A freelance florist from Ribchester near Preston, Lancashire, has won two prizes at the Southport Flower Show. Sara Collinge was awarded the top prize in the Welcome Aboard and A Beach Wedding categories.
Sara only entered the world of floristry four years ago. She ran a gift shop in nearby Clitheroe for 20 years before opening The Carmen Rose Tearooms in Ribchester four years ago. While working at the tearooms Sara enrolled on a floral design course at Myerscough College. She graduated with a distinction and launched her own freelance floristry business.
To win the Welcome Aboard competition, Sara designed a boat made entirely out of fresh flowers, using Roses, Poppy heads, white Anthuriums, white Calla Lilies and Green Kermit Chrysanths. She named it Samantha, after her daughter.
For the “Beach Wedding” category, Sarah designed a number of items, including a bridesmaid’s handbag, chair back and a trailing bouquet. She used orange and yellow coloured flowers, including Strelitizias, Anthuriums and Roses.
Earlier this year, Sara came fourth in the BFA’s Shop Window competition.
On her win at Southport, Sara said: ““I couldn’t believe it when I went to collect them. I wasn’t expecting to win let alone come home with two valuable and historic trophies. I’m absolutely passionate about flowers. I seem to have spent half my life trying different things and, although I’ve picked up numerous awards for my businesses, nothing has ever meant quite so much as winning Southport. I feel I’ve finally found my true vocation.”
