Lizzie Mayson for The Flower Appreciation Society, 2018

In the midst of the buzzing city of London, there are two thriving creatives that found each other pulling pints in a pub.

With clients such as “Soho House” and “Liberty London” they have made their way in the floral world, promoting sustainability and British grown flowers through their own little urban plot where they can grow “homemade jewels” to add to their intricate designs.

They are amongst the best florists in London, as officially declared not only by their very pleased clients but by magazines such as Vogue.

Anna Day and Ellie Jauncey are “The Flower Appreciation Society” based in Hackney and with their creative backgrounds in textiles and illustration they make their floral magic soar.

I had the pleasure to meet both of them, visiting their beautiful studio space and ask a few questions:

Stephanie McLeod for The Flower Appreciation Society, 2018

"Have you always had a connection to Horticulture?"

Yes ist very much in my family. My mother is a florist, my Grandmother was a wonderful gardener and my Great Grandmother was also a florist.

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"Having met working together in a pub, how did you turn towards florals?"

At that time we didn’t know anyone else our age who were florists so we had lots in common from the moment we met! We asked the landlady if we could do weekly flowers in the pub and it all started from there.

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"How do your backgrounds in Illustration and Textile Design feed into your work as a floral duo?"

We use Anna’s illustration background all the time. She designs all of our branding and illustrated our book. My love of colour is what feeds into our flowers directly from my textile background.

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"After working together for so long, how would you both describe your style?"

We like to let the flowers speak for themselves and want them to look as if they have just been picked from the garden.

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"What made you choose to grow British flowers for your creations?"

We wanted to do our bit for the environment, cutting down on our use of imported flowers and growing flowers which attract lots of bees and insects. We also love gardening and felt so excited at the thought of actually growing our own and being able to choose what we grew.

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"What is your favourite part in growing things for your work?"

The thrill of putting a tiny seed into a pot with compost and seeing a seedling grow. We can’t quite believe it’s happening every time we do it!Also being able to grow extra special flowers which you can’t buy at the market. Adding that “creme brûlée” phlox or “Fata Morgana” scabious which completely changes the feel of the whole arrangement – It’s such a joy.

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"How does it work farm flowers in an urban environment?"

We are lucky as we have a very protected garden which is south facing and has good soils so things seem to want to grow. The issues we have i’m sure tare he same as other growers which is having enough time to spend in the garden!

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"What was a highlight in your floral career?"

Making our book.

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"What made you choose to write a book about all things floral?"

We were approached by an agent and once we had the book deal we knew we wanted to share all of our flowery knowledge. An A-Z seemed like the best way to do that. It allowed us to include random bits like X is for Xylem which explains how the water travels around the plant.

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"What are your plans for the coming seasons?"

Lots and lots more workshops and growing!

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"Will you teach longer workshops or retreats?"

We have just launched a 3 day intensive workshop which is at our studio and we have a number of collaborative workshops coming up with other amazing florists from around the country. Watch this space!

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"What advice would you give a young Horticulturist?"

It’s hard work but so rewarding. Very early mornings and long days but you get to work with a medium which is already so beautiful. Do it because you love it!

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