THE Ringwood florist behind a stunning display at a five star hotel in Chelsea is Trader of the Week.
Arcade Flowers is run by a team of artisan florists who produce arrangements, tablescapes, displays and bouquets for an array of occasions.
The business was first introduced to Ringwood 15 years ago by Emma Newson-Smith.
The 45-year-old said: “I do everything from general gift celebration bouquet to massive installations for weddings, product launches, corporate events.
“I do everything really, but I’m trying to go towards the large-scale events as that’s what I’m really passionate about."
Arcade Flowers had always been run from a shop in the town centre, until Emma decided to move to home working during the Covid pandemic.
She said: “During covid I closed the shop and built a studio in my garden.
“I’ve got a really lovely customer base of regular people who have been with me for years, and when I closed the shop, they stayed with me, and they still get regular flowers now.”
This year, Arcade Flowers had its first involvement in The Chelsea in Bloom competition - which asks retailers in Chelsea to decorate their venues with creative designs.
Emma says she was approached by the 11 Cadogan Gardens hotel to produce their display.
She and her team at Arcade Flowers then crafted a 'Peter Rabbit' themed display at the entrance to the luxurious hotel featuring almost 200 plants and flowers including roses and delphiniums.
It took around 13 hours to complete.
Emma told the Daily Echo: “It fitted really well with the hotel as Beatrix Potter grew up just down the road.
“Most of the displays are created by London-based florists, so to be approached and have my designs chosen was an absolute privilege.”
To Emma’s surprise, her floral display was then named the winner of Chelsea in Bloom 2023: Best Floral Display.
She was told by the hotel staff, who had attended the Chelsea in Bloom awards ceremony.
She said: “They rang me. It was a really bad line, but they said ‘I don’t think you’ve understood, you’ve won the whole competition.’
“I was shocked. Pleasantly shocked. It was lovely. I was sat on my bed at home with my children at the time and they were excited too.”
Arcade Flowers delivers to a number of locations including Ringwood, Wimborne, Verwood, Ferndown, Fordingbridge, Christchurch and Burley.
For more information visit https://arcadeflowers.co.uk/
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here