A Royal Encounter and Golden Triumph: My Chelsea Flower Show Adventures

Hey, I'm Victoria Richards, and I’d love to share with you some of the most magical and unforgettable moments from my journey as a florist, particularly the times my twin sister Jessica and I won gold medals at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2012 and 2013.

Meeting Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was an absolute privilege. As she gracefully walked among the floral displays, her presence exuded elegance and grace. When she approached me, her warm smile instantly put me at ease. It was a surreal moment, and I'll never forget the feeling of standing in her presence.

Interacting with Her Majesty was an experience I will cherish forever. Despite her regal stature, she was down-to-earth and genuinely interested in the displays. Her passion for horticulture was evident as she asked about the intricacies of our designs and shared anecdotes about her own love for gardening.

Being in the company of such an iconic figure left a lasting impression on me. It was a reminder of the rich history and traditions of our country, and I felt a deep sense of pride knowing that I had the opportunity to meet our beloved monarch in such a special setting.

As I reflect on that momentous encounter, I am filled with gratitude for the unique experiences that floristry has brought into my life. Meeting Queen Elizabeth II was undoubtedly a highlight of my career, and it reinforced my love for the art of floral design.

Back in 2012, when I first competed, I had no idea what lay ahead. Meeting so many celebrities and Royalty was beyond surreal. Imagine this: I was in the David Austin Rose Garden, trying to sneak a picture of Prince Charles and Camilla, when suddenly, Camilla spoke to me! Without thinking, I responded in my thick Black Country accent. Camilla was so polite and friendly, and we had a quick chat, both of us admiring the gorgeous roses. Little did I know that I was chatting with the future King and Queen so casually! Wish I could find the pictures to look back on!

Competing at Chelsea wasn’t just about the flowers; it was about the people. I made so many lifelong friends and would absolutely encourage any young aspiring florist to dive into competition work. And let me tell you about the time I unknowingly bumped into Michael Caine. My then-boyfriend had to nudge me and point him out. I had no clue who he was, much to his wife’s amusement!

Each year, the sun has blessed us with its shine, making our experiences even more magical. Although, I must admit, there were moments I thought my hair would fall out from all the preparation stress and nerves. My first design was a chandelier constructed around a Perspex frame wrapped with cotton and wool. I made sure to recycle old cardboard for the base structure. Handcrafted chains held various gorgeous orchids and tiny test tubes of water with my favourite vines.

In 2013, the stakes were higher as both Jessica and I competed. Working in the same studio with the same brief was a massive challenge. We were desperate to create designs that were distinct from each other. My design that year featured a simple structure of paper and cotton-covered wires, which I painstakingly hand-made and welded to a circular tube. For the centenary theme of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, I folded books to read "centenary" around the center, incorporating recycled elements and crafting flowers from origami. I then added gold-toned flowers in a monochromatic palette.

Jessica, on the other hand, went for deep pink and purple tones. She created carefully designed Perspex appliqué shapes framed by intricate wirework, all handmade. Her design featured stunning orchids and roses in test tubes. Transporting our designs to London was a total nightmare, but they made the journey safely.

Standing there, seeing our creations on display, and then hearing we were the first twins to win gold at this prestigious show—it was a dream come true. These are memories we will cherish forever. If you’re a budding florist, don’t hesitate to take the plunge into competitions. The experience is worth every bit of stress and effort.

So, to all the aspiring florists out there, dream big and embrace every opportunity that comes your way. You never know where your passion for flowers may lead you!

Thanks for joining me on this floral adventure. Here’s to more magical moments in the world of flowers! 🌸✨