Valentine's work experience

On Friday and Saturday last week I spent time in a florist in Withal for Valentine's work experience. I've been into this florist quite a few times before so I've got a bit of experience now, and they let me do more and more each time. I spent most of Friday in the back making up endless bouquets, and on Saturday I went out on some deliveries. I'd never done this before but I really enjoyed it, it was great to put smiles on people's faces by surprising them with flowers!

Visiting London florists

I went on a field trip with college last week, to visit some florists in London. We went to McQueens, Wild at Heart, Neill Strain, Jane Packer and Jamie Aston.

It was a long day with a lot of walking around, but it was really good to see all the different florists and see how they compare to local florists in Essex. They all said they would be willing to offer work experience so it might be something to consider in the future. 

Working as a florist: day 2

Day 2 working in a florist was even harder than day 1! The aches were all still there from the day before and gradually got worse, customers were practically queueing out the door and everyone was just so busy. I got to do some more arrangements though, including the tulip boxes shown below (which sold for £25), some more designs with sisal collars, the little mother's day handbags and I learnt how to aquapack.

I also got to make a bouquet to take home for my own mother, which included freesias, roses and chrysanthemums. I wanted something a bit different so stayed away from pinks and whites which featured heavily in every other arrangement. My mum liked them so that's what really matters!

I've learnt a lot in my two days working as a florist. I see now how tough it can be and how busy it gets at certain times of the year. They said I could go back at any time so I can hopefully learn a few more practical skills when it's a bit quieter. It's worth all the time and effort when you see the finished work though, and my love for flowers hasn't lessened any!

Working as a florist: day 1

Today I was very lucky to be able to go into a florists and do some work experience. I went into the lovely Michelle Floral Design in Witham for a full day working as a florist, and I'm back again tomorrow. It was a really tough day, everything is aching and I'm completely exhausted but it was so, so worth it.

I managed to take some photos during the day (albeit on my phone so not the best quality) of some of the things I did, including some actual designs that are going to actual people for mother's day!