BEHIND THE BLOOMS
Situated on The Avenue in Spinningfields, David Wayman Flowers is a delightful florist that entices visitors with the scents of fresh blooms. Inside, you’ll discover an exquisite selection of seasonal bouquets, all thoughtfully arranged by a friendly team dedicated to helping you for any occasion.
We recently caught up with David to learn more about his journey into floristry, his inspirations and what keeps customers returning. Whether you’re in search of a special gift or simply wish to brighten up your day, David Wayman Flowers has something perfect for you.
Q: Tell us a bit about your journey – how did you first get into floristry?
A: I began my journey into floristry over 20 years ago, studying at Houghall College in Durham while working at Sandra Rose Florist in Yarm. It’s quite nostalgic to reflect on those early days!
Q: What’s your favourite season for creating floral arrangements, and why?
A: I love the beginning of each season as it brings a fresh and exciting promise of things to come. As we approach autumn, I appreciate the colours of the changing leaves – vibrant oranges, yellows and browns – paired with the crisp, bright days. It’s a welcome change of pace.
Q: Do you have a preferred style when it comes to flower arrangements?
A: My style is very natural; I want the flowers to speak for themselves. I’m not a fan of dead or faux flowers, nor do I favour overly fussy packaging.
Q: Is there a particular place you love to visit for floral inspiration?
A: At the moment, I’m absolutely captivated by the RHS Bridgewater. It’s astonishing what they have created there, especially being so close to the city centre. I’ve been working with them since their launch and have loved watching them bloom into what they are today. I’m also a big fan of the café – my nephew and niece adore the play area!
Q: If you had to choose, what are your top three favourite flowers?
A: My top three flowers are sweet peas, peonies and roses.
Q: What’s a simple, quick flower arrangement that people can easily put together at home?
A: A simple arrangement anyone can try is using a jar or bottle filled with fresh foliage from your garden or a local park. Mix in single flowers of different textures, such as a rose, for a stunning piece that will enhance any table. Adding a scented candle would make it even better!
Q: What tips do you have for beginners who are new to flower arranging?
A: For beginners, keep it simple – you can’t go wrong! Arrangements using all shades of one colour always look good, or you could stick to one or two types of flowers complemented by greenery. Additionally, flowers that grow together in the wild tend to work well together.
Q: Which flowers tend to be the most popular with your customers?
A: Our customers’ favourite flowers are roses. We adore the texture and scents of garden-style roses in all colours, from deep reds to pastels.
Q: Are there any special autumn bouquets or seasonal collections we can look forward to seeing in your shop?
A: We have a classic autumnal bouquet filled with seasonal flowers and foliage. It features a delightful mix of textures, perfect for bringing the outdoors inside! We’ve even created a bouquet called “Running Wild,” which is inspired by a cottage garden – one of our classic designs.
Q: Do you have any tips for making flowers last longer at home?
A: To keep flowers fresh for as long as possible, cut them as soon as you get them and place them in fresh water with flower food. Keep them away from direct sunlight and any heat sources, and they should bloom beautifully.
Q: Roses or peonies?
A: Don’t make me choose! If I had to decide, I would lean towards peonies because they have such a magnificent season and are simply stunning.
Q: Can you share a fun behind-the-scenes fact about David Wayman Flowers?
A: We have been fortunate enough to work on some Netflix shows, with the most recent being Fool Me Once. It was thrilling to see our creations showcased on screen.
Q: Are there any exciting workshops or events coming up at David Wayman Flowers that people can look forward to?
A: We offer seasonal workshops on request; at the moment, we’re making some fun autumn wreaths. Our next planned workshops will focus on Christmas wreath-making. We love enhancing the festive spirit with our customers, and for many, it has become a cherished Christmas tradition to enjoy every year.
Q: What’s your favourite thing about being a florist in Spinningfields, and how does the area inspire or influence your work?
A: I have loved being based in Spinningfields for 12 years. The work we do for local businesses has kept us thriving, from providing office reception flowers and corporate accounts to sending blooms to clients and staff, spreading the love – we absolutely adore it!
Q: Is there a particular arrangement you’ve created for someone, a celebrity, or a brand that stands out as especially memorable?
A: I was once asked to supply flowers for Madonna when she performed at the AO Arena. Her team requested flowers for her dressing room, including a bridal-style posy bouquet of white flowers. I was at the concert when she came on stage wearing a wedding dress, holding the bouquet while singing “Like a Virgin,” and she threw the flowers into the crowd. Unfortunately, I didn’t catch them!
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David Wayman Flowers is open every day from 9:00am to 6:00pm, except on Sundays. They offer a delightful selection of fresh blooms and seasonal bouquets for any occasion.
To stay updated on their journey and discover the fresh flowers they have available, be sure to follow them on @flowersdavidwayman, where you can view their stunning arrangements and learn about upcoming workshops. For enquiries, please email their team at info@davidwaymanflowers.com.
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