Written by Rona Wheeldon
March 01, 2015
This month sees the celebration of two very special days… International Women’s Day on Sunday, 8th March followed by Mother’s Day on Sunday, 15th March. And you’ll find a fantastic selection of flowers, foliage, plants and sundries to help you and your clients celebrate these auspicious occasions!
For example, wouldn’t these rich deep violet, ‘Miss Saigon’ hyacinths from DG Wholesale Flowers look stunning in a bouquet, mixed with other spring blooms? Read on to discover more of the delights you can find at New Covent Garden Flower Market this month…
British Flowers
If it’s homegrown tulips you’re after, head to Pratley where they have a terrific selection.
They also have Narcissus ‘Erlicheer’, a highly scented double-headed variety with multiple florets on each flower head.
Plus boxes upon boxes of fragrant white hyacinths (Hyacinthus orientalis).
World Flowers
Look out for white muscari (grape hyacinths) at Alagar. They also have blue and lilac varieties.
And I love this white rice flower (Ozothamnus diosmifolius) at DG Wholesale Flowers! The flower head is made up of hundreds of tiny white blooms and it’s great as a filler flower, especially for a bridal bouquet. Or it can be used in a table arrangement, as shown in this wedding shoot.
Scabious seed heads are also ideal to use to add texture to intricate bridal designs. Zita Elze used them beautifully at this recent wedding show.
At D G Wholesale Flowers you’ll find an amazing selection of Cloni ranunculus at the moment. And they have this fabulous white Cappuccino ranunculus variety.
If your clients are fond of the ‘Dark Florals’ trend, head to Zest Flowers for Scabiosa ‘Blackberry Scoop’…what a great name!
Or visit S Robert Allen for black dill…
…and ‘Black Jack’ tulips, with their very deep purple petals.
There are SO many tulips at Nine Elms this month that you really will be spoilt for choice! These wraps of mixed parrot tulips at Alagar are proving to be very popular…
…as are these semi double orange tulips, edged in golden yellow at S Robert Allen. Their variety name is ‘Queensday’.
And let’s not forget this gorgeous pink variety called ‘Double Cadillac’.
If you’re looking for a natural look, how about these unusual Bulb Bouquets at Dennis Edwards Flowers? And just in case you didn’t see it, here’s a link to last year’s Product Profile Report dedicated to tulips.
Much requested, and now readily available, are these lovely leis made of dendrobium orchids, as modelled by Sonny and Dennis at Dennis Edwards Flowers. They’re perfect for an event!
And I just couldn’t resist including these hot pink ranunculus available at S Robert Allen. Please do make the most of ranunculus whilst they’re still readily available!
These mauve Pon-Pon ranunculus at Zest Flowers would certainly be a talking point in your shop!
And look out for the seas of zesty green guelder rose (Viburnum opulus) which are now appearing on lots of the stands.
British Plants
Bob at Lou Mills has a superb selection of British plants…
..including this stunning Primula acaulis 'Zebra Blue' below, with its blue and white striped petals! Bob refers to the variety as ‘Zebra’ or ‘Delft’. And it’s great for adding colour to containers.
He also has dainty cowslips (Primula veris) aplenty.
World Plants
With succulents being on trend at the moment, how about these Sempervivum arachnoide plants at Evergreen Exterior Services? They’re sometimes known as cobweb houseleeks and their name arachnoideum refers to their furry central rosettes, which resemble spider webs.
And just how cute are these pots of Sagina at Quality Plants? They’re very popular for restaurants and bars, especially as an alternative to Selaginella apoda.
Heavenly hellebores (Helleborus orientalis) are available from several wholesalers at the Market this month.
And at Quality Plants, you’ll find these incredible slipper orchids. Their botanical name is Paphiopedilum maudiae Femma and they’re said to last ten to twelve weeks.
These small hydrangea plants at Evergreen Exterior Services would be lovely for Mother’s Day gifts, as an alternative to a bouquet.
British Foliage
Beautiful blossom is starting to make a welcome appearance on Foliage Row…
And you’ll find blackthorn blossom at GB Foliage…
…where they also have pussy willow.
There’s forsythia in abundance at Porters Foliage…
…and choisya too.
World Foliage
For wedding flower designs, you’ll find little bundles of stachys (lamb’s ears) at Dennis Edwards Flowers. You could use it as a collar for a bridal bouquet or in a head dress. And the leaves are so soft!
Sundries
C Best has a vast selection of artificial trees, plants and hedges! They’re perfect for clients who‘d like to add a splash of lush greenness to their balcony (especially second homes), but without the need for regular maintenance. And they’re ideal for smoking areas outside pubs, wine bars, clubs and restaurants. The majority of the trees have natural trunks and as well as box and tea leaf, they also have ivy garlands.
So, I hope you’ve enjoyed reading this month’s report and it’s given you lots of inspiration. As always, we’d love to hear from you if you have any comments or questions. Simply fill in the boxes below.
P.S. DG Wholesale Flowers have recently joined the wonderful world of Instagram. Click here if you’d like to follow them!
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