Talking Flowers with our in-house florist Mala Williams

12^th Jan 2015

How did you first become interested in flowers and flower arranging?

I started attending daytime leisure classes when my youngest went to playschool and because I have an artistic flair I took to it well. I then went on to do my City & Guilds in Creative Flower Design, Floristry and then a City & Guilds in Teaching. After joining NAFAS (National Association of Floral Artists) my floral career has gone from strength to strength.

How did you develop your signature style?

I like designs that are simple and stylistic and try to look at new trends for influences.

What’s your favourite flower?

That would depend on the design it goes into. For its natural beauty I love the tulip as it has a graceful look and moves according to where the light it.

Where do you look for inspiration?

This again would depend where the design has to be located, usually a title, a peice of sculpture or even a particular colour.

Do you always have fresh flowers at home?

Not always, sometimes I get lots of stems of one type of flower.

To date, what has been your career highlight?

Getting gold at Chelsea Flower Show, being filmed for a TV competition and arranging flowers at Westminster Abbey.

What advice would you give brides on choosing colours, flowers and styles?

To think about the season, try to link the colour of that season and go with a design that suits them or feel passionate about, after all it's the most important day of their lives.

What is the hardest part about floral design for weddings?

It is a stressful job making sure the flowers arrive in perfect condition. It can sometimes be hard for the bride to choose a style so it is up to us to show them everything that is available so they can choose and know what is out there on the market. If the mother interferes and decides everything without consulting the bride, things could be difficult!

Your flower arranging workshops at the hotel are very popular, what is it about the workshops that you enjoy?

I love watching complete beginners finish a design and be happy with it. Another thrill is having regular students blossom over a period of time. My classes are very informative and I always make sure we have fun!

To book on to Mala's workshop in April at our New Forest Hotel contact Clara Earp our Special Events Co-ordinator on 01590 612324 / clara@montaguarmshotel.co.uk or