News and Events

July 2011 -

SARAH HORNE CROWNED WINNER IN INTERFLORA FLORIST OF THE YEAR BRIDAL DESIGN

Sarah Horne of Sarah Horne Flowers in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, was crowned winner of the bridal design in the prestigious Interflora Florist of the Year 2011 competition. She represented the Central region in the grand final held on Saturday 23rd July at the RHS Tatton Park Flower Show.

Sarah fended off tough opposition from ten other florists from across the UK, impressing the judges with her originality and innovation. She came fourth in the overall competition.

Commenting on her achievement, Sarah said “This has been an amazing experience, and there’s been a great atmosphere as we’ve competed in front of the general public. I’m thrilled to have won the best bridal design, as it’s an area of floristry I’m really passionate about!”

Judge Susan Wills-Pope commended: “This is such a highly regarded competition. All the competitors showed excellent workmanship, exceptional use of colour, styling and creativity.”

For the first time since 2004, the Interflora Florist of the Year competition grand finals took place in front of a live audience at the RHS Tatton Park Flower Show in Knutsford, Cheshire. Visitors were able to watch the finalists go up against the clock to construct their items, with many commenting on the ‘buzz’ surrounding the competitions. Nick Priest, Interflora’s Florist Segment Director, who presented the prizes to the competitors, said: “Interflora is the UK and Ireland’s most recognised and trusted flower delivery service. Our network of over 1,800 expert florists in the UK and Ireland are highly skilled, creating inspirational designs day in day out.

“This competition was established fifty years ago, and the ethos is the same today as it was then - to demonstrate the expertise amongst our Interflora florists. Each and every finalist has shown real dedication, and should be very proud of their achievements.”

June 2011 -

SARAH HORNE -  BEST IN SHOW & CHELSEA FLORIST OF THE YEAR 2011

The brief was to design and create racing silks, fresh flowers and foliage should predominate by two thirds.

It was one of the hardest schedules I've ever had to work to and took many hours to complete.

I was so thrilled when it received not only the coveted Gold medal, (my 3rd), but the title of Best in show and Chelsea Florist of the Year.

The demonstration was in the Talking Flowers Marquee at the Chelsea Flower Show.