Tracy Rowbottom NDSF is a florist as well as part of the brilliant Flowervision Bristol team. Formally trained at Bath College and owner of her own shop for more than 20 years, Tracy has competed in all the major floristry competitions, was a regular face on the design circuit and admits flowers are in her blood.
Now she is preparing to take part in Chelsea again … although in a very new and different way as they change the whole concept for 2021. In this exclusive column we’ll be following Tracy on her journey over the next three weeks before seeing the final installation on Press Day. In her weekly updates she'll describe how it feels to get ready for the worlds most famous flower show!
Well it is two years since I first sent in my pitch for the May 2020 RHS Chelsea Flower Show and to be honest the postponements initially made it difficult to focus and appreciate the time creeping away towards the September show, but I can safely say my head is definitely in the game now!
I was so excited to see the new RHS brief in August 2019, a choice of title and a broad brief to allow my individuality and creativity flow plus plenty of space to really showcase the design. I chose theme IV Beauty of Nature, as I had an immediate idea for a fun, interactive piece. I usually find that if I have to work too hard to find an idea it is very difficult to stay focussed and produce a cohesive finished design so initial inspiration is everything.
As we had to pitch for a place at this show I had done a lot of the initial design and construction planning prior to acceptance, this has actually been very helpful in keeping on track during the postponements. I have spent the last two months badgering my lovely dad to help me create the structure, constantly tweaking and trying different materials but as of yesterday we have perfected it, line drawn under that part of the process!
I have also been spending many evenings in my workshop testing materials and techniques as this show is very much focussed on sustainable practices, no floral foam and no glue. I am very glad of my ancient and very formal training for wiring techniques, alternative water sources and use of mosses and living mediums but also for all of the International designers that I have been fortunate enough to work with or study under for an alternative take on techniques.
So I have been playing with wax techniques, paper mediums, garlanding and massing not to mention hours of wiring and leaf manipulation. That may all sound like a mish mash but this process will probably continue now right up to the show as I refine and perfect the techniques for the best possible results. This is my favourite part of the process, losing myself in the creativity, finding and developing a new technique and ultimately feeling the excitement when you crack it and achieve exactly what you are looking for.
While Chelsea Flower Show is a massive commitment it is incredibly satisfying, I never ever grant myself this much time to work on my ideas and just generally experiment. The majority of my professional floristry, be it a small wedding or a large installation is working to a clients brief, all be it often something stunning! Chelsea is about me, my creativity and my style. My pitch has been accepted and now I just need to pull it off!!
