A Year of Flowers

A Year of Flowers - monthly floral guidance

Flowers are considered to be a luxury. A non-essential, decorative indulgence. 

I can understand why people think that. But I disagree. 

For me, flowers are a human necessity. 

I started the year hesitating whether to share content about beautiful flowers. And yet, I realised, at a time when things in the world seem increasingly fast, loud and uncertain, the quiet anchoring power of flowers feels more necessary than ever. 

Research is starting to confirm what many of us already instinctively know. That time spent with nature allows our overstimulated minds to rest and recalibrate. Recent brain imaging research has found that the areas of our brains activated by natural and man-made environments differ; nature literally gives our overactive prefrontal cortexes a rest. 

There is real value in paying attention. In noticing how our landscapes change week by week. In bringing flowers into our homes and taking the time to acknowledge their beauty, scent and vitality. To arrange them with care. When our brains are whizzing with the relentless speed of our lives and world events, connecting to flowers offers us a way to ground ourselves. To slow down.

This monthly newsletter is my way of inviting more of that into everyday life.

Each edition follows the rhythm of the year, sharing guidance on the flowers and foliage growing at that moment. Not what you can pick up in the supermarket, but what is growing outside in our gardens, on our flower farms and in the hedgerows - how to cut or source them (responsibly), how to condition and handle them, and how to arrange them naturalistically, giving each stem space to breathe and be noticed.  

You’ll also receive a simple design prompt each month: not a project to perfect, but an invitation to practise - using flowers from your garden, your local hedgerows (where appropriate), or your nearest flower farmer.

This newsletter has long been part of my Season-Led Florist programme. Opening it up more widely felt like a natural extension - for those who love flowers, want to work more seasonally, and are curious about arranging, but don’t want or need professional training.

My hope is that this becomes a quiet companion through the year. A way of slowing down. Of noticing more. Of feeling connected - to nature, to the seasons, and to yourself.