Go beyond the unwrap-snip-vase-drop routine. Our favourite flower experts reveal their top tips for getting the best out of your blooms. Plus: create a fabulous bouquet in six simple steps
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Joanna Lumley, flower enthusiast and M&S Plan A ambassador
“I’m not a flower expert but I am a flower adorer because a bouquet is a chance to see the most stupefying natural beauty.
“I like wild flowers like cow parsley and ivy (you can pick it off someone else’s wall) and I always want my bouquets to look like a hedgerow. If you have an armful of foliage, then all you need are six or so outstanding roses like chic cream and peach Avalanche to make something ravishing.
“I think you should give men flowers, men love flowers! Next time you see a man, give him some flowers and tell him to arrange them – he’ll be thrilled, but he probably won’t do it very well.”
Laetitia Maklouf, flower journalist and author
“A very good rule of thumb when arranging a bouquet is to be fearless – they’re only flowers! Try to keep your flowers and foliage in season – these plants will always look beautiful together because
they are together in nature.
“I think it is a mistake to shy away from rainbow bouquets – for me, they are the ones that bring the most joy, look the most natural and have the most charm. Keeping your colour palette broad is exactly what is going to set your posies apart.”
Emma Peake, florist and owner of Daisies Flower Shop
“When building your bouquet, I always start with colour – classic combinations like green and white are always popular, but you can match anything. Try cerise with orange for really out-there flowers and don’t stop at a single bunch – split it up into small vintage bottles or jars and you’ve got blooms for every room.
“Taking care of cut flowers is easy: make sure you clean your vases properly with warm soapy water before you use them, always trim stems at an angle and make sure no foliage or leaves sit below the water line when you put your flowers into a vase as they will rot into the water.”
Photography: Caroline Leeming / Flowers editor: Emma Sleight