America's next top florist

Floristry is taking centre stage in America, as a new reality television series, The Arrangement, airs on cable channel Logo TV.

The programme takes ten people, including a burly Harley Davidson rider and a female punk, and pits them against each other in a series of challenges. In charge of teaching them the skills they need and judging their efforts is Beverly Hills florist Eric Butterbaugh – whose customers include Demi Moore, Paul McCartney and Madonna.

In the first of eight episodes, which airs tonight on US TV, contestants have the unusual task of using live models as a serving platter for flowers and sushi. The challenge will be followed by a three-minute flower-arranging elimination duel.

The show takes place within a real, working flower shop and all the contestants already have careers in floristry. Guest judges will include a former Miss USA and Ru Paul.

Randy Barbato, co-owner of production company World of Wonder, said: “There are naked bodies, chainsaws, rock’n’roll and hazmat suits. It’s not your mother’s floral arranging show, unless she is a real mutha.”

Floristry is no stranger to TV exposure in the US, where florist Jeff Leatham, who worked on Chelsea Clinton’s wedding, already has his own show - Flowers Uncut – on cable channel TLC.