Sept. 08 – Blog: By appointment to London Mayor
September 18, 2008 by Rose · 2 Comments
Decorating Southwark Bridge, Saturday 13th September 2008…
Well, what a way to launch! Rose Hamson Flowers launched with a bang at this year’s Mayor’s Thames Festival, at the Feast on the Bridge, where, for one day a year, Southwark bridge is completely closed to traffic as a spectacular celebration of food and music takes place.
It is true that sweet floral scents can ensure pleasant dreams… but with the onset of 170 table decorations, in a range of sizes to fit an array of teapot shapes and sizes, 30 buttonholes, and 3 large wreath arrangements, sleeping well was not on the agenda in the days running up to it!
With a HUGE delivery of flowers, and hours of conditioning under my belt, off I headed to an old (and spooky) warehouse in the depths of South East London, which was to be our home for the next 24 hours as we prepared for the event.
170 empty teapots is an odd sight – especially when they have come from a variety of sources, from Charity Shops to Ebay. Some were beautiful, some ornate, some small, some huge, some horrendous and some absolutely hilarious… one of my particular favourites was this lion. However they all had one thing in common.. they needed to be filled with flowers and taken to Southwark Bridge to help dress 170 tables for the Feast.
It was a tough but thoroughly enjoyable experience – helped along by Mr Ronald McDonald and plenty of coffee. The flowers I chose were based on the overall harvest theme of the event, and I was lucky to make the most of some autumnal seasonal favourites, including some beautiful flamey Crocosmia, and some glorious dark red Dahlias. Along with some fabulous Hypericum, Poppy heads and Rosemary, they made for a great seasonal arrangement – which looked particularly good in front of St Pauls Cathedral!
I also had the pleasure of decorating the horse drawn harvest wagon, for which I chose garlands of hops, and beautiful floral wreaths two with Sunflowers and one with Roses. The day was opened with a display by some local school children, and for them I made some beautiful little buttonholes.. Pretty September flowers and White Lisianthus fot the girls… and broccoli heads and green beans for the boys (which actually looked fab!). All decorated in home style aluminium foil and twine.
We were blessed with pretty much the only sunny day of the summer, and to be on the empty bridge, just as dawn had broken was a wonderful experience – London was so peaceful, it was unlike the normal hustle and bustle – magical.
It was an incredible day, though I was very sad to not have met the lovely Boris. I was very happy with the flowers, and loved the idea of having them in teapots – a look which I shall definitely re-use, though I might be more particular about the teapot!
Many thanks to my three miracle helpers – Cherry, Jono and Jack – your help was invaluable.
Anyway, enough for now… I will write again soon with my latest news, there is many a trial and tribulation to starting your own business, so I will keep you posted!
Rose
Sept. 08 – News: Welcome to Rose Hamson Flowers!
September 10, 2008 by Rose · 1 Comment
Hello and welcome to my website!
It is thrilling to finally be up and running and I’d love you to take a look around – I hope it gives you a good feel of what we are all about… the best quality flowers and foliage, the best design and all as environmentally friendly as possible.
And on that note… we are always on the lookout for new UK growers that we can partner with, so if you are one or know any please do drop us a line.
We have our first big event coming up in a week or so – The Mayor’s Thames Festival, which is very exciting, where all hands will be on deck. Watch out for the latest on my blog where I shall be bringing you my latest news and tips.
Please do get in touch if you have any questions or comments, and whether you are a business or are looking for something personal, I’d be happy to discuss your requirements.
Look forward to hearing from you.
Rose