A spotlight on our courtyard business – Signature Flowers

Signature Flowers moved to Claydon Courtyard earlier this year. I caught up with business owner and creative director, Emma Clarke, to learn more about Signature Flowers.

TELL ME ABOUT SIGNATURE FLOWERS AND HOW IT STARTED?

I grew up surrounded by plants on my parent’s horticultural nursery so developed a love of flowers from a young age.

Having finished agricultural college, I worked on my parent’s nursery whilst also doing some freelance work. It didn’t take long before I decided to start my own florist business and Signature Flowers was born. 

I started with a shop in Bicester, which I had for seven years before moving to Claydon Courtyard at the beginning of the year.

Moving to Claydon Courtyard marks a significant milestone for our business, it’s a much nicer location, and a better space to work in.

TELL ME ABOUT THE DIFFERENT SERVICES YOU OFFER AT SIGNATURE FLOWERS?

We’re the complete florist package.

We do everything from weddings, events, funerals, and daily flower deliveries to subscription bouquets. We have plants and flowers for every occasion as well as floral and botanical themed gifts.

WHERE DID YOUR LOVE FOR FLORISTRY COME FROM?

I grew up on a horticultural nursey, I never planned to work with flowers or plants long term. The big plan was to go to university and study music; however, things took a different turn and I found myself enrolling in agricultural college, mainly because that’s where most of my friends were going!

I signed up for the floristry course and here we are!

WHERE DOES YOUR INSPIRATION COME FROM?

I’m definitely inspired by nature and what’s in season.

Using seasonal flowers means the colours and textures complement each other so much better than using flowers that are not readily available.

WHATS YOUR FAVOURITE FLOWER?

It changes every week!  At this time of year, it’s a peony.  Although I really enjoy spring flowers, Muscari and Snowdrops are probably my all-time favourites.

WE’RE HEADING INTO SUMMER, WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND FOR A SUMMER BOUQUET?

To me summer is all about bright colours, so I would include sunflowers, sweet Williams, veronica, lisianthus, delphiniums and stocks for their lovely fragrance.

DO YOU SOURCE YOUR FLOWERS LOCALLY?

Many of our flowers come from Holland, however, if we can buy local we will.  

Our sweet Williams, sunflowers, and dahlias are grown a few miles away in the village of Quainton.

WHAT DO YOU FIND MOST REWARDING ABOUT BEING A FLORIST?

Helping people in every situation and, becoming part of someone’s trusted circle during the best time of their life or the worst time.

Having the privilege to convey our client’s sentiments through flowers, be it for a wedding, funeral, or any other occasion, is truly special.

WHAT’S THE MOST INTERESTING REQUEST YOU’VE HAD?

We do a lot of bespoke funeral tributes. We’ve made a 3D cows head, a bus, the cartoon character Mario. We once created a 6ft Jaguar for the Jaguar company!

We’re always willing to take on new challenges, so do come and talk to us if you’re looking for something a little different!

IF A CUSTOMER WAS INTERESTED IN ORDERING SOME FLOWERS FOR AN EVENT WHAT’S THE PROCESS?

Just get in touch online or on the phone and we’ll book a consultation. We can talk through some ideas, look at different flowers and put together a mood board and colour swatches. During the consultation, we’ll discuss your specific needs, preferences, and budget to ensure we create an arrangement that’s perfect for your event.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT BEING AT CLAYDON COURTYARD?

We’ve come from being in the middle of a town, so to open the doors and hear the birds sing and to see the open countryside is so lovely. It’s so peaceful and beautiful here, we love it!

To find out more about Signature Flowers visit: https://signature-flowers.co.uk/