Secret Flowers

A few weeks ago I got to check out the fascinating New Covent Garden Flower Market, as part of a tour of the new and upcoming Nine Elms area. As per usual I took enough photos to populate a small magazine, so I'll be separating these posts up and showing you the rest in due course. Until then, lets focus on the flowers. I don't buy them much and I certainly don't receive them enough but I'll never fail to be astounded by them and the feelings they evoke. Ever since the supermarkets started to get in on the act, the market has attracted a different sort of audience, mainly trade and an increasing amount of set designers. The flowers come from all over the world as people expect roses and the like all year round and they don't eventually end up at Columbia Road as I first thought (they tend to sell the leftovers from Dutch auctions). It's like a bit of a secret world for those in the know about their foliage, the market is open to the public from 2-8am so an early night and plenty of devotion is needed. However there are some bargains to be found if you don't mind buying a few bunches en masse, plus they are far fresher than any you might find within the aisles.

There are also some nice decorative bits that probably work out cheaper than buying them elsewhere, definitely handy if you're planning an event or just want to spruce your home up a little. I'd always wondered why the market was nowhere near Covent Garden (it moved from the area in 1974) and in a few years it'll be moving again, though just a few kilometres down the road to invigorate the local area. Flowers may seem like a bit of a random thing to post about but so many designers continue to be inspired by them and there's also this Fashion and Gardens exhibition I'd like to see at some point. I'd like to think that I can make the journey there again at the crack of dawn, though a trip to Columbia Road is looking more likely, plus I might be craving some cake again!

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