Sunday 9 May 2021 has been designated Garden Day – a chance for gardeners everywhere to cast aside gardening chores and celebrate what they’ve created. “We’re inviting people to sit back, pop on a flower crown and share their gardens with neighbours, family and friends over a bite to eat, a cup of tea or a glass or two,” says ambassador Rachel de Thame. “Whether you’re on an allotment, in a flat full of houseplants or in a traditional garden, Garden Day is something we can all enjoy together.”
Garden Day celebrates the role of gardens in boosting health and wellbeing, and combatting social isolation. “It’s a message that has hit home during the pandemic in dramatic fashion,” says Rachel.
How to make a flower crown
Pop on a flower crown to celebrate Garden Day in style. Rachel Wardley, founder of Tallulah Rose Flower School shows how.
You will need: Sharp scissors • Stem tape • Floristry wire • Ribbon • Fresh flowers and foliage (Rachel is using large and small Roses, Anemone, Stock, Carnation, Wax flower, Ornithogalum and Fern)
STEP 1 Create a base for your crown by attaching two wires together to make one long piece, wrapping it entirely in stem tape. Spin the wire between your fingers while gradually moving downwards. Don’t worry if the tape snaps, just continue with more. Bend each end of the wire to create small loops and safely secure with tape.
STEP 2 Cut your flower stems to leave a few centimetres below each head and remove any leaves from the stem. Cut individual wires for every flower or bunch at 12cm (5in) long. Tightly bind each wire against the stems with tape until you’ve covered the entire length of overhanging wire.
STEP 3 Attach flowers to your base by holding the wire of each stem against it and tightly wrapping all the way down with tape. Start at one end and gradually add every flower, making sure all wires are pointing in the same direction and gently bending each head into your chosen position. Use more wire to bind stems in place if necessary.
STEP 4 Cut two lengths of ribbon, thread them through the loops at either end and use these to tie your finished creation in place around your head. Your crown is complete!
Download this free poster for your window, or post it on social media #gardenday
