them and use eye-catching ancillary items and picks - glitter spray is like magic dust too! I also make up traditional planted baskets and bowls and my planted succulents in vases always go down well.” Think spray painted succulents, scattered sequins, hidden gems and brooches, collars, cord, cut out felt, twisted vines and stems, added sticks, feathers, picks and pins, shells, dried fruit, flowers, vegetables… the plant is your oyster, so turn it into something really special!


Typical tried and tested floristry techniques work just as well when incorporated into a planted arrangement; folded aspidistra leaves and looped bear grass add glam to a boring old pot plant, and a few stems of pussy willow can give height and interest to a small, simple ranunculus. A bold collar makes a plain green houseplant really burst out of its pot, and gems and sequins scattered or glued to the leaves or hung from the necks of flowers make a small plant a gift to remember.


Don’t forget to experiment with your wrapping as well; we’ve fallen in love with these gift- wrapped brassicas; cellophane and fabric have been used to create a vortex-like effect, continuing the cabbage structure outwards. Even just a little cello or tissue will go a long way – Ashley Homan from Love Lily in Monmouthshire explains why her plants sell really well: “We buy plants on offer and wrap them with a little cello or tissue – wrapping that doesn’t cost much, and then we can afford to add a small mark-up whilst still selling them at a low price. They fly out the door because they look nice but are still cheap. We sell plants at a slightly higher price bracket by putting


72 F&wb Autumn/Winter 2013


Selling plants is essential as people always seem to be going somewhere that requires a ‘little gift’, so we make sure that they don’t leave without something.


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