Bloomin marvellous

Autumn, season of mists and mellow fruitfulness, is summed up stunningly by our creative local florists. We’re spoilt for choice with our ‘live love local’ flower collection, here’s a quick round-up for you of golds, russets, reds and ambers.

A visit to these shops can be an inspiration but if you’re more of an organised type than a creative soul, you can even get ahead with some Christmas shopping – order a door wreath to die for, or a festive bouquet for your Christmas Day host, or choose from their selections of gifts.

Bloom Florist has shops in both Stubbington and Fareham, and Helena and her team are renowned for very best quality blooms and stunning shop displays which are worth a trip in their own right. As well as beautiful flowers, Bloom has a wide range of plants, Wilberry soft toys and The Botanical Candle Co tealights and candles. The team is working hard to be environmentally aware and has removed single-use plastics from all gift wrapping.

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Rawsons The Florist has been trading in West Street Fareham for more than 20 years and is now under new ownership. All staff are well qualified and passionate about flowers and will be happy to advise on any aspect of floristry designs. All Christmas and winter arrangements have free local delivery.

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At Park Gate, Sheila Hurst Florist is well established and offers personal, friendly service. Offering modern or traditional bouquets and arrangements for any occasion, the knowledgeable team can also discuss, plan and supply your Christmas flowers arrangements.

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Why not get crafty this Christmas and create your own gorgeous festive wreath? Natasha Bint is a qualified florist based in Park Gate, with around 20 years of experience making beautiful hand-tied bouquets, spectacular centrepieces, and statement floral decorations.

This Christmas, she has teamed up with Hambrooks Garden and Landscape Centre in Titchfield to run a series of Christmas wreath workshops to help you create your own work of floral art. Natasha is also taking advanced orders for Christmas and special occasions, and you can visit her every Friday at her flower stall in Locks Heath Shopping Village.

To book your spot in one of her workshops, click here.

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At Knot Just Blooms in Portchester, you’ll find everything from stunning exotic and traditional flowers to quality wooden toys and brilliant chocolate bouquets that are sure to leave friends and family feeling sweet this festive season. The knowledgeable staff at this family-run florist have more than 25 years of experience between them, so pop in to check out their gorgeous displays and browse a range of high-quality gifts.

And if you fancy a fun-filled festive evening learning a new skill, then book in for a Christmas wreath workshop, where you’ll learn how to make a stunning door wreath that will be the envy of all your neighbors.

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The Flower Studio in Portchester has been owned and run by Iain and Jane Benham for three decades. Creating everything from lavish displays at grand events to simple, hand-tied posies, the team has built an excellent reputation for quality, creativity and service. The Flower Studio offers traditional and exotic flowers and plants, as well as chocolates, Jellycat soft toys, balloons, St Eval candles and ceramics.

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