fresh & funky news from new covent garden market
Market, where seasonal cut fl owers, foliage and plants are a speciality amongst the 30 wholesalers, the sight is a feast for the eyes. We talked to salesmen and fl orists alike to fi nd the fl oral gems of springtime, some great ideas on how to use them and how to spot the pick of the crop.
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Fresh and funky British fl owers Today, fl owers and foliage commercially grown on fi ve continents means many varieties are available 12 months a year. So it is refreshing to spy exquisite spring fl ower delights on Pratley’s stand. As specialists in British-grown cut fl owers, Pratley off er beauties such as the green and black widow iris, hellebores, anemones, fritillaries, lily of the valley, deliciously scented narcissi and paper whites. Weather permitting, even bluebells put in a fl eeting appearance in shades of blue, white or lavender for just three weeks or so from the end of March. Florists such as society favourite, Paul Thomas of Paul Thomas Flowers in Mayfair, adore using
pringtime at the Flower Market After months of cold, snow and grey skies, the arrival of spring is a welcome cause for celebration. At New Covent Garden Flower
British flowers. “I love the character and charm of British flowers,” says Paul. “To me, their lack of uniformity and standardisation is their strength. I love flowers to look and smell as if freshly picked from the fields, and they lend a freshness to all our work from hand-tied bouquets to our installations at The Ritz and Claridges.” In all, 15 of the Flower Market’s 18 fl ower
wholesalers supplement their global range with a select off ering of British fl owers, which arrive in super-fresh from the growers. Not only do they look and smell divine, but the costs can be better too.
Fresh and funky global fl owers “Wherever they’re grown, when fl owers are in their natural season, the quality is at its best and the prices are at their lowest,” explains Edwin Martin of Dennis Edwards Flowers. “When they are out of their natural season, we can still get them, but the quality is not as good and the prices are at their highest.” Take wedding favourite, the Viburnum opulus
(Guelder rose or snowball bush): “In peak season you can get beautiful, fresh stems of Guelder rose for £1.25 to £1.50 a stem,” says Eddie. “Out of season, if a bride is determined to have it for her wedding,
Eddie with Denis Edwards (right) 54 F&wb Spring 2013
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