Florists proud of achievements (From Witney Gazette)

Florists proud of achievements

1:50pm Friday 22nd February 2008 in Witney By David Horne

THE company that supplied the floral displays for The X Factor is holding its first flower show.

Riche de Fleurs is opening its doors to the public, as well as prestige clients, on the weekend of March 8 and 9, at its workshops in the New Yatt Business Centre.

Kim Wessely, managing director, said: "We've been going for eight years, and really built up the business, but this is the first time we've held our own flower show.

"We're showcasing our designs for the coming year, including major clients, like Blenheim Palace, the Tower of London, and Eynsham Hall, so it will be exciting.

"There will be displays for all the seasons, including a winter wonderland, and also weddings, from the everyday Christian weddings to the Indian weddings, with a full table display. Our workshop will be packed with the latest designs."

Last year, Miss Wessely created displays for Heythrop Park Hotel, when it hosted a series of The X Factor show, including flowers for the hotel bedrooms of Simon Cowell, Sharon Osbourne, and Dannii Minogue.

The floral design industry - and the paying customer - has been hit recently by the post-election violence in Kenya, one of the world's leading growers of roses.

Miss Wessely added: "They supply a large percentage of the roses for this country, and prices have obviously gone up. I expect people will notice that for Mother's Day, just like it was for Valentine's Day."

Riches de Fleurs is open to the public on both days from noon to 5pm. There is ample parking at the business centre.

The Witney area can boast another success story in the floral industry with Rosa Floral Designs, in Wesley Walk, being awarded Master Florist status.

Rosa Ashby recently showcased her design (pictured) at the recent annual trade show, the Spring Florist Event, in Birmingham.

She said the show attracted an international audience, and saw the industry coming together for a two-day festival of flowers.

The Witney business was one of eight florists in the country asked to contribute a design to the new 2008 Master Florist collection.