What have you been up to this year?

AFTER being in Barnard Castle for three years, we decided we wanted a change of scenery and moved across the road. Now we’re adjacent to the town’s Post Office and much busier. We already owned the premises, so when it became vacant we decided to make the move. Now that we’re on the sunny side of the street, though, we do have to keep an eye on the outside displays to make sure they don’t dry out.

How do florists fare in winter?

Winter is a strange time – outdoor plants are a little limited so you have to be more imaginative with your displays, using planted baskets and bay trees. For gift bouquets, we use lots of scented eucalyptus, hypericum berries, willow and lilies. Our customers like all things rustic.

What do you recommend for festive table decorations?

Christmas and New Year tables don’t have to be a rigid oasis arrangement with a candle. Use bowls with plants in and ivy wrapped around, or filled with holly, or a glass globe with lots of foliage and berries. Be imaginative and think outside the box. If you bring in a favourite festive serving bowl, dish or jug, we will arrange something in it for you as a centrepiece.

What are the trends for festive wreaths at the moment?

Door wreaths as seen in the glossy magazines may change their colours every year, but we tend to find our customers gravitate towards all things natural and wood – cones, berries, raffia – though the washed grey look is quite popular, with the odd heart thrown in and maybe a little tartan. Some people also like to coordinate festive flowers and wreaths with their décor or door colour.

What potted plants make nice winter gifts?

For gifts at this time of year, planted bowls and baskets with hyacinths and cyclamen make a good alternative to the ubiquitous poinsettia. Most of our winter flowers come from Holland, though some are from Ecuador and a few from the UK. They are ordered online and delivered to us by a local flower supplier. Thankfully, the days of getting up at the crack of dawn to go and buy flowers are long gone.

What festive flowers are your favourites?

Cut amaryllis and hyacinths say the festive season to me. If there are any left by the time I close at Christmas, that’s what my house is full of.

Floral Charm, 16 Galgate, Barnard Castle. T: 01833-631972

Floral Charm, Greenwell Road, Newton Aycliffe. T: 01325-312934

. (Floral Charm also has a sister shop in Greenwell Road, Newton Aycliffe, run by Denise Norman).