April 2010

hilary porterGOSFORTH FLORIST’S CHAMPAGNE

SURPRISE!

BLOOMING lovely! That was Gosforth florist Hilary Porter’s reaction to winning a bottle of champagne in her flower supplier’s monthly draw.

“It’s my favourite tipple and news that I had won got my Easter off to a flying start,” said the 25-year-old mum of one.

Hilary, who runs Perfectly Planted of Whitecroft, won the gift from Cumbrian wholesaler The Flower Bank.

Flower Bank owner Helen Wilson had built up a loyal customer base since setting up the company last year.

“We’ve some great customers in West Cumbria and Hilary is beginning to establish a fine reputation for her work in the region,” she said.

“This is our way of toasting her!”

Hilary was initially trained in the art of floristry by her aunt, Audrey Postlethwaite of Eskdale, and has since introduced new ways of presenting flowers to her customers.

She established the business in 2008 with her landscape gardener father Chris Steele.

“I love modern designs and different containers and presentation boxes,” explained Hilary.

“There is always a demand for traditional bouquets but more and more people ask for something a little bit different as a gift.”

Hilary, who also designs and produces floral displays for the annual Eskdale art show, also sells bedding plants grown by her father.

“My longer-term ambition is to open bigger premises but in the meantime there is always something new to learn in this line of work,” she said.