Harrison's Flowers/Freelance Florist

09/07/2024

Just a few tickets now available for our shows on Fri12th,Sat 13th & Sunday 14th July at Adlington Community Centre
Contact Gillian Pilkington on 07768772048 to book your seats !

07/07/2024

July is always a quiet month , schools break up , holidays and generally less work .. it’s always a time for taking stock and clearing out my workroom , reorganising makes me feel productive and gives me clarity to think about what I’m doing .
Time we had some better weather too.. here’s hoping 🙏🏻
Have a good week and Thankyou for your custom again x

30/06/2024

June has flown by as always a few events throughout .. a special one was the platinum anniversary luncheon for The Inner Wheel of Horwich , royal ascot ladies day luncheon , weddings ( Helen and Bill which I posted last week) , birthdays , flowers and fizz.. funerals ( gone fishing ) , stunning quality red roses for an 80th birthday and finally buttonholes and corsages for the wedding of Zoe and Tina.. congratulations to you both and Thankyou to everyone who has ordered with me , always much appreciated x

23/06/2024

Soft creams , white and butter yellow for the lovely little wedding of Helen and Bill last weekend , Rivington Church for the ceremony conducted by the wonderful effervescent Rev Nicola Butterworth( nice to see you when I delivered your flowers ) and a lovely reception in the Harmony suite The Last Drop Village Hotel & Spa, Bolton… perfect place for an intimate gathering … congratulations to you both and wishing you lots of adventures together

08/06/2024

Thankyou to everyone who took part in my promotion of National Florist Day , June 8th 2024.. your likes, comments and shares have been very much appreciated . Congratulations to Anne and Pauline who won a box of flowers in the corporate colours of NFD and for allowing me to use their photos .. a few flower related facts in the photos to finish , and my daughter modelling the flower crown challenge and it’s a wrap till next year !
Thankyou so much for all the support .. you can all breathe a sigh of relief now 😂💜💚

07/06/2024

So here are the results of my little raffle for two boxed arrangements ..
I will deliver to the two winners tomorrow .. Thankyou for all your support in my promotion of National Florist Day” .. totally out of my comfort zone being filmed and almost got the giggles 😊

06/06/2024

Day six National florist day ..
the making of a bespoke creation .

So I do get asked a lot for meaningful pieces , these usually involve making and carving my own frames. This process can take a good few hours , being able to visualise how I can make it look realistic , or have an expression … will it stand up to being handled multiple times , can I live up to the expectations and trust placed … I always say “ yes” then worry later 😊 I will study different photos of whatever I am making ( sometimes even the bone structure) to get “ familiar” ..
Then it’s working out how many heads of flowers , how many different varieties will be needed to get the desired effect .. how many hours will it take me ( never get this right 😂 I could never charge for all the time ) but it’s a job that comes from the heart so time sometimes just does not matter .. the important thing is to bring to life a memory , a connection .. something remembered with love and definitely made with a little flower magic , so these photos show a little of what’s involved in the making of a swan 🦢(or two.. each is unique )I use tiny varieties of different chrysanthemum to get the finesse needed and usually each head has to be internally wired with fine silver wire for support which is a mind numbingly tedious job , the neck alone takes a good two to three hours but is worth the effort .. I use approximately 1,500 heads on the neck and body , then build up the wing area with my chosen selection according to what’s in season .. hand carve and paint the beak ( nail varnish is brilliant for this bit) and voila! Out of that large green block appears a swan 😊 so I hope I’ve given a little insight into what goes into making one of my creations 🙏🏻Thankyou if you read this far 😊

05/06/2024

Day 5 National Florist Day.
Some of my favourite bespoke pieces that show degrees of skill and knowledge … and a few carving skills as I make most of my own shapes 😊which is your favourite ….I cannot choose 🙏🏻

04/06/2024

Day 4 of National Florist day and probably the reason why I became a florist . All our family have the “ green gene” in one way or another.
Starting with great-great grandfather ( Walter Harrison) who was a nurseryman and horticulturist , I believe on the site where Lostock Tennis club now stands..then Great-grandfather (James Harrison who had his nursery at The Parsonage in Horwich, where my Grandad ( John Gould Harrison) was born . He took on Ridgmont house and created a nursery there and was a horticulturist and florist , growing flowers in the many glasshouses that used to stand in the grounds there, opening the shop in Horwich, working with my dad ( Jack Harrison) who most of you will remember . My dad was a very proud nurseryman, horticulturist and florist , and passed on much of his knowledge to me , known as “ bench training “ but I also attended college to gain 1,2&3 c & g in floristry.... and although the shop is long gone , I carry on all the traditional ways and new styles of floristry from my workshop here, just a plain old working florist but one who has seen so many changes in the industry over the last 40 odd years of working .. recessions, the demise of many English growers, and wholesale markets , the onset of flying Dutchmen lorries, covid decline of flower businesses, more recession and high costs of living, different ways of buying, so much has to be pre ordered on line nowadays , but somehow the industry stays strong because true florists have passion and flowers still say it all when nothing else can … I’m proud of my flowery heritage .. it definitely flows through my veins

03/06/2024

Day Three of National florist day promotion .
This post is a little photo timeline of how flowers are bought at the auctions in Holland ( one shown is Aalsmeer from my recent visit ) the auction clock which counts down .. not time but money and the buyers have to use their judgement and skill on the optimum time and price to buy.. it’s a skill learned from years of experience ..then they are packed on to the trolleys and taken to the transportation area .. loaded on to refrigerated lorries and transported overnight to the wholesalers around the world .. (and Lancashire )which I go to in person to select the best blooms ,then it’s back to my workshop to unpack, condition and prepare into bespoke pieces for gift delivery , weddings, funerals, and events .. always interesting I think to know how things work , tomorrow will be a look back at the heritage of Harrison’s flowers .. hope to see you here 😊

02/06/2024

So last weekend saw the wedding of Lucy and Sam , the rain stopped, and the sun came out on this lovely couple who were an absolute joy to deal with .. but something really special about this wedding was the fact that I did the brides mother, Janines wedding flowers with my dad , and my dad did the brides grandmothers wedding flowers with his dad .. three generations of florists and three generations of brides .. I was incredibly proud and a little bit emotional to have this link to a heritage of flowers and skills passed down … Lucy’s reaction to seeing her flowers was a moment that will stay with me forever and is the first bride I know that actually took her bouquet away on her honeymoon 😊.. a fully wired shower bouquet which takes hours of work but the gentle, quivering movement as the bride walks down the aisle is totally worth it .. congratulations to you both and Thankyou for continuing the tradition 💜 Thankyou to Warwick photography for the confetti shot

01/06/2024

So you may have noticed my cover photo that is promoting national florist day … this is the first ever event of over 1000 professional florists coming together to support the industry and give ourselves some publicity and shout out why it’s better to use a real florist .. I think all of my lovely customers know the difference between good and bad flowers but it’s about so much more than that , it’s knowing what to buy and when, knowing how to treat and care for flowers before they leave the premises, it’s a knowledge of likes and dislikes , what’s toxic and what’s not , can something be used to dress a cake without causing harm.. what’s in season and when will something open in time for an event , a knowledge of venues, areas .. being a rigid timekeeper , being an empathetic listener and knowing just what flowers will suit any occasion ,it’s building a lifetime of friendships through occasions where flowers say it all … I will be doing a few flower related posts through the week and to celebrate the day I will be choosing at random 2 regular people who follow and comment on my page to receive an arrangement from
me as a Thankyou for your support… so keep an eye out , like, share , comment on any of the posts during the week in the run up to the 8th June . I will draw the names on the 7th and deliver direct on the 8th

26/05/2024

Another bespoke request for a fork lift truck .. based off a photo of the actual one , I tried to get in as much detail as possible , made 2D instead of flat to give some depth to it , it was a privilege to be trusted to be asked .. Thankyou to Kelly and her family for allowing me to post , my thoughts are with you all …
This weekend it’s back to weddings .. so glad the rain stopped for Lucy today , pics to follow next week ,
Wishing you all a good week and Thankyou for your business and keeping me busy 🙏🏻

19/05/2024

Peony season is in full swing .. you have to enjoy these beauties while they are here .. always buy when showing colour and a nice fat bud .. they actually last longer .. hydrangea , stocks and alliums are in abundance now .. always at their best in the true season .. enjoy this lovely weather today ..I’m off out into the garden 😊🌸
Thankyou as always for the custom this week , always appreciated x

12/05/2024

A short but busy week with no time to take many photos , so adding a few from my trip last week to North Holland... I packed so much into the four days I was there including a trip to Aalsmeer, the worlds largest flower auction which is of a scale that can’t be described, and I visited the grower section in Heemskerk , interesting to see where some of the flowers that I buy are actually grown..windmills, clogs, cheese , architecture and flowers pretty much sums up my trip ..I loved it and will return 🙏💜

28/04/2024

A few pieces from the last week , but it is very quiet … sadly it’s been brought to my attention that some families think they have been getting my work when ordering direct with their chosen funeral directors …this is NOT the case … please come direct to me or if you know of someone who needs my services then please pass on my details… it’s happened a few times just lately and it’s really upsetting when I’ve had a working relationship with a family for a long time to be sidelined when it really matters most … I work hard for my reputation and always put my customers first but I’m almost at the point of joining many other professional florists who are struggling to keep going in this economic climate # use us or lose us # I am truly grateful to those who’ve ordered with me and continue to support me in many ways … this business is my main source of income and I’ve worked hard to build it up , I’m really not ready to hang up my many pairs of scissors just yet 🙏🏻 but I will be closed from the 3rd May to the 8th May … I’m taking a solo trip to reset, rest and recharge .. my first break away for a very long time and much needed … so I hope when I come back with new ideas and fresh eyes that you are all still here as valued customers and friends 💜

21/04/2024

One of my favourite things to use when in season is the ranunculus “ Kloon Hanoi”.. beautiful ruffled layers of petals with lasting qualities that belie its appearance .. another favourite is the rose “ white O Hara .. which has the most amazing scent , with a lovely blush centre .. both made an appearance for a much loved lady , teacher and stalwart “old Rivingtonian .. “ God Bless Linda” I hope you found what you were searching for 🌸
And a special presentation bouquet for the Bishop… who paid a visit to Rivington Church earlier today and loves red roses ..two very different jobs but very blessed to be asked … as always , Thankyou for the orders , it’s always a privilege to be chosen as your florist 🌸

14/04/2024

“ and it was all yellow”🎶 funny how some weeks everything asked for is a certain colour scheme.. it’s certainly been that sort of week… maybe everyone is fed up of these grey days we keep having… roll on brighter days and lighter nights 🌞🌼hope your week has been kind to you .. Thankyou as always for the business and support x

07/04/2024

A little late this week with a “ hello, how’s your week been”… I wasn’t going to do a post as it’s been quiet and I’ve nothing interesting to show you , but Sunday just isn’t Sunday without a little update … so how’s your week been … ??
Always nice to hear your stories … Thankyou to those who ordered with me this week , always appreciated .. 🙏🏻

31/03/2024

Wishing all my lovely friends and customers a very Happy Easter …I will be open for orders and enquiries on Wednesday .. enjoy your long weekend and as always Thankyou 🙏🏻

24/03/2024

Some special requests this week...”Queen B” , complete with crown, hovering over a spring garden , complemented by a beautiful selection of spring and scented blooms to create a perfect send off for a lovely lady so well known and a true “ Horwicher”..God Bless Betty, I hope your bee made you smile 🐝
Three pieces made in soft vintage tones for a treasured friend, mum and wife with little personal touches for each tribute, all made with love and thoughts for the families concerned.
I will be closed over the Easter period from Thursday till Tuesday, all orders need to be pre booked as I will not be carrying excess stock to avoid over buying and also to ensure availability of certain flowers ...
Thankyou for your business and support over the last two weeks, as always very much appreciated 🙏

10/03/2024

Wishing all my wonderful friends and customers a happy Mother’s Day ., it touches us all in one way or another and sending love and thoughts to all .. blessed to still have mine , pictured here with my perfect grandson ..the newest addition to our family “ Jack Malcolm” born 1st March 💙now home and doing well .. perfect gift !
I will be out and about delivering smiles this morning .. it’s been a complete sell out and overwhelmed again with your support , being solidly booked up almost two weeks in advance 🙏🏻 apologies to those who missed out and grateful thanks to those who booked in early ..
See some of you very soon then off to make tea for my mum 😊💐💛

03/03/2024

No time to take any photos this week , it has been a busy but sad one with funerals almost every day , Bryn Baptist church was a first for me and such a welcoming space to work in .. .. another spring/Easter wreath left the building ..heading for its new home in Cumbria .. a beautiful heavy crystal bowl filled with artificial blooms which gave it a new lease of life and the week is over again ! Next week is fully booked for Mothering Sunday weekend and also close to capacity for the beginning of the week…
My love and thoughts are with the families I have dealt with this week… go gently 💛
And I may be able to share some special news soon fingers crossed 🙏🏻have a good week and Thankyou as always x

25/02/2024

In approximately four weeks time it’s officially spring and I for one am hoping for some drier weather …just picked a few light, springy pieces sent out this week … with mimosa, white lilac and ranunculus making an appearance while it’s their season 💛a small reminder that Mother’s Day / weekend is on its way and I only have a few spaces left … booking is essential as I will only be buying for orders and getting close to capacity .. Thankyou to all who ordered with me this week .. much appreciated as always 💛

18/02/2024

This week I was asked if I could make a clock … not just any clock .. but a Skeleton type made by Mr J J Carr , a Bolton clockmaker who used to build them ( the photo of him was in the Bolton evening news, what a lovely proud gentleman he looks ) it was a tricky design and I’m sure he would have told me my cogs and wheels needed attention but the overall piece turned out better than I thought … then throw valentines at me mid week .. (Thankyou to all who ordered ).. my 44th ticked off as a florist … and then asked to make a whisky bottle , a special blend though , personalised just for the family … a woodland heart because hearts just say it all 💚
My thoughts as always are with the families , Thankyou is a small word but big sentiment .. I could not do this job without the loyal support from you all 🙏🏻

16/02/2024

11/02/2024

These Sundays come around far too quickly , a varied few days of travelling around to do larger type work further afield , Pendlebury, Rochdale, Darwen , to name a few , making the most of the beautiful spring flowers coming through now ..blue hyacinth a favourite 💙narcissi, ranunculus, genista, lilac … so many fragrant things , nature is amazing !
my thoughts are with all the families I have dealt with over the last two weeks .. as always it’s a privilege to be asked 🙏🏻

04/02/2024

I am struggling for words for this post but I hope I did you and your family proud Joanne… a swan is the symbol of wisdom, grace, commitment and intuitive abilities .. perfect meaning …,
, purple , a colour that meant so much to you after Darren, pink blossom , your wedding colours, lilies… so many little touches that were close to your heart , your last message to me and a Thankyou card that brought tears to my eyes reading it .. fly high lovely lady … and God Bless to your family .. not enough words 💜