These days we tend to be savvy about buying seasonally when it comes to groceries, but flowers? Not so much. Which is why I love Willow & Blooms in Newbury. This chic indie florist only uses the freshest seasonal flowers and plants that have been carefully selected from their local suppliers. so you know you’re getting the very best. No chance of these beauties wilting within minutes of getting them home.

The first thing you notice about this florist is that it’s powered by creativity. From the window and shop displays to the floral masterpieces being created for bouquets, weddings, funerals and corporate clients, this Bartholomew Street shop is buzzing.  Owner Helen has 15 years’ experience and leads a team of talented florists at Willow & Blooms who get excited by the daily deliveries, love a good local forage for flora and fauna and providing first class service to all their customers.

I often find high street florists’ work a bit samey, stiff or old-fashioned, but these are something different. They do standard bouquets, wedding flowers and cool gift ideas, such as a bouquet a month, fortnight or week for a year (take note, Mr Muddy), with delivery around Newbury and Thatcham. Blooming marvellous.