A Visit with Shane Connolly

I sat spellbound last week watching this master floral arranger put together stunning creations from flowers cut fresh from a garden right here in Birmingham. Englishman Shane Connolly, author of “A Year in Flowers,” was in town for the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Secretly, I wanted to hear him speak and see his creations because he is the floral designer to the Royal Family. He was the floral genius behind Prince Charles and Camilla’s wedding flowers, earning him the Royal Warrant. His latest public masterpiece was transforming Westminster Abbey into a tree-lined avenue for the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. Remember her lily of the valley bridal bouquet? It was absolutely simple and stunning.

His book that I have leafed through numerous times is breathtaking. He makes everything look simple. And after seeing him make garden arrangements, I think I can do it too! He only uses natural blooms and twigs in his arrangements, and he lets the flowers fall in the direction they choose.

What I loved best was how he instructed us to match the flowers, foliage, and twigs to the container. My favorite was the dusty pink arrangement where one pale pink hydrangea dictated the color scheme. Sometimes it is one flower that is the inspiration for an entire centerpiece.

I am now more appreciative of the flowers I have in my yard and the beautiful vines and foliage growing there. He is an inspiration to all of us.

What types of flowers do you grow in your garden?