June seems to be flying by and what a wonderful month it has been so far. The flower fields at Pitfield Barn have got an abundance of summer blooms. Daily walks are a pure joy as I look for inspiration for our next workshops and pick fresh ingredients to create with.
Workshops & Courses
We have welcomed so many students to the flower school this month. Our Peony Masterclass was yet again the most beautiful workshop, filled with Gardenia, Sarah Bernhardt, Bridal Grace varieties of peonies, this class was an absolute joy to teach. We also welcomed a student all the way from Hong Kong. Did you know we have some wonderful accommodation in Hurstpierpoint that we can recommend to you if you are travelling from far away.
Our summer Introduction to Floristry sold out very quickly and students enjoyed creating two displays including; a ceramic vase and a foam free table runner display. Our next Introduction to Floristry is coming this autumn. It is the perfect class if you want to find out more about how to arrange flowers or if floristry is something you would like to explore more of.
British Flower Week
British Flower Week is almost upon us, 26th-30th June. This is the week where we celebrate all the hard working British growers out there. This year has been particularly challenging for growers. The lack of sunshine at the start of year made many flowers come out very late and now with very little rain, growers are facing new challenges of making sure their crops don't dry out.
The sun has bought so many wonderful blooms to the cutting gardens near the flower school. I picked up these wonderful irises grown at Pitfields the other day. Their ruffles and subtle tone of cream are such a treat for the eyes. Next week I will be sharing reels, photographs and interviews from some of my favourite flower farms including Pitfield Barn, Tangle and Wild, Sidnye Flowers and Big Field Flowers.
Summer Demonstration at Pitfield Barn
In July we are excited to be doing a joint open morning event with Pitfield Barn. I will be demonstrating two different displays including ; a bridal bouquet and a table centre suitable for a wedding.
Guests can enjoy a stroll around the wonderful gardens at Pitfield Barn, while Emma Martin gives talk about what it is like to be a British grower. There will be lots of opportunity to ask some questions while enjoying some lovely homemade cake. Tickets cost £15.00 per person. To reserve your place click on the link here.
Pressed Flowers
As we move into the summer months we will be taking our summer break from teaching, but I will be working on a collection of new artwork which will be launching in the autumn. All of our artwork will be created using beautiful pressed flowers and we will selling cards, canvas prints and framed artwork in the later part of the year. Theses pieces take a long time to create, the picture above shows stage one of this piece, but I am absolutely loving it and I am so excited about this next branch of the business.
Until July I wish you all well and as ever a big thank you for your continue support of the flower school. As a thank you please use the discount code below to get 15% off any half day or whole day workshops. (Please note this does not include career courses or Christmas wreaths classes).
Summerflowers23
Love Alicia xx