Welcome to the Floristry Subject Advisor Page
You might already have a floristry group in your u3a or may be thinking about starting one. Do get in touch!
I am Danielle Ellis. I run the Sustainable Floristry Group for Cam, Dursley & District u3a. The group meets monthly for a hands on session. A couple of times a year we visit a local flower farm. After attending several day long courses, I was inspired to share what I had learnt with a u3a group.
I source the flowers and mechanics for the group and pass on the cost. So far, with the exception of Christmas wreaths, the cost is usually £10 or under.
What has worked well for our group.
- Asking attendees to commit to regular attendance (holidays excepted of course).
- Keep group numbers as high as possible. For us, 20 is a good number, with 15 of those attending on any particular date.
- Using companies who offer trade prices for flowers and mechanics.
- Building up a 'library' of tools and accessories that can be used multiple times.
- Keeping our sessions to 1.5 hours
- Sourcing British Flowers and using sustainable mechanics.
- Entering a local show's floral art class.
- Visiting local flower farms
Useful Links
British Flowers Direct - You will need to ask to create an account before your first order. A wide range of seasonal flowers and foliage and some mechanics.
Highcroft Nurseries (B J Richards) - Based in Cornwall, they have a wide range of both home grown and British sourced items.
Sustainable Church Flowers - with the recent General Synod meeting agreeing to end the use of non-sustainable foam, u3a members who also arrange church flowers will find a wealth of information available.
NAFAS - Floral Design with excellence. This organisation is split into 21 different areas across the UK. Visitors are welcome at meetings. They also produce the excellent Flower Arranger magazine which includes many tips, designs and step by step arrangements. You do not need to be a member to subscribe to the magazine.
NAFAS also offer 2 free downloadable guides on colour and texture
Flowers from the Farm - Flowers from the Farm is a UK trade association promoting the financially and environmentally sustainable local cut flower industry. There is bound to be one near you!
Whittingtons have a wide range of mechanics available from their stores on online.
