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BB Podcast Episode 85: Sarah Diligent

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Floral designer Sarah Diligent holding a stem of white cosmos

Gyan Gurung Photography

Today we’re visiting with Sarah Diligent, owner of Floribunda Rose in Hampshire, England.  Sarah describes herself as a Flowerist, author, and teacher. She believes deeply in the value of British flowers and her interest in sustainable floristry inspired her to write A Guide to Floral Mechanics with William Mazuch. Grab a seat and join us as we talk about:

  • the surprising reason she started her own floral business
  • her unique business-building experience with a private tutor
  • the advantages she finds in designing with local grown flowers
  • following her intuition regarding the use of floral foam and how she transitioned away from using it
  • her experience writing a book from idea conception to printing and selling
  • her commitment to elevating British Grown Flowers to a luxury product

Gyan Gurung Photography

LINKS MENTIONED IN EPISODE 85:

Emma Pilkington Photography

LEARN MORE ABOUT FLORIBUNDA ROSE HERE:

Website | Instagram | Facebook | Floribunda Rose Flower School


Sarah’s Private Facebook Group: Eco Friendly Florists & Flower Growers Collective 

This Facebook group is a friendly & supportive place for florists & flower growers who have an interest in using British (or home grown) flowers, ‘green’ floristry techniques and are interested in generally reducing our collective carbon footprint. A place to shout out for an extra set of hands or to borrow or swap floristry related equipment/paraphernalia.

This is also a place to ask questions, support one another & help one another out. Click Here to join.

GIVEAWAY (ENTRY CLOSED):

Because of Sarah’s generosity, we’re gifting two lucky BB Podcast listeners with a copy of Sarah’s book,  A Guide to Floral Mechanics. Deadline to enter is Friday, Sept. 10th at 11:59pm Central. Winners will be contacted via email on Saturday, September 11th, 2021. Giveaway is open to US and UK based designers only.

TO ENTER: Simply leave a comment below! It’s that easy. Good Luck!

Floral arrangement of roses and greenery in a footed vase designed by floral designer Sarah Diligent

 

Today’s episode is brought to you by:

Looking for floral resources you can trust and a safe place to ask questions? Check out the carefully vetted and curated resources available at Bloom Trust Co. 


Co-Hosts: Amy McGee (Botanical Brouhaha) + Maggie Bailey (Bramble & Bee)

BB Podcast Sound Engineer: Grayson McGee

Music Written & Performed by: Landon McGee


If you enjoyed this episode, you might also enjoy our conversation with Liza Lubell, owner of Garbage Goddess + Peartree Flowers.  Click here to listen.

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  1. Nicole says:

    Love this podcast: so insightful! Thank you!
    Would also love the chance to win a copy of A Guide to Floral Mechanics!

  2. Stephanie Hamilton says:

    Thank you for entering me in the book giveaway!

    Stephanie

  3. I am looking forward to listening. And I would love to win the book too!!

  4. Kim H says:

    This book would be amazing to win!

  5. Kate Prescott says:

    Awesome podcast! I’d love to win the book and use it!

  6. Laura Giles says:

    Wonderful podcast! Loved it! Would also love a chance at winning a book 😉
    Little Workshop Floral

  7. Diane Legg says:

    Great podcast! I would love a chance to win the book 😁

  8. Another great podcast

    Would love to win a copy to add to my library.

    Fingers and toes crossed.

  9. Karen Elverson says:

    Love to listen to this podcast and appreciate all the florists who have shared their beginnings and success.
    I like to listen to it at night when I’m snuggled in bed. No distractions and I can imagine each guest’s work.
    Thanks so much!❤️

  10. Tamara says:

    I so appreciate and share Sarah’s philosophy…. I never use floral foam but do struggle with mechanics in certain applications. I love Sarah’s insight into charging more for her work….. I had never thought of that! Great podcast!

  11. Sandy says:

    It’s always such a boost to learn something new. Thank you for entering me in the give away!

  12. Nancy Hannah says:

    I would love to share this book with the talented group of flower arrangers at my church.

  13. Would love to see this beautiful book!

    Melissa
    Le Bloomerie

  14. Audrey says:

    Ooohhhh, I LOVE the loose, freeform, natural style of Sarah’s floral arrangements. Thank you for sharing her inspiring story!

  15. Audrey says:

    Oooohhh, I LOVE the organic, freeform, and narwal style of Sarah’s floral arrangements! Thank you for sharing her inspiring story!

  16. Laura says:

    Such gorgeous designs! Can’t wait to learn more of her tips and tricks to designing without foam!

  17. Katy Roach says:

    I enjoyed this episode very much! Very inspiring! I am very interested in the book!

  18. As a us citizen/anglophile that leads a floral business, I am so very interested in this book.
    I head to Dorset in 2 weeks for 2 months, my annual journey, studying British flowers and gardens, I would treasure a guide

    cheers,
    Debra

  19. I adore the book cover! Excited to hear about flowers across the pond, and my first visit to England is this May (postponed from 2020 and I’m so excited)! Cheers! Krisanna

  20. Thank you so much! This book would be an important resource for my flower shop as our desire Is to move closer and closer to a 100% sustainable shop!

  21. Gina Monafo says:

    Thank you for all that you do! Would love to be entered into the giveaway! xx

  22. Annamarie says:

    Would love to enter the giveaway! I’ve had my eye on this book for awhile, seems like such an amazing resource!

  23. Can’t wait to listen!! And the book would certainly make for a flowery day!!

  24. Such a fascinating episode!

    I love her commitment to buying local AND doing the research to share sustainable flower practices that really with. So looking forward to this book!

  25. Everytime I hear the BB jingle I feel so relaxed, what an inspiring feeling to step into.
    It always intrigues me how each of the designers you interview find their way into floral design. It brings so much unique perspectives to everyone’s work. This book has been sitting in a screen shot on my phone for months as a reminder to purchase. Winning it would be a dream! I love all of Sarah’s use of foliage and textures in her florals, it adds another layer to her designs showing her talents. Thanks for sharing all of the beauty through BB, I love the connections I have made through learning about others. xo, Evelyn

  26. Suzanne Dodsworth says:

    Would love this book!

  27. Angela Darrah says:

    I would love the opportunity to win Sarah’s book. Thank you!

  28. Dawn Dixon says:

    Been listening for a long time to your most delightful podcast! I too would loooovvvee to wint a copy of Sarah’s book!! Thank you for the opportunity

  29. Jen Donohue says:

    Thank you for an incredibly inspiring episode – I am feeling heartened by Sarah’s success and commitment to foam-free, local flowers as I am trying to run my own business in a similar way. So looking forward to this book!

  30. Clare says:

    Just discovered this fab podcast. Cannot wait to catch up on more wonderful episodes.

  31. Mary Beth McDavid says:

    💕💕💕
    Thank you for the inspiration!

    Mary Beth

  32. I would love a copy of her book! Love your podcast!

  33. Caroline says:

    I loved this episode with Sarah. As a UK based amateur flower arranger (wannabe florist!) it gives me hope of succeeding one day. I told my husband about her inspiring book and he bought it. It’s coming tomorrow, I’m very excited!

  34. TamaraMain says:

    Would love this book as a recource!

  35. Shauna says:

    Would much enjoy a copy of your book! Love the show!

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