FLORISTRY students at Kingston Maurward College enjoyed two trips to get experience of the industry.

Students at the agricultural college went to London’s Dorchester Hotel to meet celebrated in-house florist Philip Hammond and had a trip to national floristry wholesaler Country Baskets in Bristol.

While in London visiting the hotel, students went to the Victoria and Albert Museum, exploring the fashion and design galleries to help inspire creativity.

Student Romana Burrough said: “The trip was an amazing opportunity to go behind the scenes of a luxury hotel and see how the florists work. Phil was inspiring and proof that you can achieve whatever you want if you work hard.”

The students then visited historical florist Moyses Stevens, established in 1876.

The florist is famous in the industry for introducing the hand-tied bouquet and has won two royal warrants, which helped put British floristry on the map.

Moyses Stevens is instantly recognisable in the floristry industry.

and are appreciated amongst the people in the know as the flower gift that is instantly treasured

The trip to national floristry wholesaler Country Baskets came about after a Facebook post by the wholesaler seeking colleges to work with was spotted.

Tutor Tracey Nadin contacted the company who put on a day of demonstrations and workshops at their Bristol outlet.

A total of 28 level two and three floristry diploma students took part with level two students creating an Alice band for assessment and level three students put on a public demonstration.

Country Baskets’ creative manager Tracy Rowbottom wanted to work with colleges to promote good working relationships between wholesalers and their customers creating solid links with industry.

Tutor Tracey Nadin said: “The trip was a worthwhile experience for students.

"They gained valuable skills and knowledge and we look forward to working with Country Baskets in future.”