ERICA Tippett, owner of Bleujen Florist in Bude, and the Interflora team have been awarded a Gold medal for their eye catching floral design exhibit at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Entitled ‘Open Church’, the impressive floral installation stands at over five metres tall, reflecting the elegant architecture of a church’s exterior and interior.

Showcased in the Great Pavilion, the exhibit includes intricate floral church bells, glorious feature windows and suspended chandeliers.

For the first time in the last seven years that Interflora have exhibited its stunning installations, visitors at the show have been encouraged to walk through ‘Open Church’ to fully appreciate its impressive construction and elaborate design.

This year is the seventh year running that Interflora has been awarded a prestigious medal at the show, and testament to the wealth of talent within its florist network.

Kate Mollart, brand manager, said: “The success Erica and the team have achieved today demonstrates the passion and creativity of our expert florists. Each one of our florists has the unique blend of skills, creativity and attention to detail to creat the most amazing floral designs.

“We’re proud that so many award-winning florists choose to be part of the Interflora family.”

Bleujen Florist in Bude was established in 2008 by Erica Tippett, who has an ICSF Diploma of Floristry and an NDSF Master Diploma of Professional Floristry. Despite the small shop and team, Bleujen Florist is a highly successful business in Bude, producing some of the most beautiful bouquets of flowers in town.

Erica has been involved in the RHS Chelsea Flower Show for five years, and this year saw Erica contribute for a second time with Interflora’s exhibition, who she collaborates with often when working at her shop in Bude.

A select team of six or seven florists are chosen for the Interflora team, and are then responsible for creating a beautiful and elaborate exhibition for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Speaking of the exhibition and the award, Erica said: “It was very busy, everyone loved it and people could walk all the way through. Interflora has won mostly golds, with a couple of silver and bronze awards along the way.

“When you’re working on behalf of someone, you want the best outcome possible, so winning the gold award this year was a big relief.”