When the Duchess of Cambridge married Prince William at Westminster Abbey in April 2011, she included the white Sweet William in her wedding bouquet - in honour of her own gallant Prince, no doubt
With a long vase life, Sweet Williams, which M&S grow in Lincolnshire, can be pared down for a minimalist look or used in dramatic colour blocks for added impact
As
a nation, we do tea, fish and chips and royalty pretty well, but did
you know that we also grow some of the world's most beautiful flowers
and plants right here on your doorstep?
With
spring in full swing, there's never been a better time to wake up and
smell the roses (or any other British-grown flower, for that matter).
'Buying
local British food is very fashionable and that's translating to
flowers too; it's all about provenance and there's some amazing growers
all over the UK,' explains Simon Richards, flower expert at M&S,
where a selection of beautiful flowers grown in the UK is on sale all
year long.
Sales
of Great British blooms are soaring at M&S, with the retailer
expecting to sell over 150 million stems this year, sourced from over 45
growers from across the UK.
In
particular old fashioned favorites are back in vogue, such as sweet
smelling stocks and pretty peonies, the bride’s first choice for a
wedding.
Looking
for some inspiration? From the Duchess of Cambridge's sentimental Sweet
Williams, which she chose for her wedding bouquet, to Elton John's
favourite orchid and the foxglove that Victoria Beckham can't live
without in her shop, we've rounded up the A-list-approved British blooms
you should be buying this season.
SWEET WILLIAMS
It
was one of the most talked-about weddings of our century that was
watched by millions around the globe, so the Duchess of Cambridge didn't
take wedding preparations lightly.
Every
intricate detail of her big day was carefully planned, including her
shield-shaped wedding bouquet, which was made up of lily of the valley,
sweet william and hyacinth with myrtle and ivy.
Indeed, the former Kate Middleton notably included the white Sweet William in her wedding bouquet - in honour of her own gallant Prince, no doubt.
Sweet William is a relative of pinks and carnations and comes originally from the Pyrenees and Balkan mountains. Since its introduction into northern Europe in the 16th century, however, it has become one of the archetypal British cottage garden plants, with a range of colours all the way from pale pink to deep red.
Available generally from April to June, the deep, deep red ‘Nigrescens’ group has a superbly intense colour and a deep, rich clove-like fragrance, evocative of the British summer garden.
With a long vase life, Sweet Williams can be pared down for a minimalist look or used in dramatic colour blocks for added impact.
Speaking about the flower, Simon said: 'Sweet Williams are a real summer classic and because they come in such an array of colours, they make a pretty addition to any home or garden. Another bonus is that they're really inexpensive'.
PEONIES
Want to copy a supermodel's floral style? Opt for Miranda Kerr's favourites: peonies.
The mother-of-one used her favourite 'delicate, feminine and classic' flowers as a point of reference when designing her china teacup range for Royal Albert.
Miranda Kerr is a huge fan of flowers and cites 'delicate, feminine and classic' peonies as her favourite
The mother-of-one used her favourite flowers as a point of reference when designing her china teacup range for Royal Albert
Glorious British peonies, like these from M&S, are a beautiful way to display some exquisite summer colour in the home and serve as a romantic gift for someone you love
The name peony comes from 'Paeon', the Ancient Greek god of healing, and the roots, flowers and seeds of the plant were all traditionally used to treat epilepsy. They were grown here in British monastic gardens, where they were an important medicinal plant.
It's little surprise that Miranda is such a fan; the flower, which is as beguiling as any rose, is among the prettiest out there thanks to its large, often double flowers in whites, pinks and reds, which add a hit of glamour to any garden.
'Peonies are often deemed to be Asian flowers but they've actually been grown here for hundreds of years,' explained Simon.
'With peonies, it is all about their heritage. Glorious British peonies are a beautiful way to display some exquisite summer colour in the home, or make for a special gift to show someone you care; they're very romantic.'
TULIP
Supermodel Bar Refaeli often posts snaps of her cherished tulips on social media – and it’s little surprise she is such a fan.
Tulips, which come in an amazing range of colours, from pure white through yellows, oranges, pinks, and purples, bring colour like a carnival to any garden.
Tulips have bewitched us since their introduction to Europe at the beginning of the 17th century when they were traded for mighty high prices - with single bulbs going for tens of thousands of pounds.
Supermodel Bar Refaeli often posts snaps of her cherished tulips on social media - and it's little surprise she is such a fan
While we can now buy them at a reasonable price, they still exert an almost irresistible fascination and add a hit of colour to the drabbest room.
'People immediately associate tulips with Holland,' said Simon. 'But, in fact, ours are grown in Lincolnshire and they are wonderfully vibrant.'
Their floral goblets are carried on long elegant stems standing proud in the spring sunshine – and the backdrop of many celebrity’s social media snaps.
Tulips, which come in a kaleidoscope of colours such as red, purple and yellow, can be bought for as little as £30 for a big bouquet at M&S
ORCHIDS
The orchid is one of the most unique and instantly recognisable flowers in the world - and a favourite in many people’s homes thanks to its magical beauty and allure, with incredible colors, shapes, and scents.
Its arching sprays of rounded, white or pink blossoms, often with yellow or greenish suffusions, are amazingly long-lasting, too. Millions are sold in Britain, many raised by British growers.
Over 30,000 species of orchids inhabit almost every corner of the planet and humans have crossbred these species to create 150,000 hybrids – so you’re bound to find an orchid suited to your tastes.
One of Britain’s most esteemed musicians, Sir Elton John, counts orchids among his favourite plants and was honoured at an orchid naming ceremony, where the beautiful orchid species, Doritaenopsis was renamed Doritaenopsis Sir Elton John.
Sir Elton John, counts orchids among his favourite plants and was honoured at an orchid naming ceremony, where the orchid species, Doritaenopsis was renamed Doritaenopsis Sir Elton John
Orchids come from Asia but M&S grow millions of them in the New Forest
Speaking at the 20th World Orchid Show, Sir Elton said: ‘I have had a lupin named after me and even a rose, but never an orchid. This is a great honour as I am an avid lover of gardens. Thank you for your kindness… this is indeed the most beautiful specimen of orchid.’
As the first high street store to introduce orchids in large volumes, M&S say orchids are 'huge' for them.
'Orchids come from Asia but we grow millions of them in the New Forest, where our growers have perfected the technique,' said Simon. 'We call orchids new heritage and who doesn't love an orchid?'.
MARGUERITE
She’s the queen of vintage style so when Kate Moss married Jamie Hince, it was a beautifully bohemian affair.
The supermodel tied the knot in the beautiful British gardens of Southrop in the Cotswolds and rather fittingly adorned her bridesmaids with marguerite daisies.
Kate’s bridesmaids – including her famous model sister Lottie - had circlets made of Marguerite daisies and small ivory rose buds. Their posies contained Marguerite daisies, gerberas and sweet peas.
Kate Moss tied the knot in the beautiful British gardens of Southrop in the Cotswolds and rather fittingly adorned her bridesmaids with marguerite daisies
Kate's bridesmaids had circlets made of Marguerite daisies and small ivory rose buds. Their posies contained Marguerite daisies, gerberas and sweet peas
HOW TO DISPLAY YOUR BEAUTIFUL BLOOMS
Large Botanical Jug, £19.50, Engraved Tall Vase, £29.50, 2 Perching Birds Vase, £25, all from M&S
FOXGLOVE
She’s one of Britian’s most stylish exports so it comes as little surprise that Victoria Beckham has impeccable taste in flowers.
Earlier this year, the fashion designer commissioned an art installation for the front of her 36 Dover Street clothes store to signal the start of SS15 season.
She collaborated with acclaimed set designer Andy Hillman on a floral design comprising a giant foxglove, complete with pollinating bees, to sit at the bottom of the main staircase in the store.
The tubular-shaped blooms, which come in white, lavender, yellow, pink, red, and purple, can grow vertical to 6ft.
Earlier this year, Victoria Beckham commissioned an art installation for the front of her 36 Dover Street clothes store to signal the start of SS15 season
The tubular-shaped blooms, which come in white, lavender, yellow, pink, red, and purple, can grow vertical to 6ft. Seen, left, in Victoria Beckham's shop and, right, in a single stem from M&S
SCENTED STOCKS
Nocturnal-scented flowers bring a special magic to the garden and your home and that's why scented stocks are becoming so popular.
At twilight, an arresting fragrance that’s vanilla and spicy emanates from their dainty flowers.
With their spicy, clove-like scent, and tall sturdy stems, the nickel-sized flowers, which are white, red, pink, or lilac, make a beautiful addition to any home.
Stocks were given the royal seal of approval when the Queen’s granddaughter, Zara Tindall, decorated her wedding venue, Cannongate Kirk, with a huge garland arrangement made using hundreds of ivory flowers and foliage including roses, carnations, hydrangea, eucalyptus and, of course, stocks.
M&S's new Chelsea Bouquet features pink and lilac stocks, alliums and Alchemilla mollis.
Stocks were given the royal seal of approval when the Queen's granddaughter, Zara Tindall, decorated her wedding venue with them. You can buy them for £30 from M&S in a colourful bouquet to add a delicious scent to your own home
ROSES
Roses are one of the most popular and romantic flowers out there - and there's a staggering 100 species.
These floral beauties, which come in a range of colours from white to red, can be grown in borders, over arches, pergolas and plucked as a single flower as a token of love.
Kim Kardashian is one of the most famous fans of roses - especially the white variety. When she tied the knot with Kanye last year, the couple said their vows against a fresh floral wall filled with her favourite roses.
Kim Kardashian and Kanye West said their vows against a fresh floral wall filled with her favourite roses
Earlier this week, Kim expressed that she was 'so sad' to be spending Mother's Day without her daughter North or husband Kanye West. But the reality star's feelings quickly turned to joy when she was presented with some very extravagant gifts to mark the special day. Kanye surprised Kim with 'a couple thousand roses' and a private performance by her very own orchestra.
Kim shared a photo of her stunning flowers on Instagram on Sunday, along with the caption: 'I got to my room in Brazil and my amazing thoughtful husband had the sweetest note with a couple thousand roses covering my entire suite for Mothers Day!'.
Kim Kardashian has long favoured white roses, left, which can be purchased at M&S, right, and add a touch of elegance to any home
Kanye West last week surprised Kim with 'a couple thousand roses' and a private performance by her very own orchestra for Mother's Day
HEAD TO THE RHS CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW TO SEE M&S's GOLD WINING BLOOMS IN ALL THEIR GLORY
Want to see the stars' favourite flowers in all their glory? Head to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show where, for the third time, M&S has a garden in The Great Pavilion, which has been award Gold.
The exhibit, called 'Blooms of the British Isles' and celebrates the best of the nation’s flowers and plants and champion British growers.
The garden was opened by M&S sustainability ambassador and on-screen legend, Joanna Lumley, and showcases heritage varieties from Peonies and Stocks, which have been around for centuries, to new varieties, such as Orchids, which are now grown in Britain using modern techniques.
The garden - which took Gold - was opened by M&S sustainability ambassador and on-screen legend, Joanna Lumley
Joanna Lumley, who looked radiant in pale pink, is delighted British flowers are being given publicity
The esteemed actress said: ''My garden is fully of wild flowers and it’s great to hear that people are seeking out native varieties and that sales are doing so well'
M&S's garden in the prestigious annual flower show has been awarded Gold this year
The Blooms of the British Isles garden will be represented by seasonal flowers from the growing heartlands of Hampshire, Lincolnshire and Norfolk
Along with being bright and beautiful, the garden also aims to educate the public on environmentally friendly farming practices and the importance of seasonal British blooms.
M&S Flower Expert, Simon Richards, said: 'We are very excited to feature at Chelsea again this year, especially with a theme that is so important to M&S.
'As a nation we grow some of the world’s most beautiful flowers and plants. We want to celebrate these iconic blooms and champion the growers behind them.'
Joanna Lumley, who looked radiant in pale pink, says: 'Britain grows some truly spectacular flowers and I’m thrilled to be at Chelsea this year, celebrating the home grown blooms that make this country so beautiful. From peonies to roses and stocks, we have a wonderful array to choose from and it’s great that M&S is giving them the centre stage that they deserve.'
She continues: 'My garden is full of wild flowers and it’s great to hear that people are seeking out native varieties and that sales are doing so well. Let’s hope 2015 is the year of British bloom!'
The Blooms of the British Isles garden will be represented by seasonal flowers from the growing heartlands of Hampshire, Lincolnshire and Norfolk.
The M&S RHS garden also aims to educate the public on environmentally friendly farming practices and the importance of seasonal British blooms
If you want to take the best bits of every one of the stars' favorite British flowers, Marks & Spencer has the answer. The store is celebrating its garden at Chelsea by creating gorgeous bouquets, featuring a selection of Blooms from the British Isles, available in stores and online. Left: Stocks, Sweet William and Tulip Chelsea Bouquet, £15, is a stunning mix of pink and purple tulips, lilac and pink stocks, sweet william and eucalyptus parvi (available in-store only) Right: Stocks and Allium Chelsea Bouquet, £30, is a sweet smelling arrangement of pink and lilac stocks, allium purple sensation and achemillia mollis (available online only)