Kim Buchanan
Which course did you study at Tallulah Rose and when?
I originally studied the two-week career change course, two years ago in 2023, and then completed the wedding flowers course last summer 2024. I live local so attended Rachel’s open day first and I felt like I was just meant to be there.
What did you most enjoy about the course?
I loved the freedom and the abundance of flowers! I was totally overwhelmed by how much beauty and choice you could get from British flowers. Rachel was so welcoming and really made me feel “I could do this”. It was very emotional when the course came to an end, it was like living a dream. The setting at Tallulah is truly stunning and Rachel has built something very special.
Where are you now on your floristry journey?
Originally, I had the intention of a total career change but had some big life events and so I took inspiration from other florists on the course and decided to go with the flow and let my business grow organically (excuse the pun). I have a second job which I also love so have the luxury of picking and choosing which flowery work I want to do. Currently, I also grow at Fern Hill, which I use for my own weddings and events. I love creating arrangements on request and experiment with growing and arranging for me, I love developing my skills as a florist and a grower.
What is the best part of having your own floristry business?
The best bit about my own flower business is working with flowers! Nothing beats wandering into the paddock, on a sunny, dewy morning, pottering with my dogs then cutting my own flowers. It’s calming, mindful and I find outside time invaluable. I check my seeds/ beds way too much to see if they’ve grown but the feeling of satisfaction to create with my own flowers – nothing surpasses it. My goal is to eventually flower a wedding with only flowers grown by me. I’ve met some truly beautiful people along the way and built valuable friendships which I am grateful for.
What has been your floristry highlight to date?
Finishing a bridal bouquet is always a highlight, I get so excited when I love it and for the bride! When I had my first season growing dahlias successfully, that was definitely up there too. But the main highlight for me is seeing people’s faces when they talk about the flowers. Their joy is the same as mine, flowers always shine and it gives me such pleasure to see others enjoy them as much as me.
Is there an opportunity that springs to mind that Tallulah Rose gave you the confidence to pursue?
Tallulah gave me the confidence to go with my intuition and stick to it. There have been times when I have panicked and considered changing my values to suit others but wanted to stay authentic and am pleased that I have. I have met some amazing fellow florists at Tallulah which has given me freelancing and collaboration opportunities, including a huge and elaborate wedding at an exclusive venue. This had helped me envision my brand a little better, and sometimes I might not be sure where I’m headed, but it helps clarify where I don’t want to go.
What makes your business unique?
Fern Hill truly offers a personalised service and I love adding those personal touches to make flowers all about people, matching flowers to their personality rather than just considering a colour scheme. I grow on a small scale arranging for people and their most important life moments and feel touched that I get to be part of this. I am lucky to grow in a unique location, overlooking the Yorkshire Dales and Ingleborough (when the trees aren’t too leafy!) and feel the stems I grow reflect the personality of the area. I don’t use foam and source British and local for as much of my business as I can.
What is your favourite British flower that you grow on your flower farm and why?
My favourite flower!!! Oh wow. A scabious? Or a tea rose? I’m slightly obsessed with sweet peas at the moment. I love roses and sweet peas for the scent and texture but dahlias for how unique and hardy they are in an arrangement. The varieties are amazing and when they do finally bloom and you’ve beat the slugs – is there anything more rewarding?!
Click here for more information on Fern Hill Floristry
Profile photo credit: Jessica Reeves Photography
