Traditional cottage gardens can still be found in quiet Cotswolds villages. Hidden behind honey-coloured sandstone walls, they're sleepy little suntraps where the peace & quiet is only disturbed by the buzzing of the bees & the occasional cricket's chirping. & these enchanting little corners of England were the inspiration for our rosemary & floral trough. Amazingly natural, with a wonderful energy & 'bursting out all over' appeal, it would look marvellous in a conservatory or porch. Alternatively, with the warm weather on its way, why not use it to make a cold & empty fireplace an attractive focal point of the room? Lovely on a terrace or patio, this is a genuine indoors or outdoors arrangement given the finishing touch by its limed wooden trough. ...

Celebrating May Day is an old British tradition that dates back several centuries. It was originally called Beltane & was the Celtic festival that celebrated the start of summer. Over the years various traditions evolved including Morris & Maypole dancing & the crowning of the May Queen. Of course times have changed but even so, we think the first day of the ' Merrie Month' shouldn't go unnoticed. & what prettier way of decorating a room for the festivities than with this enchanting floral wreath? Exquisitely made by h&, it's ideal for hanging on a door or cupboard. Alternatively, lay it flat with a candle in the middle as a centrepiece for your May Day feast. ...

They say don't count your chickens before they've hatched
- & now you can see why. Contrary to expectations (and no doubt to the
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Like a sunbeam saved for a rainy day this Autumn bouquet is positively glowing with saturated colour. It cheerfully defies the changing seasons & acts as a perfect pick-me-up on a drab grey day. ...

You don't have to be big to be noticed or make an impression. Take this little Christmas tree for instance. Petite & perfectly proportioned, it's all ready for the festive season. Naturally it wants to look its best, hence the glittering golden fronds woven through its tiny branches & pinecones. Planted in a pint-sized pot, it will look charming on a bookshelf. Or order two & place them at either end of a sideboard or mantelpiece. ...

Is there such a thing as a 100% safe investment? Looking at the alternative 'stock market' in general, & this pink stem in particular, the answer would seem to be yes. Perfect for adding subtle richness to mixed displays, our stocks are so easy to arrange. Just drop them into your favourite tall vase & watch the interest grow. ...

Is there such a thing as a 100% safe investment? Looking at the alternative 'stock market' in general, & this white stem in particular, the answer would seem to be yes. Perfect for adding lightness & brightness to mixed displays, our stocks are so easy to arrange. Just drop them into your favourite tall vase & watch the interest grow. ...

The designs for Bloom arrangements are usually inspired by the countryside, cottage gardens, flower shows & the grounds of country houses. But every once in a while there's an exception. & this tulip & hydrangea centrepiece is a good example of what we mean. In this case the muse derives from the stunning displays that decorate the most prestigious establishments in London's Bond Street. Here, in shops that showcase the latest & most desirable garments & accessories, you'll find floral arrangements that are the very epitome of elegance, style & exclusivity. The elegance & style of our tulip & hydrangea centrepiece are obvious from the photograph. ...

Frothier & less formal than the more regimented varieties, white parrot tulips are reminiscent of Chantilly lace & ballroom petticoats. Bright & white as soap suds, these are a definite designer's choice with an almost magical ability to lighten a room & lift the mood. Easy to arrange
- you simply drop them into a favourite jug or vase
- for an instant sunny summertime display.

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It's no secret that red roses mean true love. But in floriology
- that's the language of flowers
- there are many meanings that

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