New Floral Adventures for Moyses Stevens Flower School

2023 has been the busiest yet for Moyses Stevens Flower School - welcoming record numbers of students across our studios in London and Moyses Stevens in Qatar. As we approach a new year, it's timely to reveal the 2024 Spring Workshop Calendar, and warmly welcome our new Head Tutor, Cody to the team! The school programme offers a kaleidoscope of floral classes to suit every interest and skill level. From the ever-popular Hand-Tied Bouquet Workshop to the beauty of creating stunning Vase Arrangements for the home, there's a class to suit anyone with a floral curiosity. We’re particularly excited for the return of the Essential Floristry One Week Course - a thorough introduction to the world of flower arranging, crammed with know-how, techniques, and a series of show-stopping designs.

Welcoming Cody as our Head Tutor is an exciting chapter for the school and promises new ideas and classes. With a wealth of expertise and a passion for teaching, we sat down with our new colleague to find out more -

When did your passion for flowers begin and what’s your earliest memory of flowers?

My passion for flowers began at a young age. I spent a lot of time growing up with my Aunt and she is a keen gardener with a fabulous garden. I remember very fondly the gorgeous display of scented roses and the biggest Hosta leaves you've ever seen.

My passion really kick-started when I began working with a family friend in her floristry studio on the odd occasion where she would create weddings and event flowers for local venues and also teach classes. In return, she would teach me basic designs. My Granny was also a keen flower arranger - she sadly passed away in 2004 and although I don't have many memories of her, flowers have been my main connection to her 20 years later.

Tell us about your journey working in the flower industry?

My floral journey began at 15 working with a family friend assisting her in her studio where I grew up near Brighton. I then went to Plumpton College to do my formal training alongside working in a florist shop. This was really insightful as I got both the experience of working in a shop and the educational side of college.

I then went on to work in various shops around Brighton, gathering skills and more training along the way, and eventually on to the bright lights of the big city working in Selfridges and then becoming a freelancer.

During lockdown, I applied for my foundation degree in floral design alongside working as a freelance florist. Then a lovely full-circle moment came in 2022 as I began teaching back at the college where I started my training.

How would you describe your floristry style?

My style is completely dependent on the season. For instance, in the summer I love big hydrangeas and delphiniums in loose wild arrangements. During the winter and spring months, I like to create quite contemporary designs of all one flower type, such as Narcissi or muscari.

I would summarise my approach as unusual and quirky with a good pop of colour, and gorgeous texture - be it copper Vienna chrysanthemum blooms or glossy grand slam anthuriums.

What do you most enjoy about teaching?

The end result. Helping someone achieve that desired design is really rewarding. Also, I love working through a process and creating gorgeous floral pieces.

Why are flowers so important?

They bring so much joy. Even a single flower can make someone's day and to have the skills and ability to make an exquisite bouquet or arrangement and then give it as a gift is lovely. I'm also interested in their symbolism and love hearing what they mean to people.

What exciting plans do you have for Moyses Steven Flower School in 2024?

Without revealing too much I have some big plans for 2024. New courses and revamping old ones to give the very best experience I know myself and the team here can deliver.

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We can’t wait for you to join us for an unforgettable floristry experience. Whether you're a newcomer or a seasoned pro, there's always something new to learn and create in the world of flowers.