British florist Anna Potter shares the story of her wild, whimsical bouquets, and says she owes her worldwide fan base to Instagram. You’ll find an excerpt of the feature in Issue 15 below.
“Sometimes I don’t believe it’s all happening. I sit in my shop making my bouquets and receive lovely compliments from around the world. But it’s great to see people from so many different countries and cultures sharing a love for the beauty of flowers. I believe my bouquets reflect the beauty of nature, and that appeals to people. It reminds them of their parents’ gardens from childhood, and they long for that. I think people are far less emotional and sentimental about stylized bouquets.
“My two sons are also fond of flowers and love helping me. Sometimes they’re just a little too helpful. If I turn my back for a moment, they will turn the entire shop upside down. But they are very interested in nature—that’s the important thing. Children should grow up with flowers and nature, I think. It’s about attachment, finding your place on the earth. Connecting with nature really helps people do that. If I can bring my own children and people around the world a little closer to each other through nature, that’s the nicest thing I could wish for.”
- You can find the rest of the article in issue 15, which is available in our shop.
- You can see her beautiful bouquets on Instagram.
- You can find her shop Swallows & Damsons on: 326 Abbeydale Road, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S7 1FN
Text Chris Muyres Photography Anna Potter, India Hobson
