If you hadn’t already realised, I’m a massive fan of Flowers from the Farm, an organisation which champions the amazing world of British-grown cut flowers. And when I bumped into Kate Ladd from Greenery Flowers at Hadsham Farm, it was just the impetus I needed to find out more about the work I find so inspiring.
Kate manages a small cut flower garden (packed with colour and diversity) in the grounds of her family’s home and supplies local, seasonal blooms to wedding couples and customers throughout North Oxfordshire. We took some time out over a coffee and some left over wedding cake to chat about sustainable floristry, happy places and favourite emojis! Read on to find out more …
What would be your bucket list venue to flower up?
I love the challenge of creating florals in new places, so a natural outdoor space like a woodland would be amazing. Ideally one where access and water aren’t massive logistical issues though!!
If you were a flower which one would you be?
I’d be a Calendula. I love the colour orange and they’re cheerful, smiley flowers with branching stems and lots of possibilities. They’re informal and easy-going – much like me!
What inspired you to become a sustainable florist and grower?
Seeing how the industry currently works, and wanting to make beautiful things, but with less impact on the planet. There’s excitement in planning what to grow, and huge satisfaction in cutting a homegrown bucket and working out how best to make them shine. I also love the creativity that comes from the ‘limitations’ of making something only from what’s in season.
Current trends that are here to stay
To be honest the best briefs are the ones inspired by a couple’s unique personalities, not by something they’ve seen before online, but the word ‘wildflower’ still comes up a lot (usually this means things with delicacy and movement rather than actual dandelions!) and I think strong happy colours are here to stay too.
What’s your happy place?
A walk with my family in beautiful scenery with a full flask of coffee (plus cake!). We love the camping and coastal paths at Lyme Regis (and the tapas at The Strawberry Tree) and we also had a fantastic time on a recent holiday, visiting Newborough beach and nature reserve in Anglesey.
Which emojis do you use the most?
How would your clients describe you?
Friendly, accommodating and knowledgeable … I hope!
What’s the craziest floristry brief you’ve been given and how did you fulfil it?
‘Native flowers’ was a real head scratcher. The groom, James, was an ecologist and so I obviously had to be accurate! Working out what plants qualified (native/archaeophyte/neophyte anyone?), what looks nice and what actually works as a cut flower was a real challenge. But I like learning and exploring new ideas, so it definitely keeps things interesting. Their wedding is here
Top tips for sourcing sustainable blooms
Ask questions: ‘How’s this made?’ ‘Does it have to be done this way?’ It’s ultimately curiosity and open mindedness that lead to people innovating and doing things better. Look out for florists using moss blocks instead of oasis and reusable cable ties, and source flowers in reusable buckets. There’s pretty much always a better way of doing things, it just might take a little longer.
We can’t all be experts in every area, so I like to buy from suppliers who I feel have done their research and offer products/services that are perhaps not perfect but the best option available. I source tulips from Peter Nyssen, who is pesticide free and uses compostable packaging for example and I hope I’m that filtered portal to the floral industry for people who otherwise don’t know much about it.
Clubbing in Ibiza or backpacking in Alaska?
Backpacking!
Shout out to an unsung hero or wedding supplier bestie?
I’m going to say the behind-the-scenes people like Charlie Taylor at Hadsham Farm or the team at Huntsmill. It’s very easy to see a finished product, but there is often so much that goes into research, decisions, prep, that clients and their guests are unaware of. Great service takes a big sense of responsibility and a lot of effort.
My other source of inspiration is Gill Hodgson, founder of Flowers from the Farm. She’s never stood still and has grown from selling flowers from a stall at her local farmers’ market to winning a gold medal at RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Respect!
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Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Northamptonshire and the Cotswolds.