Many of Britain's most successful small businesses are florists, which explains where there are so many of them in villages, towns and cities nationwide. There are, however, a range of other floral services to be found across the country.
If you are something of a horticultural enthusiast then here's a quick look at a few that might appeal to you:
1. Britain plays proud host to some of the most prestigious flower shows and festivals in the world. The Chelsea Flower Show is an important national event with extensive media coverage and an important place in the global horticultural picture.
2. One of the nicest ways to spend a Saturday morning is browsing through your local flower market. Flower markets in Britain sell everything from ornamental pot plants to tree saplings and bonsais and are a great places in which to find inspiration for your next horticultural venture. One of the most prestigious UK flower markets takes place from 8am - 2pm on Saturdays across Columbia Road in London.
3. Signing up for a florist's magazine subscription is a good way to keep yourself informed of the latest happenings in floristry and floral design. The Florist is one of the famous, or alternatively current and back issues of Fusion Flowers are available for your perusal online.
4. Capel Manor College in Enfield, Middlesex is the only college in England to have been awarded the title 'Vocational Centre of Excellence for Floristry and Business Enterprise.' Here you can study the artistic tricks of the trade in detail as well as preparing yourself for the demands of setting up your own business if you are looking for a change of direction.
5. While most florists in Britain provide the traditional services - standard bouquets and arrangements suitable for birthdays, weddings, funerals and Valentine's Day - there are a few that like to push the boundaries. Venus, in Manchester, is one such business. Check out their website for more information on their innovative, floral designs.
6. If all this sounds a little too time consuming there are also many online florists in operation across the country. Interflora.com provides flower delivery services in Manchester, London, Liverpool and many other locations nationwide. Simply order through their website.
Maricruz Tennill is a professional writer and Interflora.com supplied the inspiration for this article on flower delivery in Manchester.
