Floristry Fit For a King: 120 Gorgeous Seasonal Flowers Used For Coronation

2 mins

The choice to use seasonal flowers reflected the royal’s ‘deep affection for the natural world and shared passion for gardening’

Seasonal flowers and foliage from across the UK decorated London’s  Westminster Abbey for the Coronation of King Charles III – without the use of any plastic or foam holders.

The flowers were provided by Flowers from the Farm, a non-profit that champions artisan growers of cut flowers, with foliage from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) at the High Altar.

From the Isle of Skye to the coast of Cornwall, and from the mountains of Snowdonia to Tobermore in Northern Ireland, over 120 varieties of seasonal flowers were grown on farmland, allotments and cutting gardens for the Coronation.

seasonal flowers in arms of gardening volunteer
Behind the scenes of volunteers collecting flowers for the King’s Coronation. Credit: Flowers from the Farm

In total, 88 flower farms representing all four nations cut varieties of spring-flowering bulbs, blossom, perennials and foliages to decorate Westminster Abbey.

Chief designer Shane Connolly, who led the project said: ‘I wanted the flowers to be centre stage, not the design. They had to reflect the sentiment of the day, and be from the soil of the United Kingdom; a natural tribute to a nature-loving King and Queen… The enthusiasm and dedication of each and every flower farmer and gardener has been humbling; working together to bring the simple beauty of nature into Westminster Abbey, as our gift to the new King and Queen.’

westmonster abbey
The flowers were used to decorate Westminster Abbey for the Coronation

Ahead of the event Buckingham Palace said: ‘The arrangements, designed by Shane Connolly and Co, will reflect Their Majesties’ deep affection for the natural world and their shared passion for gardening, and showcase the best of the British countryside in the spring, inspired by the richness of Westminster Abbey.

‘The flowers and foliage will be arranged using sustainable techniques, without the use of single use plastics or floral foam.’

Following the Coronation, all the seasonal flowers and branches will be donated to Floral Angels, a charity run entirely by volunteers that repurposes flowers from events into bouquets and arrangements to share with care homes, hospices, shelters and other vulnerable members of the community.

The Queen Consort, Camilla, is Patron of Floral Angels.

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