In The Book of Tea, Kakuzo Okakura wrote, “In joy or sadness flowers are our constant friends”.
Located in Church Street, Brighton, Ken Whelan (pictured, above) has been observing that for 30 years as owner of Brighton Flower Shop.
The store is an institution and Mr Whelan knows that freshness is the key to keeping customers happy and returning.
“We buy our flowers directly from growers daily to ensure the best quality and freshness,” Mr Whelan said.
“People ask why our flowers last so long and that is why. They haven’t been flown half way round the world and sprayed with chemicals.
“Our lilies, roses, orchids and gerberas are available year-round and blooms such as freesia, lisianthus and tulips are sourced seasonally or to order.”
Roses are the most popular flower and not just because they are the traditional gift.
“Roses offer instant, strong colour and people want colour,” Mr Whelan said.
Christmas, Valentine’s Day and Mothers’ Day are the biggest flower buying times but outside of those celebrations, the store’s customers are a flower loving lot, snapping up blooms for all things happy and sad.
Mr Whelan has a team of skilled florists who can create an array of bouquets and arrangements with giftwrap, boxes, vases and ribbons for the everyday, including design bridal bouquets, arrangements for funeral services or sympathy sprays to give to a grieving friend.
Mr Whelan has been in the floristry business for 50 years and hasn’t tired of it yet.
“I can’t say exactly what it is about it but I’m still selling flowers, so I must like it,” he said.
When you next walk along bustling Church Street pause at the Brighton Flower Shop and smell the roses (or the lilies and orchids or the other beautiful blooms) and feel the joy of flowers. Treat someone special or why not treat yourself.
All pictures by Samantha Haines.
