"Floristry was a complete change of career for me. I was looking for a change from farming and after visiting the Hadlow stand at the Agricultural Expo at Detling showground, it seemed to me to be the obvious choice, due to both location and the availability of part-time floristry courses."
Catherine Mitchell - Owner - Catherine Mitchell Floristry, Bespoke Floral Design
As a mature student, I felt completely at home studying at Hadlow, so after the part-time course had finished, it was just a natural progression to move onto the full time courses in City & Guilds Floristry level 2 & level 3.
My favourite aspect about all of the courses was that I was actively encouraged to develop my own creative flair, which for me is as natural as possible and seasonally-based. I find my inspiration grows from the countryside where I live on our farm at the edge of a small village. I enjoy picking from our hedgerows and trees and try to add this into my designs.
I have some great memories from studying at Hadlow, two of which have been significant to my development as a qualified florist. In 2019, I entered the Art in the Garden competition, where Hadlow students, along with outside organisations, had to design a piece of artwork to be displayed in the Broadview Gardens. I was really proud to discover that my floral design won first place. Secondly, in July of the same year I was commended by Hadlow College for my hard work, winning the Award for Best Practical Student in Floristry.
Some of the highlights of my career so far have been assisting my designer with installations at the Leeds Castle Festival of Flowers in both 2018 and 2019 for the 900th year celebrations. I was also nominated for 2019 IoPF Student of the year by the BFA, where I came 4th out of the whole country.
I feel that without studying these courses I wouldn’t have been able to successfully change my career, let alone have the confidence to start my own fledgling business working from the farm! Catherine Mitchell Floristry is mainly sympathy work or celebration bouquets to order. I’ve completed several smaller weddings and some 100% naturally biodegradable sympathy tributes for our local Natural Burial Ground. I’ve also made some bespoke designs and floral accessories for a local photographer for use in his studios and to be worn by his models.
By far the hardest floristry I have ever had to do was for my own Mum’s funeral, but for me it was so important that I could respectfully complete this one last tribute to a great lady.
I also work a couple of days a week on a self-employed basis at a local florist.
I would urge anyone of any age to sign up to Hadlow, whether it be a part-time, full time or leisure course. You may feel nervous, but don’t let that stop you - and you are definitely never too old to learn something new!