“Getting to know the bride is really important when you are advising her on the flowers for her special day. I picked up some lovely ideas, particularly with regard to using accessories and I’ll be suggesting these to customers this year.”

Lynda Tinning, The Flower Shop, near Longtown

“This was all about fresh ideas, new techniques and how to use sundries more effectively. Everyone who came along tried something different and Richard and Helen were really great teachers.”

Suzanne and Katie Hodgson, Aroma, Covered Market, Carlisle

“There’s one thing you learn in this line of work and it’s that you never stop learning! We came along with an open mind and are going away with lots of new ideas for our customers.”

Anne Clubbs and Emma Shepherd, Cochrane’s Nurseries, Longtown

“I learned so many new techniques and also how to be more efficient which is essential these days with brides’ budgets getting tighter.”

Sian Sharp, Borders Fayre, Duns, Berwickshire

“It was good to have a go at more experimental wirework and work with different structures and textures. There is always something new to learn and I did that today.”

Stwart Knowles, Flowers 4 Hours, Burnside, Glasgow

“Excellent demonstrations and lots of new wire techniques which was great for us. And The Flower Bank is nice and handy for us. A great day.”

Angela Murray, Joanne Watt, Janice Litherland and Jenny Murray, Garden Wise, Annan

“I’m a relatively new florist so it’s been fantastic to have all these new tips and to see all these techniques being done in front of me. I’ve learned some great wiring techniques and the demonstrators were great.”

Gail Watson, Border Blooms, Kelso

“It was wonderful seeing all the work come together today in the finished displays. I’m always keen to find out new ways of working, especially for wedding flowers.”

Dot Mann, Blencogo