Christen Pears

Which course did you study at Tallulah Rose and when?

I did the Online Career Change course back in 2021.

What did you most enjoy about learning online?

I really enjoyed the flexibility of the online course which allowed me to fit learning around my other commitments. Although I’d love to have attended a course at Levens Hall I found the online support really helpful.

What’s the best piece of advice Rachel gave you?

Rachel is full of excellent advice so it’s hard to single out just one thing but I always remember her talking about taking your cue from the flowers and being inspired by their shapes, colours and textures.

How do you incorporate flowers into your business?

Although I don’t run a floristry business as such, flowers are an important part of the guest experience at Middle Colenso Farm. All of our guests find a vase of flowers to welcome them to the cottage alongside a Cornish cream tea. I think it creates a warm welcome. I’m also often asked to create bouquets or arrangements for special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries or honeymoons.

What feedback do your guests give you regarding the floral displays you provide for them?

The guests are generally very appreciative and often ask to have a look around the walled garden where I do my growing.

Why are flowers important to you and your business?

I actually got into flowers because of the business. I started putting them into the cottages when we first moved here, just picking whatever was in the garden and later dabbling with growing but I was never very confident about arranging. Doing the flowers provides a personal touch and is always my favourite part of changeover day.

What is your favourite book about flowers?

I love Frances Palmer’s books because I’m an amateur potter and I’m fascinated by the relationship between vessels and flowers. I also have all of Constance Spry’s books because she was such a remarkable person not just in terms of floristry. My favourite is How to do the Flowers because she makes it all sounds so simple.

What is your favourite British flower (that you grow at home) and why?

It’s almost impossible to choose a favourite flower but I’m going to say sweet peas. I love scented flowers and there’s something quintessentially English about sweet peas.

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