Flowers Love & Money
Peter H Smith celebrates
their 75th! Not only are they one of the biggest but with a 75th Birthday under their belts, one of the oldest as well. Not that it shows when you consider their state of the art complex in Preston which was purpose built for the company in 1996. But then leading wholesalers
Running till April 28th at the Garden Museum in London, an ‘Exhibition of Floriculture’, sponsored by Waitrose, The Covent Garden Market Authority and The Telegraph Gardening Supplement tells the story of the cut flower trade from the 17th century until today. Exploring the inspiration of cut flowers to painters, the art of floristry, and their symbolism in rites of passage such as marriage, funerals, and memory as well as featuring iconic events like Royal weddings, it even features a quote from our Editor! The world’s flower trade has
increased from £1.8 billion in the ‘50s to over £64 billion today. After trains came planes: in 1969 the first air freighted flowers flew to the United States from Colombia. However, the globalised trade has attracted increasing controversy over its environmental impact, and allegations of exploitation of vulnerable workforces. The exhibition explains each
side of the debate – including the new Fair Trade movement but also celebrates domestic growers, an industry which has all but vanished but may be revived by a new generation of eco-aware, creative growers. In addition looks at the growth of the retail industry, from florists’ shops to supermarkets, iconic weddings showcased by Shane Connolly. For details visit
gardenmuseum.co.uk
60 F&wb Spring 2013
Peter H Smith has always moved with the times even though Nick Smith MD is 3rd generation, a role he shares with co-owner Ann Rainford. Because from the day they incorporated on 4th January 1938 the firm has changed to suit the current industry needs as well as investing time and money in making sure their customers are one step ahead of the game as well. The Peter H Smith family now
includes van Flora in Hampshire and with an on line sundries website they are truly a one stop shop for florists. But personal service is still key which is why they are open 24/7 from 10am on a Sunday right the way through until 5pm on Friday.
Chelsea Fringe Registration
Now Open Following the success of the first show last year, The Chelsea Fringe, a festival of flowers, gardens and gardening takes place across London from 18th May to 9th June. Its aim is to feature an exciting mixture of public spectacles, horticultural happenings and community celebrations. Independent of the RHS
Chelsea Flower Show (although it does act with its support) Chelsea Fringe has something fantastically fresh and exciting to offer. Its foundations are based on giving people the freedom and opportunity to express themselves, since its open-access principle means that just about anything goes – as long as it’s interesting and legal! Oh yes and of course on
the subject of gardens, flowers, veg-growing or landscaping. If you fancy joining in,
registration for 2013 is now open, e-mail info@chelseafringe. com to discuss your project or visit
chelseafringe.com for more information.
US crackdown on rogue
traders Over in the States the publicity for ordering direct from a local florist is gaining momentum. In fact having looked at coverage this year compared to 2012 it’s clear that the major media are not only far more willing to show the difference between local independent florists versus mass marketers and box operators but cover the fact that ‘commissions’ and ‘charges’ often result in a ‘thinner’ bouquet. In tandem with this coverage
a bill is being put forward to the US Senate to stop deceptive order gatherers claiming to be local businesses. Sen. Jay Wasson (R-Nixa) says his bill prohibits a florist from including a geographical reference in the name of its business and listing such name in a telephone directory, on the internet, or in a print advertisement when the florist is not physically located in that place. He says these florists advertise
in the Yellow pages or online with local phone numbers, so people think they’re getting local service, when in fact the call rolls over to an 800 number [usually a call centre] and the flowers are shipped in. Wasson says often the flowers are sub-par quality and the prices are inflated, leaving a black eye on the reputation of local businesses. Eds note: This practice is
equally common in the UK but at the moment no one in the industry seems to be concerned. We believe that urgent action is needed to protect independent florists in the UK from the same problem.
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