The Flower Bank

31/05/2026

With huge thanks to Ellen Oza one and for their beautiful flowers which I’ve added to a funeral garland.

15/05/2026

Thank you Claire Paul (seen here modelling a 40” May Day garland) and for including me in last night’s talk at the Marx Memorial Library on Clerkenwell Green. The talk was about Walter Crane who was one of the most influential and prolific children’s illustrators of his generation and part of the Arts & Crafts Movement. He’s also remembered for his creation of numerous works associated with the international socialist movement, most famously his May Day garland illustration. I was there to assist in decorating the garlands we’d created with political messages. It was a great night which just happened to fall in the centre of Clerkenwell’s Design week and the vibe on the streets was a far cry from New Barnet.

29/04/2026

Tanya asked me a few weeks ago if I could create something for the annual “Jack in the Green” festival taking place this weekend in Hastings. I’m chuffed to bits with how it turned out

23/04/2026

In honour of Shakespeare’s birthday, yesterday I introduced my group to book folding. Be warned, it’s addictive! ’sbirthday

08/04/2026

Another day, another floral mask. Here you see Natasha modelling Iris’s fabulous creation. You’ll be able to see more at this Saturday’s New Barnet Amateur Gardeners’ Spring Show

07/04/2026

Are you ready for New Barnet Amateur Gardeners’ Show this Saturday 11 Aoril? If not there’s still plenty of time - we’ve been making floral masks this morning in preparation for the craft category this Saturday. Here you can see Raksha modelling her amazing mask which you’ll be able to see with other amazing masks from 2.00 pm on Saturday at St John’s, Mowbray Road, New Barnet. You’ll be able to vote for your favourite too.

23/02/2026

Chris Bentil really is the best wingman you could ask for. He helped make this wreath this afternoon. For a first attempt his greening up skills were amazing.

19/02/2026

This outdoor notice board started life as an old picture frame. With a bit of alchemy (and plenty of blood, sweat and tears from Adam) it’s now a waterproof community notice board. Please feel free to use it.

19/02/2026

01/02/2026

I’m not sure if you’re aware of this but thanks to various grants for the past 2 years I’ve been able to collect funeral tributes and re-purpose them for the benefit of the community. Last year I created funeral arrangements for over 60 families. I’ve tried many times to get the use of polyribbon banned in Barnet Council cemeteries but perhaps the time is right to strike again as on 12 February the Sustainable Church flower movement is presenting a motion to the General Synod to embrace the principles of the Sustainable Church flowers movement namely to promote the use of local, seasonal and fully
biodegradable/compostable flowers and foliage and to encourage cathedrals, churches and churchyards to eliminate the use of floral foam and non re-usable products and replace with traditional and environmentally friendly decoration.