Martha's Kitchen

Florists in Hull, florists in Nottingham and florists in Yorkshire and the surrounding areas enjoyed one of Interflora’s greatest creations this summer as they brought a gold medal winning exhibit from the RHS Chelsea Flower Show to a care home in Leeds.
The exhibit, which was named ‘A Sense of Perspective’ because viewers could see something different from every angle, presented innovative designs in the forms of nine doorways and was created by David Denyer. It won the gold medal at this year’s show in Chelsea and one of the doorways subsequently went on to be the prize for a competition.

The Headingley Hall Care Home in north Leeds won the competition and has since had the design installed inside the care home itself. The care home didn’t just get the same old recycled display, though, because its original creator redesigned the whole display in flowers in the colours of the winner’s choice.

The competition received interest from BBC Radio Leeds and cameramen from Interflora covered the installation.

BBC Radio Leeds interviewed the designer and he said: “It’s been a few weeks since Chelsea, so it’s quite fun to see it all again.

Speaking of the residents, who watched on with delight, he added: “They’re hoping to pick up some tips.”

Mr Denyer wanted to freshen up the design to help it fit in comfortably in its new home. Using his floral expertise and the best flowers Derby, Leeds and the whole of Yorkshire had to offer, he redesigned the entire work, adding a whole series of new flowers in the process.

“The idea is to merge all of Chelsea in one doorway using reds, oranges, pinks and purples. I’ve used hydrangeas, alliums, gerberas and some unusual anthuriums. It should last nicely, for at least a week.”

The winner of the competition, Kath Johnstone, who works at the care home, also talked with the radio station: “I thought it would be really lovely to share it with all the residents. It’s such a unique prize; we’re just thrilled for everybody here.

“We’ve been counting down the days until David could come to put the exhibition up. It’s a little bit of Chelsea coming to Headingly Hall.

“I go to a lot of flower shows and I love Interflora and their flowers, so I was tracking David to see if he’d won the gold at Chelsea. I then saw the competition to win a doorway and entered.”