After being closed to the public for nearly 3 months, New Covent Garden Flower Market re-opened yesterday, and at the same time, their British Flowers Week campaign took off. The opening of the Flower Market was celebrated by a flower installation created by designer Simon Lycett. And to make the connection to the British Flowers Week, the installation was made out of British flowers. Due to the COVID-19 situation, the regulations at Flower Market have been adjusted and the campaign has changed completely compared to last year. As no events are allowed yet, visits at the Flower Market are not at the level of last year, but they have a good uptake with the campaign, with UK businesses and the public involved. The Duchess of Cornwall also showed her support for British growers and flowers.
Simon Lycett with the flower installation made out of British flowers.
New Covent Garden Flower Market closing doors
To prevent the spread of COVID-19, the UK was put in lockdown on March 23, resulting in the Flower Market having to close their doors. This lockdown came the day after British Mother's Day, which was celebrated this year on March 22 - one of New Covent Garden Flower Market's busiest days of the year. "In the days before the lockdown, we already saw fewer florists and traders coming to the market as several had already gone into isolation", says Cassie Burt, Communications and Marketing Executive at the Covent Garden Market Authority.
Reopening on June 15
Yesterday, on June 15, New Covent Garden Flower Market re-opened their doors with several changes and rules, like a restriction of 50 customers permitted inside at any one time. Click here to see all changes. According to Burt, the atmosphere was positive. "Everyone was happy to see each other again and to see that we are slowly getting back to a 'new' normal."
Another picture that was taken at the re-opening on June 15.
No events, so less flowers
At the same time, on June 15, florists in the country were allowed to open their doors, so how was the attendance at the Flower Market on the first day? "There were definitely customers, but not as many as last year", says Burt. And this is mainly because large gatherings are not allowed yet. "Usually, during this time of the year, florists are busy with decorating weddings, but as these are not really happening, quite yet they are not coming, but this should change as the government’s plan to lift lock-down is implemented." As a result, there are also less flowers available on the market. "We still have Dutch and British flowers, foliage and plants, but the assortment is not as wide as it is usually during this time of the year."
Another picture that was taken at the re-opening on June 15.
British Flowers Week
For the 8th time, the British Flowers Week is being organized by the New Covent Garden Market, and this year, the setup is completely different than usual. "Usually, it is focused on events, but this year, we went digital by organizing virtual workshops, garden tours, online talks and so on." And this year, for the first time, the Flower Market are extending the celebrations to the public, by asking businesses and public, including children to join in by decorating their window with British flowers. "This year’s theme is healing and we want people to reflect on the positive joy and soothing effect flowers can have. Join in the celebrations by adding a display of British flowers to your own window, front porch or gate for passers-by to see this British Flowers Week (Mon 15 to Sun 21 June)."
The British Flowers Week will run till Sunday June 21 and so far, just on the second day, the uptake is already pleasing, explains Burt. On social media, those taking part are showing their support and sharing images with #BritishFlowersWeek and tagging @MarketFlowers. Information about the campaign and the British Flowers Week Windows competition are on their website www.britishflowersweek.com.
The Duchess of Cornwall
The Duchess of Cornwall shared her support for British Flowers Week yesterday in a video. As a keen gardener, Her Royal Highness has created her very own arrangement of British flowers grown and picked by her at her home in Birkhall, Scotland, featuring forget-me-nots, cranesbill, alchemilla, tulips, peonies, poppies, cow parsley and Solomon’s Seal.
New Covent Garden Market