Written by Rona Wheeldon
November 09, 2017
There's absolutely everything you could ever dream of for Christmas 2017 - festive flowers, foliage, plants and sundries wise - at New Covent Garden Market. And it's all under one roof!
Whether it's Ilex verticillata, blue spruce, hellebore plants or baubles...you'll find it in abundance at Nine Elms. Read on for an overview of just some of the many yuletide must-haves you can expect to see on your next visit.
By the way, it might be a good idea to grab a cuppa and settle down somewhere cosy first, as this is a special BUMPER report. Be prepared to be very inspired!
Flowers
Boxes upon boxes of amaryllis are available in a range of different colours. This striking bloom is perfect for vase arrangements, as shown in this stunning design by Ming at Veevers Carter. And it's also fantastic in mantelpiece designs, like this sensational creation by Ruth at All for Love.
If it's a white variety you're after, head to DG Wholesale Flowers for 'Mont Blanc'.
That's where they also have 'Lilac Favourite', with its deep reddish-pink petals.
Or for a dark floral look choose 'Loyalty', which has almost burgundy petals.
Red Ilex verticillata adds such a quintessential festive look to arrangements, like in this vase design by Nik at Grace & Thorn. But how about 'Winter Gold' below with its beautiful apricot berries at JH Hart Flowers.
Or this yellow variety called 'Citronella'?
Winter white is such a much-requested Christmas theme. And making a very welcome reappearance at the Flower Market are these pretty white anemones.
In the same vein, choose white 'Antarctica' tulips at Dennis Edwards Flowers for your hand-tied bouquets.
And look! Cloni ranunculus are back. They're available in not just white, but other colours too...
If it's fragrance you're after for designs, then head to Pratley for Paperwhite narcissi.
Or how about heavenly scented 'Norma Jeane' roses?
Moving on to red blooms...pick the stalwart rose, 'Red Naomi'. You'll find it at Dennis Edwards Flowers, along with 'Black Baccara'.
Plants
Let's move on to potted plants. And yes, Poinsettia have arrived already at the market! You'll find them as small red and white plants or 'tots' as they're referred to at Evergreen. And Quality Plants are expecting a delivery imminently of larger specimens.
This Poinsettia Product Profile makes interesting reading, just in case you missed it first time around.
Over at L Mills, there are trolleys brimming full of homegrown Cyclamen in a range of different sizes and varieties.
If you're on the look-out though for hellebores with spot-on yuletide names, head to Evergreen for this fabulous variety called 'Christmas Carol'.
Fresh Foliage
You really can't beat the heady scent of bundles of fresh pine at the foliage specialists, GB Foliage and Porters Foliage. You'll find several types including blue spruce.
Plus there are blue spruce garlands, ideal for stair banisters and mantelpiece designs.
Resplendent with red berries, there's traditional holly at GB Foliage.
...plus you'll find Skimmia japonica 'Rubella' at the market. Not only red, but the green variety too. Check out this exquisite wreath design by Zita Elze featuring this festive filler.
Popular for natural winter designs are steel grey eucalyptus pods. You can see them used beautifully in this stunning wreath by Derek at SuperNature Flowers and this gorgeous design by Rowan at Rowan Blossom.
Still proving to be a massive hit for Christmas arrangements is asparagus fern. And you can find an amazing selection of different colours and finishes at Porters Foliage, including this pale pink variety.
They also have silver, gold, copper, bronze, white, orange, red and black! This feathery fern adds such an ethereal touch to designs. And how lovely does it look in this chuppah by Simon Lycett?
Glitter birch twigs in just about every colour and sparkle conceivable are available at Porters Foliage. From red, white, purple and silver to gold, rose gold, platinum, pale blue, orange, and black.
If you're looking for something with less height, then head to Zest Flowers for short painted birch.
Metallic foliage looks incredible in wreath designs. Check out this gorgeous rose gold themed wreath by Mark and Stephen at Bloomsbury Flowers. At Porters Foliage, there's not only gold leather leaf, but copper and silver too.
Plus gold and bronze grevillea can be found at GB Foliage.
Christmas Trees
Real Christmas trees, ranging in height from 3ft-20ft, can be ordered from several traders. And you'll find a great range at Evergreen.
And let's take our first step into the Christmas 'Aladdin's Cave' that is C Best! They have an extensive seasonal offering and this report features just the tip of the iceberg. Ideal for shop window displays, they have a range of decorative and artificial Christmas trees...
Christmas Tree Decorations
They also have the widest range of baubles, in every size, shape and colour you could ever wish for. They're not only must-have adornments for trees, as illustrated beautifully here by Neil from NB Flowers, but they also look fabulous on wreaths. Check out this gorgeous design by Marianne at Sweet Pea Flowers.
For a kitsch Christmas tree, how about these cute hanging motifs, which are on display at C Best?
Wreaths
Blue pine wreaths, in an assortment of different diameters, are starting to arrive at our foliage specialists.
But if it's artificial wreaths you're looking for, then you're in luck at Zest Flowers. This rope-wreath is available in two different sizes and was very in demand last year.
They also have a lovely range of wreaths at The Flower Store (part of Bloomfield), which are ready-decorated...
...plus they have unadorned ones too.
For those customers who prefer a white colour scheme, how about this asparagus fern wreath at Dennis Edwards Flowers?
Assorted Decorations
Fruit is yet again very popular for decorating Christmas designs. You'll find dried whole green oranges and whole orange oranges, plus slices too. If you're looking for design inspiration, check out this wonderful wreath by Matt at Urban Flower Co, featuring both sliced and whole green oranges.
Dried apple slices in red and green can be found at Zest Flowers.
Plus sparkly, waxed and frosted apples can be found at Porters Foliage. Also look out for red pumpinos and chilli peppers.
To add a touch of scent to arrangements, you can pick up cinnamon sticks in different lengths.
Or to include texture, what could be better than natural pine cones? They add a great touch to wreaths, as shown in this fabulous wreath by Hattie at That Flower Shop and this beautiful design by Amanda at Amanda Austin Flowers.
Artificial Flowers, Foliage & Berries
Let's head back to C Best for a look at just a very small selection of their artificial offerings, including these red poinsettias...
...pine garlands...
and mossy pine cone sprays too.
You'll also find artificial red berries at the market. The frosted variety look amazing in this fabulous wreath design by Shane Connolly.
Christmas decorations for bouquets & arrangements
There are wraps aplenty of pine cones on sticks in every colour imaginable, including silver, gold, copper, platinum, white and red. Plus rose gold pictured below, which was a huge hit at Zest Flowers last year and sold out very quickly. Oh and let's not forget cinnamon scented pine cones too!
Zest also have sparkly pears. Check out this amazing arrangement by Rob Van Helden featuring glittery gold pears.
And have a look at their silver lotus heads on sticks, baubles and poppy seed heads whilst you're there.
Animals
A menagerie of animals can be found at New Covent Garden Market this month. A pack of diamante polar bears, plus owls, hedgehogs and penguins are making themselves at home at what's fondly referred to as 'Bling City' at Zest.
Whilst over at C Best, there's a waddle of fluffy penguins...
and a herd of silver reindeer.
Lighting
If you need lights, whether electric or battery operated garlands, then you'll be spoilt for choice at C Best.
They also have a great range of candles, including tealights.
Head to Whittingtons at the other end of the market though for these white pillar candles, which are ideal for featuring in table arrangements.
For those occasions where the naked flame isn't permitted, they have battery powered LED pillar candles too.
Accessories
And check out their array of spray paints, if you need to add a touch of glitz to an arrangement.
Last but by no means least, fulfil all your haberdashery needs ribbon wise at Nine Elms this month. No matter what colour, width or type, it's sure to be stocked by one of our traders.
So, I hope this special report has given you lots and lots of inspiration for your wreaths, garlands, table decorations, trees, bouquets, window displays and installations for Christmas 2017!
Please do ask away below if you have any questions or would like to make any general comments. As always, we'd love to hear from you…
P.S. Have you seen our brand new Flower Market video?
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