Written by Rona Wheeldon
July 03, 2018
Inspired by British Flowers Week? Then you'll be spoilt for choice this month!
With temperatures rising and summer now in full swing, there's a myriad of homegrown blooms at New Covent Garden Market. Head to the area adorned with Union Jack flags at Pratley for an amazing selection including this dainty, pink Saponaria.
British Flowers
Whilst you're there, check out this delicate blue flower with its trumpet shaped blooms. It's called Brodiaea and it's also known as Triteleia.
And for something to add a prickly texture to a floral design, how about this Echinops?
Over at Zest Flowers, their 'British Flowers Area' continues to expand. And how pretty is this Nigella damascena, also known as love-in-a-mist?
There, you'll also find Orlaya grandiflora. If you'd like to know more about this White Lace Flower, click here to read a special profile.
If you're looking to add a splash of vibrant yellow to an arrangement, then look no further than this Heliopsis helianthoides, a member of the Aster family.
There are many more British flowers available at Nine Elms this month, including Achillea, Alchemilla mollis, Ammi majus, Astilbe, Calendula, Cleome, Echium, Inula, Larkspur, Lilies, Lupins, Penstemons, Peonies (Sarah Bernhardt and Duchesse de Nemours), Phacelia, Pinks, Reseda alba, Salvia, Scabious, Snapdragons and Sweet Peas!
World Flowers
Another sunshine yellow bloom which you may like to consider is this Centaurea macrocephala at Dennis Edwards Flowers.
Lots of different varieties of Asclepias are available including this white variety called Asclepias incarnata 'Ice Ballet'.
Looking for an unusual filler flower? Then how about Nectaroscordum siculum subsp. bulgaricum?
This Scabiosa caucasica 'Lisa' at Bloomfield stopped me in my tracks. I adore both its soft lilac hue and petal structure...the perfect flower to include in a natural, meadowesque hand-tied. If you'd like to read more about this quintessential cottage garden flower, click here for an in-depth report.
With wedding season now in full swing, isn't this 'Keira' David Austin rose simply stunning and perfect for a bridal bouquet? Each bloom is subtly different in colour, changing from blush through to cream.
Have you seen this variety of hydrangea before? With intricate florets, it's called Hydrangea Beautensia Luxor Rose and can be found at DG Wholesale Flowers.
Several different types of peonies continue to be available at the Flower Market, including this deep pink variety called Jacorma at Bloomfield. Plus, they have, amongst others, Dinner Plate. And if you missed it the other month, you may like to take a read of our florist's guide to peonies.
More and more dahlias are starting to hit the stands, including this colourful ball type called Ivanetti.
British Foliage
Ideal for a moody floral design is this prunus with its shiny maroon leaves at GB Foliage.
Or if it's fragrant, flowering foliage you're after, they have bundles of honeysuckle.
Over at Porters Foliage, you'll find the lovely Lydia, who's more than happy to help if you have any questions about greenery. By the way, did you know that they stock 14ft birch trees...just in case you have a wedding couple who've set their hearts on having trees lining their aisle!
Last month, we featured copper beech and now it's the turn of 'regular' beech, which you can find at Porters Foliage.
And that's where you'll also discover container loads brimming full of variegated ivy.
British Plants
Homegrown Begonia plants, in a range of different colours can be found at L Mills, together with an abundance of Busy Lizzies.
World Plants
If it's indoor hanging plants that you're on the look-out for, Quality Plants have a wonderful selection including Chlorophytum comosum, more commonly known as the Spider Plant. With trailing foliage, they're easy-to-care for and I love how the baby plants develop...
Proving to be a real hit at the moment are Monstera deliciosa plants. Also known as the Swiss Cheese Plant, you'll find them at over 2.5m high at Arnott & Mason!
Another hark back to the 1980s, Schefflera, often referred to as the Umbrella Plant, is also available.
Popular as seasonal bedding and also working well in containers are Nicotiana alata, commonly known as the Tobacco Plant. You can find trays of them at Evergreen.
Sundries
Have you heard about Whittingtons' Loyalty Card Scheme? Simply sign up in-store and you'll be eligible for exclusive discounts. This month, you'll get special offers on a range of wedding related items, as pictured below.
And don't forget whilst you're there to head upstairs for their extensive collection of silk flowers, in virtually every type and hue imaginable! They're proving to be a real hit at the moment. Ask for Nancy, if you need any assistance.
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading this month’s In Season blog and it’s given you lots of inspiration! As always, we’d love to hear from you if you have any comments or questions. Simply fill in the boxes below.
P.S. Have you heard about Art Night which is taking place on Saturday, 7th July? It's London’s largest free contemporary arts festival. Click here for details about the special installation being created at the Flower Market.
Comments