My First Mother’s Day in Floristry
- Joanna Marshall
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
As a florist in training, I’d heard that Mother’s Day is the big one. The peak period to beat all other peak periods. Everybody has somebody they can buy flowers for on Mother’s Day I’d been told. So, I was prepared.
Since starting floristry college in September 2024, my work experience had already given me an insight into what it’s like to work in floristry around Christmas (an endurance test) and Valentine’s Day (full-on). Both were a real eye-opener, and looking back, had been perfect preparation for the busiest time of the year.
Leading up to working in Fleur Couture in Barrowford from the Friday through until Sunday, florist Jessica talked me through my key roles over the period – namely answering the phone, sweeping up and making balloons. “No flowers?” I thought. But then common-sense prevailed and I soon realised that it’s a team approach. All aspects of the role play a key part in delivery of the end product, and it’s important to be organised at such a busy time.
With five of us working in a small space, and serving queues of customers often leading out of the door, it really helped to know who was responsible for which tasks, to avoid stepping on each other’s toes. However, we were doing that literally at times – space around the wrapping station was prime real estate! And why do the scissors never seem to be where you left them…?
I enjoyed the tasks that had been assigned to me. With a background in an office-based role, answering the phone was not daunting. I understand how important it is to handle the calls effectively to ensure we get all the information needed – and to do it quickly, as at times the phone was literally ringing off the hook! Plus, I took pride in keeping on top of sweeping up to keep the shop (which is absolutely beautiful) looking it’s best, even at busy times. And finally, when it came to balloons, it was lovely to see children visiting the shop and choosing which one their Mum would like best.
In terms of not getting the opportunity to handle any flowers, I needn’t have been concerned. Leading up to Mother’s Day I helped in preparations by conditioning stock and making up a large range of planted blub arrangements and gift-wrapped flower arrangements. Then closer to the time I also made up some incredibly cute little hand-tied Spring flower gift jars and boxed designs. I made so many of these that I lost count. There was probably around 20-30, and they sold like hot cakes!
In fact, that was another thing that I learnt about Mother’s Day. The volume and range of designs is huge. In the lead up the shop was full to bursting with arrangements and gifts. Plus, our latest flower delivery had been big. But, it was all needed. A very efficient system was required to organise all the bouquets ready for collection or awaiting delivery, to avoid any mishaps. And with this being Jessica’s 18th Mother’s Day since taking on the shop – thankfully, it all ran like clockwork.
To be honest, I was in awe of how Jessica and florist Hayley, who also works in the shop, expertly ploughed on through the sheer volume of work that is required to create such a large volume of bouquets. Holidays or days off in the days leading up to Mother’s Day are off the cards, and late nights and early morning are essential to ensure all orders are made. Often, as quickly as they are both working through the orders, extra orders are being added to the pile. And it’s the same with bouquets destined for display in the shop – many are sold before they even leave the florist’s bench.
There’s no let-up, it’s just a case of having to keep going. However, in my experience, despite the work being coffee-fuelled, it’s always with a smile. When a customer recently asked Jessica what it’s like working around Mother’s Day, she talked about the lead up period being the most difficult part. “Once you’re actually in it, it’s not so bad.” she said.
Now, this picture I’m painting of working in a florist for Mother’s Day is perhaps not as glowing as one might expect. What with all this talk of such long hours and hard work. However, there is a feeling of warmth that comes with it all too (the giving of flowers, not the temperature in the shop).
From the children writing out messages in cards to go with the flowers in their neatest handwriting, to the customers ordering bunches of tulips because they are ‘Mum’s favourite’. Then there’s also those that visit the shop saying, “I need a bunch of flowers. I know nothing about them – just make up something nice please.”
Flowers are the perfect physical representation of emotion
Flowers are the perfect physical representation of emotion, and in my first year of doing this, it was such a joy to play a small role in helping people show their love and appreciation of the special people in their lives.
Sadly, my Mum died in 2020, so I couldn’t do the same. But to be fair, unlike me, she always preferred chocolates to flowers anyway! However, if by any chance she can see me now, I’m sure she’d be happy that I’m learning a new skill, chasing my dreams and doing something that brings such joy. Oh, and that I’m putting in some decent graft too.
Joanna Marshall is studying at Shipley College for a City & Guilds Level 2 Technical Certificate in Floristry. Previously with a career in Marketing & PR, she made the decision in Summer 2024 to go back to college to explore the potential for developing a brand-new alternative career path in floristry.
