UK Floristry Judges Guild

07/12/2025

🌿 MEET THE JUDGE: HOWARD FRANKLIN 🌿

Today we spotlight the doyen of the UK Floristry Judges Guild — Howard Franklin.
A Court and Society Florist with a lifetime steeped in British floral heritage, Howard trained under the legendary Constance Spry, bringing together his Fine Art background and the craft of naturalistic design.

✨ Career Highlights:
• BA in Fine Art + National Diploma of The Society of Floristry
• First ever UK competitor at the inaugural World Flower Cup (1972, Holland)
• UK judge at the World Flower Cup (1992, Sweden)
• RHS Gold Grenfell Medal winner at Chelsea Flower Show
• Speaker, lecturer, demonstrator and judge across the world

Howard is a passionate champion of British floristry, believing our designers lead the world in creativity and innovation. His judging style is rooted in guidance, encouragement, and a deep understanding gained from his own competitive experience.

When he’s not immersed in floristry, Howard supports the arts as Patron of The Arts Society in Shrewsbury and The Shropshire Society in London — and enjoys a whisky on his porridge, a Campari and soda socially, and a nightcap to end the day.

🌸 We are honoured to have Howard’s wisdom, artistry, and lifelong dedication within the Guild.

02/11/2025

🌸 Meet the Judge – Tracy Tomlinson 🌸

This month, we’re thrilled to feature Tracy Tomlinson, a true champion of British floristry and lifelong supporter of floral education 🌿

From starting out as a student competitor to winning four RHS Chelsea Gold Medals and the title of RHS Florist of the Year (2005), Tracy’s career has been filled with creativity, dedication and passion.

After 21 years running The Tomlinson Flower Company, she became Director and Association Manager of the British Florist Association (2016–2024), helping shape the future of the industry. Tracy also founded the UK Floristry Judges Guild in 2007, later earning her Florint International Judges Certificate and judging all around the world — including Spain, China, the Netherlands, Colombia and even the World Cup in Germany! 🌍

Now President of the Florint European Technical Committee, Tracy continues to champion excellence in design and education while teaching Level 4 & 5 Floristry Business here in the UK.

☕️ Favourite Drink: Tea, tea and more tea (coffee? never!)
🌼 Secret Skill: Gardening — especially dahlias — and super-speed jigsaw puzzling 🧩
💡 Top Tip for Competitors: “Read the rules carefully, practice, ask for feedback and never give up.”
💖 Why We Judge: “Floristry blends art, emotion and skill. Helping others see its value and feel proud of their work is incredibly satisfying.”

📸 Swipe to see Tracy in her happy place — surrounded by flowers, tea, and (of course) her very impressive puzzle stash!

16/10/2025

06/10/2025

🌸✨ FleurEx 2025 – The British Florist Association Competitions ✨🌸

What a fantastic weekend at FleurEx 2025! 🌿💐

The UK Floristry Judges Guild was honoured to be invited to judge this year’s competitions. The creativity, skill, and passion shown by every competitor were truly inspiring — a real celebration of British floristry at its finest. 🌷👏

A huge thank you to the British Florist Association for hosting such an incredible event, and congratulations to all the talented competitors who took part. 🌹🏆

It was a joy to see the standard of work continuing to rise year after year — the future of UK floristry is bright! 🇬🇧✨

04/10/2025

Just wow 🤩 well done to all the entrants for FoY and junior competition it’s always a privilege to judge competitions at FleurEx thanks for inviting us

04/10/2025

🌸✨ Celebrating excellence in floristry ✨🌸

We’re here today at FleurEx with the UK Floristry Judges Guild, proud custodians of excellence in competitive floristry 🌿💜. Our accredited judges are dedicated to upholding the highest standards in the art of floral design.

📖 Discover our Floristry Competitions handbook, packed with expert guidance and insights – available here today!

💐 Raising the standard. Supporting the future. Honouring creativity.

27/09/2025

🌸✨ Thinking of entering a BFA Fleurex competition? ✨🌸
Boost your skills and confidence with the Floristry Competitions book by the UK Floristry Judges Guild! 📖💐 Packed with insider tips, tricks & inspiration to help you shine on competition day. 🌟

📍 Available now 👉 www.floristryjudgesguild.co.uk (£17.99 + P&P)
🌐 Find out more about the Fleurex competitions 👉 www.britishfloristassociation.org

🌿 Ready to take your floristry to the next level? Let’s do this! 💪🌹

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