Posters for the final series of Channel 4 show Big Brother reveal a floral design in the shape of the famous Big Brother eye.
The wreath was designed and created by London floral design company Rebel Rebel and used 480 flowers including carnations, Rosa ‘Grand Prix’, Paeonia ‘Kansas’, orange gerberas, spray roses and Ranunculus. Rebel Rebel also used over 1,200 flowers making the floral tributes for the ‘mock funeral ceremony’ for the show as featured in TV adverts and a poster campaign.
A channel 4 spokesperson said: “The Big Brother 11 eye is a vibrant floral tribute marking the end of Big Brother.”
Outdoor pots can be stylish and provide a little contrast to their surroundings, while also being decorative. Create a simple and refined decoration for the terrace which plays on the contrasts between colours, shapes and materials using Campanula haylodgensis:
- Place four Campanula in a black, square, outdoor granite pot;
- Thread large white pearls, approximately 1cm in diameter, onto reel wire and work them between the flower heads;
- Tease out some white sisal to form a fine net;
- Place the net over the Campanula plants.
 Looking for an alternative to tealights and lanterns for that Summer soiree? With a little imagination (and an extension cable) you can create a glowing reception by adding a bespoke string of lights from Cable & Cotton! Perfect for dining al fresco, evening drinks or even to bring that extra special something to the wedding table. The bright colours make for eye catching décor.
The ‘Cotton’ part of the product is a hollow ball shape (a little smaller than a tennis ball) with a hole for inserting the light bulb. It is made of natural cotton which is hand-dyed and shaped, using natural gum to make it firm. The ‘Cable’ part is a transparent string of lights with transparent plug in either 20 bulb (1.5m to start of first bulb, total length 5.75m) or 35 bulb length (1.5m to start of first bulb, total length 8m). The cable and lights are CE safety approved and the plug BSI safety approved. Replacement bulbs – are provided. Cable & Cotton stringed lighting is priced at £20 (20 bulb), £30 (35 bulb) and £39 (50 bulb)
FOR MORE INFORMATION see www.cableandcotton.co.uk
DID YOU KNOW that we tie our bouquets with ladies invisible bra strap elastic also known as dance elastic because it holds the bouquet tight and the tie is clear? From John Jones, Brisbane, Australia
 There was joy and relief on the Hillier stand as the team learned that their record-breaking run of Chelsea Gold medals remained intact! “I am absolutely delighted with our medal result,” said Andrew McIndoe, the company’s Managing Director and designer of the Hillier Chelsea exhibit.
“Staging the Hillier Chelsea exhibit is a fantastic team effort, and so to win a 65th consecutive Chelsea Gold medal is a great thrill for the entire Hillier group. We had a mighty battle with the elements this spring, and all credit goes to Ricky Dorlay, who brought all his 45 years’ Chelsea experience to bear in preparing the Hillier plant material.”
Hidden behind leafy screens on the Hillier ‘Adventures in Gardening’ exhibit was the gardening equivalent of the Big Brother Diary Room – Hillier’s Secret Garden Diary Room – complete with its very own Throne of Knowledge! The Scotts Miracle- Gro film crew were there throughout Chelsea to capture precious tips and advice from professional gardeners and enthusiastic amateurs alike for ‘Real Garden Advice from Real People’ at www.lovethegarden.com and www.hillier.co.uk
OASIS® Floral Products have introduced two new super-sized Spheres into their product range. The Spheres which are 25cm and 30cm in diameter are great for creating table centres, hanging structures and free standing designs. The spheres were used by award-winning florist David Ragg who designed the Gold Medal winning Interflora Design Exhibit at the Chelsea Flower Show.
OASIS® Super sized spheres are now available from your local wholesaler.
 Lynda Owen is a much loved and highly respected international floristry judge and in her latest book, Floristry Competitions (the ultimate guide for competitors, judges and stewards), she reveals the whys and wherefores, the do’s and the don’ts in competition work. This book will, without doubt, become a handbook for many and should be essential reading for anyone who is keen on competition work.
Floristry Competitions is available to buy online from Lynda priced at £13.99 plus post and packaging at www.lynda-owen.co.uk and if you require any further information you can
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.
Well known florist, Ian Lloyd, is leading the way by taking a green approach to packaging. This follows his discovery of the availability of biodegradable cellophane which he now has printed with his name and logo. Ian tells us that although the cellophane is currently slightly more expensive, as it becomes more popular with other florists, he feels the price will drop. Customers have welcomed the change and this could give his business the edge for sales.
Just like the famous diva on the Muppet Show, this large-flowered rose is sweet on the outside and fiery inside! In other words, a charming personality with a highly inflammable character, who – like her alter ego – naturally demands a place in the spotlight.
The pink flower with an orange heart opens well in the vase and has a subtle sweet fragrance. A character rose with spirit, the Miss Piggy+ guarantees eight to fourteen days of pure enjoyment. In addition to its spirited appearance, the rose has a beautifully glimmering dark green leaf and a sturdy stem.
Since its introduction it has acquired a variety of awards and in 2010 it was nominated for the annual FloraHolland ‘Glazen Tulp’ (glass tulip) award. Rosa Miss Piggy+ (VBN code 103765) is available all year round at FloraHolland in lengths from 50 to 80cm.
 Kalanchoe is widely recognised as a really versatile plant because it seems to thrive everywhere – inside and out, sun and shade – it couldn’t be more flexible. This certainly applies to More Flowers Paris, a new Kalanchoe blossfeldiana with pearl coloured flowers. The large flowers are filled with petals, so that the buds appear beautifully full. The flowers remain attractive for three months without suffering any discolouration, making it a jewel for the house, garden, patio and balcony. Its colour sits really comfortably with most other colours too, ensuring Paris blends easily into both modern and classical interiors. Kalanchoe blossfeldiana More Flowers Paris (VBN code 106941) is available all year round at the FloraHolland auction in pot sizes 6, 9, 10½, 13 and 17cm.
DID YOU KNOW that another helpful way to tie off a bouquet is to double the twine over, wrap around the bouquet and pull the two loose ends through the loop end and pull tight in the opposite direction? Then wrap the two loose ends around the stems in the opposite directions and knot. It gives you instant control once you pull the loose ends through the loops – from Jenny Keogh.
 Princettia is the fairytale name of a new series of ‘stars’ in the Euphorbia assortment. The Dutch breeder has positioned Princettia as a gift plant in the exclusive sector.
The plant has a festive air and could do well in this position. It has a compact growth habit (20 to 25cm tall), produces sturdy, well branching shoots and flowers in four stunning shades of pink: Dark Pink (vbn product code 105605), Soft Pink (105606), Hot Pink (105607) and Pink (105609). The series is also available for delivery in mixed lots (105608). The plant can be grown without the need for growth inhibitors. Room temperature between 17 and 20°C is ideal but the plant can also go outdoors at temperatures between 5 and 10°C. This is a glamorous plant with personality. Euphorbia Princettia is available at FloraHolland in the second half of the year and comes in pot sizes 7, 10½, 12, 14 and 17cm.
 Given how many of you entered our competition to win a copy of the French Floral Harmonies book, we decided to give you another opportunity so – we have another copy to offer as a prize. To take part all you have to do is send in your name and address together with the answer to the following question Who is the editor of Fusion Flowers magazine to Fusion Flowers, Competition 16, Hillcroft, Fore Road, Kippen, Stirlingshire FK8 3DT, UK or email
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with the answer. Entries close on 5th July 2010. Good luck!
 We are delighted to announce that the winner of Competition 14 and the copy of Floral Harmonies is Margaret Moore, Preston. Congratulations and we hope that you enjoy the book!
 The winner of our first ever Garden Notes prize (Competition 15) and a copy of Claire Austin’s gorgeous book ‘Irises’ is Maria Ventura, Exeter. Congratulations and we hope that you enjoy your prize!
 Asclepias is a wonderful cut flower with compact flower heads, however, until recently it was only available in orange, creamy yellow and a few shades of pink; with the emphasis on orange.
The launch of the Bordeaux red ‘Amalia’ increases the selling potential of Asclepias, especially for use in exclusive bouquets. This is mainly due to the unusually large flower heads and their intense colour. The variety name was not chosen at random. The most striking feature of ‘Amalia’ is the “coronet”, which is formed by the flower’s pistil and stamens. This is why the flower was named after a member of the Dutch royal family.
An important tip, and one that applies to all Asclepias varieties – before using the flower, cut the stem to size with a sharp knife and rinse the cut surface under the tap. We also recommend adding cut flower food to tepid vase water. With this treatment the lovely ‘Amalia’ will be a pleasure to look at for around 10 days. Asclepias ‘Amalia’ (vbn product code 102796) is available at FloraHolland from week 20 to week 48.
New Crassula Rubin is now on sale showing colour. Crassula is an exciting house plant that combines the drought tolerance of a succulent with a wealth of dark red, tubular flowers gathered in large bunches. Besides thriving perfectly in south-facing windows, it is also highly suitable for planting out in pots. The plants will be available in weeks 24-26.
These style-statement Le Corbusier loungers from Zebrano Rattan Furniture, reminiscent of mid-20th Bauhaus design, offer something a little different for your garden or outdoor space while still remaining true to function. The rattan wave loungers are a prime example of re-visiting the past, re-exploring utilitarian principles and applying them to modern day living. The ‘wave’ shaping has been ergonomically designed so that it moulds itself to your body. There are no detachable parts, no flashy features to these sculptural loungers. Less most certainly is more.
Made from high quality, natural rattan resin weave this set is not only beautiful to look at but also maintenance free and can be left outdoors all year round. The surface is also UV light resistant to ensure that the coloured wicker does not fade in the sunlight. Price £349 (per pair).
FOR MORE INFORMATION www.rattanfurnitureuk.co.uk
DID YOU KNOW that
when folding tissue/paper into ‘mountain peaks’ to wrap around handtied bouquets you should make a pleat in between the peaks and secure with a little Sellotape? This makes for a neater and easier way to gather tissue and paper around the stems and also helps to keep the peaks upright, framing your bouquet beautifully. From Grace Walker
 From 2011 onwards the Horti Fair and the FloraHolland Trade Fair Aalsmeer will be held together in the same week in November.
The two organisations will collaborate in organising their trade fairs under the name ‘Holland HortiWeek’ (a working title). ‘This is in the best interests of horticulture,’ say Horti Fair chairman Marius Varekamp and FloraHolland managing director Timo Huges.
Horti Fair (which will still be held from 12 to 15 October in 2010) will take place in the first week of November in 2011 and at the same time in subsequent years. The international horticulture trade fair will then be held in the same week as the FloraHolland Trade Fair Aalsmeer and possibly other events as well, under the umbrella name ‘Holland HortiWeek’. This decision was recently taken by FloraHolland and Horti Fair. They will in future organise and develop ‘Holland HortiWeek’ jointly.
The autumn FloraHolland Trade Fair Aalsmeer will be switched to November from 2010 onwards, as this is more in keeping with the commercial interests of those in the production chain. It takes account of the wishes of exhibitors and visitors alike and the available venue capacity. Both organisations have always wished to synchronise the times of the two fairs. In 2011 ‘Holland HortiWeek’ with Horti Fair from Tuesday 1 to Friday 4 November and FloraHolland Trade Fair Aalsmeer from Wednesday 2 to Friday 4 November.
 
It’s not often that people in Great Britain can view an international floristry competition on their own doorstep, so it’s exciting news that the Eurofleurs competition will be taking place this summer at the RHS Tatton Park Show.
It all started in 1998 when Florint organised the first young florists’ (under 25 years of age) competition to showcase the talent and creativity of exceptional young floral designers from all over Europe. Their country’s member association nominates the competitors, and this means rigorous national heats to achieve the honour of representing their country at Eurofleurs. With a minimum of twelve competitors from different countries the competition will be an exciting opportunity for you to see top class designers in action. Taking place from 20th to 23rd July 2010 at the RHS Tatton Park Show it will culminate in a spectacular black tie dinner where the awards will be announced.
The British Florist Association are hosting the competition together with floral fashion shows and demonstrations. All take place in the BFA Pavilion at the Tatton Park Show. The British competitor, Joe Massie, has chosen his team and is already working on the schedule, he says, “I am really looking forward to this competition and representing Great Britain in such a prestigious competition, and I am excited that the prototypes of my designs are taking shape.’
FOR MORE INFORMATION
www.britishfloristsassociation.org.uk or www.rhs.org.uk
DID YOU KNOW that when making outdoor Urns for winter, spring and autumn ... always first line your Urn with saturated floral foam? Yep, often missed but it can extend the life of your designs and help keep them in place all season long! Winter – during the
warmer times it helps to hydrate the greens and during the freezing period (in Canada) it will help hold everything in place during heavy winter snow fall. Spring – add a base of wet foam beneath your soil. Arrange bulbs, branches and moss and that base of wet foam will
keep your bulbs nourished in the warm spring sun. Autumn – once again, add to your Urn a bottom of wet foam, then top with soil, arrange your autumn foliage on top and it will keep well into the early winter when you can invite your clients back for Winter urn making courses! – from Mulder Wedding Florals.
 A new annual travel scholarship launched to help young farmers and horticulturalists study abroad has just awarded the first £5,500 in scholarship funds to three Lancashire candidates. The successful candidates included a joint application from Steven Walker and former Myerscough College Floral Design student, Elizabeth Coar, from Dunsop Bridge, Clitheroe who both plan to travel to the USA. With a horticultural interest, Elizabeth will be studying the plant and cut flower market and Stephen will be focusing on agriculture. The pair received a £3000 award. For more information about the scholarship visit www.norbreckgenetics. com/travel.html or contact Philip Halhead at Norbreck Genetics on 07949 733 747.
 Just a reminder that your entries for our first ever international design competition need to be in our hands by the 30th June 2010. If you haven’t already completed the application form, you can find it on page 75 – so get busy – you won’t want to miss out! |
15 – 22 July: Singapore Garden Festival, Suntec City,
Singapore Exhibitions, competitions, floral design, floristry and
display gardens For further information go to www.singaporegardenfestival.com 21 – 25 July: RHS Tatton Park Show, Mereheath Lane, Knutsford, Cheshire, UK Show gardens, demonstrations, floral design competitions, Eurofleurs competitions For further information go to www.rhs.org.uk
Until 8 August: Boulevard Organic, on the Deltaplein and along the boulevard of Kijkduin, The Netherlands Free open-air exhibition of contemporary design by eight famous floral designers. For further information go to www.thehagueonline.com
2 – 9 September: Flowers 2010, All-Russian Exhibition Center (VVC), Moscow, Russia Trade show, floristry
competition and exhibitions For further information send an email to
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24 – 27 September: 'Touche Couleur', National Commandery of Alden Biesen, 6 Kasteelstraat, 3740 Bilzen, Belgium
Exhibitions, floristry, workshops and displays For further information go to www.fleurcreatif.com
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