January 2024 - Phoebe Tomlins
Phoebe Tomlins from Hummingbird Floral Designs launched our sustainable, local, seasonal floral year with the help of her friend and mentor Mark Saunders, head gardener at Fittleworth House. Her inspirational arrangement was conjured up using twigs, lichen, hellebores, moss, snow drops and dwarf daffodils.
Past Events - 2024
February 2024 - Emma from Pitfield Barn Flowers
Emma talked to us about the challenges and joys of flower farming. She supplies beautiful blooms to florists as well as for editorial, fashion and commercial photo shoots. During the season she runs workshops as well as a cafe from the farm near Brighton.
March 2024 - Second Birthday - Cowdray Walled Garden
Buds and Blooms celebrated another successful year with an afternoon at the Cowdray Walled Garden. In the words of one of our members: “What a great day which uplifted everyone from the pesky rain. A packed itinerary that flowed seamlessly from business, to a fascinating talk on forestry then the joyful floral demonstrations. Really was a super pick me up afternoon with lots of laughter and engaging banter”
April 2024 - Marianne Milne
from Cookes House Flower Company
Marianne entertained and educated us with her exuberant approach to flower growing and arranging. Colour and plenty of it was the theme, with as extraordinary variety of tulips that came to life in her hands. Beautiful vases and a vibrant fabric back drop enhance an artistic creation that put a smile on everyone’s faces.
May 2024 - Gorgeous Flower Company
Flowery alchemists par excellence. Kate specialises in wedding floristry and gave us a potted history and down to earth talk on what it’s like to run a floristry business and how she deals with the demands of making someone’s special day extra special. Also attending was Kate’s artist friend, Jane Allison, who loves painting flowers. Jane brought some unframed canvases of flower paintings for sale to our members. Chestnut Tree House was our chosen charity for the raffle.
June 2024 - Red Fox Flowers
Becky Sims of Fox Red Flowers is a talented, much sought after florist from Bracklesham Bay. One of Becky’s many achievements is The 'Wall of Roses' display that she designed and built for the 2017 Chelsea Flower Show and was awarded 5 stars in the Trade stand category. Becky inspired us with her decorative table arch - perfect for outdoor dining.
This month we showcased products from Cherry Vintage Home, local to Midhurst. Victoria Gallimore uses vintage and French inspired fabrics from British designer Peony & Sage with lots of quintessential cottage florals and beautiful French stripes to create cushions, lampshades and footstools.
July 2024 - Member Event at Lordington Lavender Farm
The sun was shining in full force for this summer’s event. Members were treated to a very informative talk on Lavender and then wandered through the field for some great photo opportunities. Delicious picnics were laid out and we all enjoyed the arrival of the ice cream van, treating us to a range of well needed ice creams.
Septemer 2024 - Paul Hawkins
Paul kicked off the autumn/winter programme with great style and humour. He showed us clever techniques for decorative centrepieces for the home that can be adapted for every season. He also brought us some great baskets and pots to purchase together with his wonderful scented candles, perfect as we begin to spend more time indoors.
