Even if artisan floristry isn’t your thing, one can’t help but admire the genius and pageantry of these gorgeous quintessentially British displays at Belgravia in Bloom.
Belgravia in Bloom is a free event now in its seventh glorious year, the 2022 theme celebrated everything “Beautifully British.” Belgravia in Bloom 2022 marked the run-up to Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebration and coincided nicely with the RHS Chelsea flower show. I spent a day discovering the imaginative installations.
This colourful transformation showcases over 40 of the finest local restaurants, shops & floral sculptures Belgravia has to offer. I had the divine pleasure, of attending a wonderful tour of a handful of these unique floral sculptures and experiences.
The Lanesborough Hotel
On arrival, a special cocktail to mark this occasion was served. A sophisticated floral infusion of elderflower liqueur, vodka, grapefruit sherbet, raspberry & coconut water stylishly topped with nasturtium flowers and an aloe vera foam followed by very delicious crab & salmon canapés. The exterior of the Lanesborough was notably styled in keeping with traditional pomp, reminiscent of a time gone by when it was St George’s Hospital by the lovely florist Mathew Dickinson of DickinsonandDoris.co.uk (Doris being his sausage dog.)
Judith Blacklock Flower School
With the assurance of the occasional light May shower, we swiftly headed down to the Judith Blacklock Flower School in nearby Frederic Mews. As we enter the mews, we are faced with a magnificent Maypole sculpture, steeped in tradition and taking me back to my schooldays. As well as meters of colourful ribbons with Irish and British grown foliage including peonies, delphinium, marguerite, lavender, and roses all strung together. What a sight to behold!
The Queens Head
On we go to Elizabeth Street to see an interactive floral likeness of the queen’s head, a 50 pence piece created by Moyses Stevens who holds two royal warrants for providing floral services to the royal family. Incorporated in this design are a 3D crown, carnations, gypsophila, and myrtle. Moyses Stevens has also created an impressive Tea garden sculpture in Eccleston Yard, featuring British flowers tumbling out of a pouring teapot.
The Halkin Arcade
Next up, in the Halkin Arcade, we visited the couture florist Neill Strain’s statuesque reimagining, based on the recent restoration of Big Ben. Celebrating another of our favourite British landmarks. Standing 3 meters high “little Ben” is covered in a resplendent density of deep red roses on one panel to portray England, with the shamrock panel symbolic of Ireland, daffodils for Wales & thistles for Scotland. Surrounded by a bed of vibrant pinks & blue flowers, encircling this magnificent tower, this was one not to be missed.
Motcombe Street
Neill Strain has also recreated another classic landmark in situ in Motcombe Street, inside an iconic red telephone box, overflowing with a beautiful array of flowers and a floral beefeater teddy bear to keep guard. We then celebrated the end of this journey with lunch, where we met the very interesting and softly spoken couture florist Neill Strain at Pantechnicon on Motcombe Street.
In a nutshell
Belgravia in Bloom is such an interesting and immersive way to walk around Belgravia so prepare for 2023, grab a map and discover the blooms to come.
To discover more, visit: belgravialdn.com
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All imagery courtesy of Belgravia in Bloom.