Last week I was invited to McQueens School of Flowers in East London to learn and play with the Flowers of Colombia.
It was perhaps the hottest day of the year in London and as I entered the building the fresh smell of flowers was very alluring. On arrival, a cold glass of Nicolas Feuillatte champagne was a friendly welcome.
Flowers of Colombia at McQueens School of Flowers with Nicolas Feuillatte champagne
It was an evening of fizz and flowers, I was delighted. I had previously attended a day of flower arrangements at Covent Garden Academy of flowers, but it’s been ages since I had practised my skills.
Growing up in Brazil, I had heard about Colombian roses. They are unique and of superior beauty. The button of a Colombian rose is larger than the average rose, the durability is also greater. And as a whole, the Colombian rose is of superior quality, so, arrangements made with them always get the wow factor.
The flowers of Colombia are mainly grown in Bogota, which sits 2,500 metres above sea level, and Medellin, slightly lower than Bogota. Both areas have the perfect and constant climate and light that helps the flowers to grow.
McQueens School of Flowers
Sustainability and carbon footprint are a big concern and they also have a water recycling system and their packaging is also recyclable. The Colombians care about their land.
The female workforce in the flower industry gets help from programs like the Asocolflores Social and Responsibility programmes which help the workers as well as their families through education and housing. They also guarantee them a living wage.
Through pure determination and passion, Colombia has become the second largest flower growing nation in the world.
Flowers of Colombia at McQueens School of Flowers
If you too want to get hands-on flower arrangements courses either as a hobby or at a professional level, McQueens have a class to fit everyone’s needs.
You can see more here: McQueens School of Flowers
On my way home, with a big bouquet of flowers and a flower headdress (sorry no pictures taken) – literally smelling of roses, I got into the underground carriage, and everyone was smiling. Suddenly someone burst into song and in less than 2 minutes a good section of the carriage were singing along. I just love the effect that flowers have on people.
PIN FOR LATER : Flowers of Colombia at McQueens School of Flowers
Disclosure: I was a guest of McQueens and Flowers of Colombia at this event. All opinions are my own.
Flowers of Colombia at McQueens School of Flowers
