Victoria Martin, co-owner of Stokesay Flowers, shares her love for romantic garden classics that bring magic to any event. Alongside her husband, Barney, she cultivates beautiful perennials and shrubs in their Shropshire-walled garden. Her focus is on timeless varieties that add charm to bouquets, perfect for event florists.
Perennials for Perfect Bouquets: Campanulas and Chrysanthemums
At Stokesay Flowers, Victoria is currently enjoying the beauty and resilience of campanulas, particularly the dusky purple Campanula takesimana. Grown from seed, this Korean bellflower is a standout, lasting well and multiplying easily when divided. She also highlights hardy garden chrysanthemums as another go-to. Favorites like Chrysanthemum ‘Vagabond Prince,’ with its soft pink blooms, and the magenta-toned ‘Uri’ bring a rich color palette to her garden. One of her top picks is Chrysanthemum ‘Emperor of China,’ known for its striking purple-pink starry flowers.
“We love growing perennials because they’re not only beautiful but also low-maintenance,” Victoria shares. “Once established, they keep giving.”
Enchanting Roses and Clematis for Event-Ready Blooms
When it comes to show-stopping flowers, Victoria and Barney focus on roses and clematis for their garden-y, natural appeal. Although they once favored David Austin roses, they now lean toward old roses with unique patterns. A favorite is Rosa ‘Ispahan,’ prized for its reliable performance as a cut flower. She also mentions ‘Climbing Cécile Brünner,’ with delicate pink rose buds that unfurl beautifully in bouquets.
For event florists looking for something extra special, Victoria recommends clematis. The yellow Clematis tangutica, with its tendril-y vines, adds a whimsical, enchanted touch. “Our customers love that wild, romantic look they can’t find elsewhere,” she explains.
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