Florist all set for Chelsea Flower Show
A florist is one of 16 finalists competing for a prestigious title at this year's Chelsea Flower Show.
Dean Sharpe, of Stafford, will be fighting for the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Chelsea Florist of the Year 2018 award.
The RHS Chelsea Florist of the Year Competition is designed to showcase the very best floristry talent within the United Kingdom.
With his show-stopping bridal creation for a winter wedding, the 34-year-old, who runs Dean Sharpe's Floral Studio from home, won first place in a qualifying heat of which there are seven nationwide.
The brief for the qualifying heat was to design and create a bridal stole – a floral shrug or cover-up – to be worn at a wedding in a Scottish Castle.
His winning design layered a large selection of flowers, glued over silver satin lined with lilac cotton.
Mr Sharpe said: “Images of a castle surrounded by a wild and wintry landscape provided me with the inspiration for the stole.
"The palette of greys, purples and whites reflects the cool beauty and stately elegance of Scottish lochs and mountains in winter time”.
Scoring 90/100 in his qualifying heat Dean certainly stole the show and now his entry will be judged on May 24 by The UK Floristry Judges Guild.
The winner will be announced on the same day. Together with the coveted title of Florist of the Year, the winner will receive a medal and certificate of commendation.
For the finals of the Chelsea Flower Show, Mr Sharpe has been asked to make a floral throne for a spring wedding.
He added: “I’m over the moon to be one of the top 16 this year. It’s been a life-long ambition to compete at the Chelsea Flower Show and now, with a week to design and create my exhibit. I’m getting nervous!”
He also has to plan how to transport all he needs to London to set-up on competition day.
Mr Sharpe says that he will probably return home with his exhibit – giving friends and family the opportunity to see and enjoy it.
Last year, he had the privilege of styling the exclusive London hotel, The Pestana on Chelsea Bridge, for its annual celebration of The Chelsea Flower Show. His innovative style and creative flair has earned him a repeat visit this year.
