Written by Rona Wheeldon
January 23, 2017
In this month’s Product Profile Report, we’re shining the spotlight on winter twigs and branches. They can be found in abundance at New Covent Garden Flower Market at the moment, both outside on Foliage Row and inside. Just how striking is this yellow witch hazel (Hamamelis mollis)?
Background
Found at Nine Elms for just a few months of the year, these pretty twigs and branches are perfect for adding a seasonal touch to designs. The weather very much dictates their exact availability, but simply check with the traders if you need something for a specific date.
Chinese New Year is this Saturday (28th January) and you'll find plenty of bundles of peach blossom, also sometimes referred to as pink blossom. If it's magnolia you're after, on the other hand, there's a huge choice, from lofty branches which you can buy individually to smaller twigs in bundles.
Dainty flowering quince also comes in different heights, whilst pussy willow which has been at the Flower Market since before Christmas, is now in peak season, with several varieties to choose from.
Types
Peach Blossom
White Flowering Quince (Chaenomeles)
Peach Flowering Quince (Chaenomeles superba)
Magnolia (inside)
British Magnolia (outside)
Viburnum bodnantense 'Charles Lamont'
Genista (Broom)
Forsythia 'Spectabilis'
White Blossom (Prunus)
Red Witch Hazel (Hamamelis intermedia 'Diane')
Gaggle
British Cultivated Pussy Willow
'Green' Pussy Willow
Pussy Willow (Salix 'Snowflake')
Design Inspiration
Tying in with the current trend of a natural, informal floral style, winter twigs and branches can add a wonderful woodland inspired feel to designs. Use magnolia branches or forsythia as a frame in tall urn or vase arrangements. And stems of pussy willow are ideal for supporting hyacinth and narcissi bulbs.
Here are some examples of beautiful designs featuring these seasonal treasures…
(Source: McQueens)
(Source: JamJar Flowers)
(Source: SuperNature Flowers)
(Source: Shane Connolly)
(Source: Simon Nickell Design)
(Source: By Appointment Only Design)
(Source: Rowan Lewis)
(Source: The Flower Bird)
(Source: Tony Marklew)
(Source: Rob Van Helden Floral Design)
(Source: Early Hours Ltd)
(Source: Scarlet & Violet)
(Source: John Carter)
(Source: Wild at Heart)
Your Designs
We'd love to see photos of arrangements that you've made using winter twigs and branches from New Covent Garden Flower Market. Simply send an email to info@cgma.co.uk, stating your company name and website address. Or if you prefer, you could post your photo on Twitter and copy us in, by including @MarketFlowers in your tweet. We'll then upload your photos into this section.
I hope you've enjoyed reading this month's Product Profile Report. Please do ask away below if you have any questions or would like to make any general comments. As always, we'd love to hear from you…
P.S. Have you heard the news about the date of the opening of the new Flower Market? It's Monday, 3rd April. For further details, please click here.
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