Gill Hodgson, a flower farmer from Everingham, East Yorkshire, has received an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for her services to British floristry. Her seasonal blooms played a key role in decorating Westminster Abbey during King Charles and Queen Camilla’s coronation.
From Coronation Blooms to National Recognition
Gill Hodgson is no ordinary flower farmer. She founded Flowers From The Farm, a not-for-profit network promoting British-grown blooms. Her association supplies seasonal flowers for events, including the grand coronation in 2023.
Westminster Abbey was filled with locally grown flowers, representing the country’s rich floral diversity. Gill’s forget-me-nots even adorned the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. After the event, the flowers were donated to care homes, shelters, and hospices, spreading joy nationwide.
Gill’s MBE recognises her tireless efforts to elevate British floristry. “I feel proud and delighted,” she said. Her work has inspired others to choose home-grown flowers for weddings and events, a growing trend in the UK.
Promoting Sustainable Floristry and Plastic-Free Funerals
Gill champions eco-friendly practices in floristry. She campaigns against floral foam, highlighting its harmful impact on the environment. Instead, she promotes biodegradable materials and natural arrangements.
Through Farewell Flowers, a project she co-founded, Gill is redefining funeral floristry. Her approach includes creative, compostable designs, such as flowers arranged in walking boots for a hiker. She encourages personal, meaningful tributes that reflect the deceased’s personality.
Gill’s efforts have sparked conversations about sustainable funeral flowers at events like the Great Yorkshire Show. “It’s time to change our view on funeral floristry,” she said.
Her work proves that floristry can be beautiful, meaningful, and environmentally friendly. Gill’s journey is a blooming success story, inspiring the UK to embrace local and sustainable blooms.
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