Lisa interviews Lucie from BUD Flora the East London Flower Collective Project – a floral designer who moves fluidly between weddings, brand work, and weekly flowers for bars and restaurants across London. With a sculptural, abundant style, she experiments with fruit, vegetables, and seasonal ingredients to create arrangements that are both unique and ephemeral. Here, she speaks to Lisa about her earliest memories of flowers, the realities of floristry, and why music and the ocean are essential to her life.
For those who don’t know you, can you tell me what you do?
I am a floral designer. I do a mix of everything: weddings, brand work, and bespoke flowers for private clients across London. I love that no two weeks are ever the same - I like to switch it up and not just focus on one thing.
How would other people describe your style?
Sculptural. But more and more we are introducing fruit and vegetables into our designs and styling. I really love the still-life element of making the fruit sculptures –drawing inspiration from different materials, making each piece completely unique, always following the seasons. It really elevates the farm-to-table way of designing and working.
How do you think your style has changed since you started floristry?
I think, as florists, we’re generally more connected to nature than most – and I feel very fortunate to be in that position. But as I get older, my need to be outside and amongst nature has become really important and I try to get to the countryside as much as possible. I’m a really keen swimmer, always have been and I love to be by the sea – that’s where I’m happiest and feel the most connected to nature.
From an outsider’s perspective, your work has always felt plentiful and feminine, but quite strong – everything bursting with energy, and sexy. What is your earliest memory of flowers or a garden?
With my sister, in my mum’s garden. We used to collect roses – much to her frustration – and make our own perfumes. We’d get into so much trouble for deadheading her whole garden, but we thought it was amazing.
Where did you grow up?
Southampton, on the South Coast. My grandparents looked after us a lot. We spent a lot of our time growing up and exploring in their gardens – amongst the hollyhocks or harvesting the tomatoes. We were just obsessed with it.
How do you think your relationship to nature has changed through the stages of life?
I think, as florists, we’re generally more connected to nature than most – and that’s something I feel very lucky to say. But as I get older, my need to be outside and amongst nature has become really important.
It’s funny – you grow up wanting to go to London and experience the big city, but eventually that’s not enough anymore. You want to go back to the countryside or slow down in nature. I’m also a swimmer. I have this desperate need to be by the ocean – that’s where I’m most comfortable and happiest, just being able to see the horizon.
A lot of people have preconceptions about what being a florist is – they imagine a romantic vision of women in studios, artfully plucking flowers. Can you give me a reality check? What’s your typical day like?
There’s so much more to it than just making arrangements – that’s probably about 25% of the time. There’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work that’s equally fun and interesting. Floristry is hard work for sure– it can be backbreaking sometimes. I normally get up about three and get to the markets at four to get the first pick. You have to be prepared for the early starts. Being able to run your own business and carving out a lifestyle and routine that works for you is something really special.
Where would you like your practice to be in five years?
Honestly, just to be able to continue doing this for as long as possible. Styles change, people change, and physically, I might not be able to do this forever– but for now, this is everything I need.
You’ve always got a great playlist in the studio. How does music influence your mood or creativity during the day?
You’ve got to set the vibe – it changes the whole atmosphere of the workspace. I have certain playlists for certain jobs. The morning of a wedding, when I’m prepping bouquets, it’s super chilled. But if we’ve got a big day ahead and a lot to achieve, I’ll put something on to get the team in the zone.
Do you have a uniform in the studio?
I definitely have a work wardrobe. Practical clothing is key, it’s hard to keep nice things nice. I always find myself throwing on jeans and a t-shirt, and I know that I’ll always feel comfortable but also good and comfortable in myself.
Who inspires your work?
I tend to look towards florists and designers in Australia and Asia – that’s where I learnt a lot of my style. There are so many amazing artists out there.
How do you source your flowers?
I try to focus on seasonality as much as possible. It’s about guiding clients through what’s realistically available within their brief –making alternative suggestions, surprising them with other interesting things. It’s easy for someone to give you a brief, but you’ve got to make it your own, put your own spin on it. Sourcing flowers isn’t easy. I spend way too much time on it. It can be quite obsessive. You can plan an entire event around a beautiful two-metre scabiosa, and then the rain comes and completely takes it out. It can be devastating. But I’m learning to lean into it and accept that part of the process
Follow Lucie @BUD_flora
The East London Flower Collective is a new T-shirt and original print collection from Bangkok-born artist, Lisa King as well as a portrait series of UK florists, gardeners and growers – telling the stories of those who rise with the sun to bring beauty to the world’s flower markets and gardens.