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!
