay homage to the happiness they once brought to the lives of those around them.

Features: 25 White Double Spray Chrysanthemums, 10 Red Freesia, 5 China Grass, 3 White Large-headed Roses, Eucalyptus. 

Flowers for someone special olny.

Lily Blossom florists

www.hamptoncourtflower.com

Funeral flowers Classic White Heart at Lily blossom florist from £110

Funeral flowers Classic White Heart at Lily blossom florist from £110

Small £80

Medium £110

Large £140

call shop 0208 979 5656

Our classic heart-shaped display is adorned with twenty-five crystal white double spray chrysanthemums, three glistening white roses, and studded with a spray of enchanting lilac freesias, and finished with a silky purple ribbon around its rim. 

The heart symbol was first depicted as anything other than a physiological illustration, in a French manuscript during the 1250s. In the miniature illustration, a kneeling lover, offers the heart to a fair maiden. In our modern times, it is used universally, as a declaration of love.

Chrysanthemums were originally thought to have been yellow-gold in colour, hence the origin of its name: the Greek word for gold is Chrysos, while anthos means ‘flower’. Its name in full then, is ‘the golden flower’. Brought to Japan by the Chinese, the Japanese Emperors fell so deeply in love with the chrysanthemum flower, that many an emperor sat upon a throne of them. And Japan still hold an annual festival in its honour. It is said to bring happiness. Although the chrysanthemum’s best known symbolism is happiness, it is also representative of long life, friendship, and rest. White chrysanthemums in particular, represent truth, and loyal love.

Among the Freesias, the crowning glory of this display, are three white roses. The rose is a well-known symbol of strong emotion, particularly, different kinds of love. But each rose has its own, unique symbolism as well, and the white roses featured here, when given in the context of mourning and remembrance, symbolize silence, purity, innocence, honour and humility.

The meaning of Freesias is versatile. In particular, they are often used to express strong friendship that perseveres through hard times, and the ability of the receiver to remain graceful under pressure.

Complimented with china grass and potent, healing eucalyptus, this perfectly formed arrangement is a lovely tribute to one whose faithful, steadfast friendship will be missed, and a meaningful way to pay homage to the happiness they once brought to the lives of those around them.

Features: 25 White Double Spray Chrysanthemums, 10 Lilac Freesia, 5 China Grass, 3 White Large-headed Roses, Eucalyptus. 

Red

Flowers for someone special olny.

Lily Blossom florists

www.hamptoncourtflower.com

Funeral flowers Khanda (Sikh Tribute) at Lily blossom florist from £140

Funeral flowers Khanda (Sikh Tribute) at Lily blossom florist from £140

Small £140

Medium £185

Large £210

call shop 0208 979 5656

This beautiful important Sikh symbol is carefully crafted from an amass of pure white chrysanthemums, and studded with seven bright red roses.

Alongside the Ik Onkar, which translates roughly as ‘there is only one God’, the Khanda, is at the centre of the Sikh faith. It is itself comprised of three symbols: the Khanda (after which it is named), which is the double edged sword , at its centre; the Chakkar, which is the circle in the middle, and the two swords around the outside, which are called the Meeri and Peeri.

The Khanda is a metaphor for divine knowledge: its double edged blade cleaves through falsehood to reveal truth. The Chakkar represents God’s eternal perfection; and Meeri and Peeri symbolize the equal responsibility that a Sikh has to his spirituality, and his society.

This complex symbol is rendered cleverly in the regal chrysanthemum, and the beautiful roses. Chrysanthemums were originally thought to have been yellow-gold in colour, hence the origin of its name: the Greek word for gold is Chrysos, while anthos means ‘flower’. Its name in full then, is ‘the golden flower’. Brought to Japan by the Chinese, the Japanese Emperors fell so deeply in love with the chrysanthemum flower, that many an emperor sat upon a throne of them. And Japan still hold an annual festival in its honour. It is said to bring happiness. Although the chrysanthemum’s best known symbolism is happiness, it is also representative of long life, friendship, and rest. White chrysanthemums in particular, represent truth, and loyal love. This is the symbolism they are imbued with, when combined with this complex and sacred symbol: the truth revealed by the double-edged blade of the Khanda, and the loyal love of, and for, God.

Nestled among the soft pillow of white Chrysanthemums, are seven divine, ruby red roses. As a species, the rose represents, love and strong emotion. Red roses, are often used as tribute to those past, to symbolize deep loyalty and respect.

Complimented by bupulerum and soft ruscus, this beautifully made arrangement is rich in religious symbolism and meaning. It makes a gorgeous and generous tribute to a loved one or friend.

Features: 50 White Double Spray Chrysanthemums, 7 Red Short Stem Roses, 1 Bupulerum, Soft Ruscus. 

Flowers for someone special olny.

Lily Blossom florists

www.hamptoncourtflower.com

Funeral flowers Celtic Cross at Lily blossom florist from £120

Funeral flowers Celtic Cross at Lily blossom florist from £120

Small £120

Medium £150

Large £180

call shop 0208 979 5656

Name:Celtic Cross

UK Code:TR1161GR

New name: Calla Celtic Cross

Description:

This beautiful, majestic rendering of a Celtic Cross is designed to be lain on top of a casket. Measuring 122cm in length, and 60cm in width, it is a beautiful way to remember a loved one passed. Its carefully chosen blooms, with their sleek modern colours and forms, mean this tribute melds ancient and timeless symbolism with striking contemporary design.

The cross did not become a common symbol of Christianity until the 4^th century A.D. And the symbolism of the Celtic Cross is much debated amongst scholars both religious and not. Celtic legend suggests that St Patrick, whilst giving a sermon to heathens, was led to a sacred standing stone, which was distinguished by a circle, supposedly symbolic of a moon goddess. St Patrick, it is said, drew the mark of the Latin cross through this circle, blessing the stone, and creating the prototype for the Celtic Cross as we know it today.

So, with its disputed roots of origin, and its ability to transcend the boundaries of religious belief, this is a truly beautiful, spiritual symbol. In this way, it represents union, tolerance, understanding, and the mysterious nature of ‘truth’.

With its base comprising of moss and steel grass, mango calla lilies, steeped in ancient symbolism, and much favoured by many a modern artist, ascend its central beam gracefully. Nestled amongst the green are the gorgeous, intense green molucella, more commonly known as the ‘Bells of Ireland’.

The Calla Lilies are the undisputed stars of this beautiful ‘relic’. The lily is traditionally associated with resurrection and rebirth, and is therefore also used to mark a loved one’s passing. And an old wives tale claims that when someone is executed for a crime they did not commit, lilies spontaneously sprung from the ground above their graves. Rivaling the red rose in their symbolism, they represent the deepest, utmost respect for the receiver.

Here, the lilies marbled deep pink and vibrant orange glow like lanterns among the moss. They are exquisite, fiery. Rising through the gracefully falling mini Cymbidium orchids. Here, then, a balance between the symbolism of fire and water- the downwards, waterfall motion of the orchids, and the upwards surge of the perfect, majestic Calla lilies, like the soul rising through tears.

Features: 4 Mango Calla Lilies, 1 Green Mini Cymbidium, 2 Molucella, 4 Steel Grass, Moss. 

Flowers for someone special olny.

Lily Blossom florists

www.hamptoncourtflower.com