Floristry students from Bishop Burton College have scooped an enviable collection of awards at this year’s Harrogate Flower Show.
First year foundation degree student, Rebecca Ladd, 43, used Tarzan and Jane as the inspiration behind her ‘Perfect Match’ floristry class.
The brief was to design a bridal bouquet for an iconic couple, so using the jungle as her inspiration, Rebecca crafted an intricate wire frame and covered it in mosses, hanging vines and a range of exotic flora including succulents and Phalaenopsis.
Judges were wowed with her interpretation of the brief and ‘how it personified’ the couple. Rebecca was awarded the highly coveted ‘Best in Show’ award as well as placing first in the ‘Perfect Match’ floristry class.
“I’m so pleased,” said Rebecca. “To be able to show at Harrogate is one thing, but to be awarded best in show is another level. I’m so grateful to our tutors for giving us this opportunity as part of our course – it really makes us take our skills learned in the classroom to the next level.”
In the ‘Head Turner’ class, BTEC Level 3 student Lauren Stoddard came in first place, with degree students Soolmaz Lashgary and Phoebe Goodale coming second and third.
Lauren’s Midsummer Night’s Dream inspired design featured crown like spires emerging from a sea of pink and purple flowers.
Judges were impressed with the ‘dreamlike quality’ of the headpiece and not only awarded Lauren first place in her class, but also presented her with the Harrogate Flower Show Student Trophy.
In the wreath category, BTEC student Louise Brown stole the show with her stunning wreath in the ‘Knock Knock’ class. Using a subtle palette of yellow and white, Louise’s design featured daisies, tulips and daffodils; a spring-like design that made use of an old bike wheel at its core.
College tutor, Ruth Robinson said; “The students have done a fantastic job yet again. It’s always a pleasure taking them to shows like this as they are incredibly talented and deserve to be recognised. I’m very proud of them and here’s hoping this is the start of a successful career for them all.”
Following the success at the Harrogate Flower Show, the College has entered floristry teams into RHS Tatton Park and RHS Chelsea Flower Shows later this year.