I know that any of us who watched the Queens funeral could not failed to be moved by the whole occasion. To see those young men carrying the coffin, oh my word and to witness the men and women from their respective regiments been given such an important role in history, they absolutely done themselves, their parents and the country proud.
As well as been mesmerised by the whole thing I could not help to be absolutely delighted when I saw the flowers on top of the coffin. I realised straight way that the flowers, herbs and foliage were British.
Flowers are used at very special times in our lives, one of course when we say farewell to our loved ones. It is such an honour to make flowers for any important occasion but farewell flowers to me are extra special.
My style is very different to what people have become to expect as the ‘usual’ funeral flowers. It is more wild and free style. I always incorporate some flowers and foliage which have movement to them, not stiff and regimented as this is not how flowers look naturally. My arrangements are foam free and can if necessary be made totally compostable for green funerals.
Flowers have meanings to us, sometimes we don’t even know it. It doesn’t necessarily have to be the botanical meaning behind the flower, bright flowers can be requested as the individual always dressed in bright colours, it can be a wild look and feel as the person loved walking up the fells, it can be certain flowers from the deceased garden as they were a keen gardener. So, when I heard the BBC commentator say that the flowers were from Buckingham Palace, Clarence House, Highgrove and that behind some of the flowers there was a message I was delighted.
Rosemary was included for remembrance. Myrtle a symbol of a happy marriage and the myrtle used in the queens’ flowers once started out as a sprig in her wedding bouquet, how fantastic is that. Oak leaves were as a symbol of strength. If you had to pick a British tree, the mighty Oak is the first on which springs to mind. I also notice helichrysums were used. These are a really easy flower to dry out. I wonder if it will be removed and preserved as a keepsake? Something else I also offer with my flowers as I know this is important to some people.
It has been said that the flower colours were chosen to match the Royal Standard, but I think they were chosen as it is Autumn because as well as the flowers, herbs and foliage there were berries included. And to then hear that King Charles had specifically said no floral foam, well that’s a man after my own heart.
I know opinion is divided in the floristry community about the choice and style of flowers for the funeral, but I for one am absolutely delighted. Thanks King Charles, I totally get you.
God Bless Queen Elizabeth
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