Hydrangeas will be used to decorate Westminster Abbey
The ephemeral nature of weddings makes them wasteful by design.
The cost of putting on royal wedding is staggering. But imagine the mountain of rubbish that will be left behind. An estimated 140 tons will have to be cleaned off the streets after thousands descend on London for the big day. Clearly cognizant of their image, the royal couple has made several eco-friendly choices at their wedding– from the flowers to the wood used to build the media viewing area.
1500 guests received invitations printed on recycled paper and will be served sustainably sourced food and drinks. The florist was chosen partly because of his sustainable approach to floristry. Known for his use of live plants and trees, Irish floral designer Shane Connolly is partly responsible for the tone of the wedding.
Included in Connolly’s challenges was bringing the outdoors inside of Westminster Abbey, by temporarily installing 8 trees in the church. Trees in church! As a landscape designer, my crew moves big trees around as a matter of course, but florists? Yes, it’s all part of the job to create a natural look for the ceremony.
Symbolic trees some reaching up to 20 feet high
The aisle leading to the altar will be adorned with an avenue of trees, including six English Field Maples and two Hornbeams. Field Maples signify reserve and humility and Hornbeams represent resilience, mirroring the makings of a successful union. Strawberry plants will be interplanted among the trees.
Kate Middleton, a country girl at heart has requested seasonal flowers
The bride specified neutral colored flowers.Azaleas, rhododendron, euphorbias, beech, wisteria and lilacs will be gathered from the Queen’s land. The selection may overlap with Prince Charles and Diana’s flowers which included gardenia, golden Earl Mountbatten roses, and white orchids backed by miniature ivy and tradescantia. Kate’s bouquet will feature myrtle, the “herb of love,” carried by every royal bride since Queen Victoria.
“Herb of love”
Lacecap Hydrangea in subtle tones
Over 170 years ago, Queen Victoria planted the shrub myrtle, sometimes called the “herb of love,” in her garden after her wedding to Prince Albert. Ever since then, royal brides have ‘borrowed’ a sprig from the same shrub for their big day.
Catch a glimpse
If you are able to hop over to England next week, you can catch a glimpse of the royal wedding flowers which will be on display at Westminster Abbey until May 6th.
Green wedding flower tip
- Use seasonal flowers that don’t have to be shipped from afar or organic flowers.
Too see more…
Great article! I didn’t know about the Herb of Love story. Up North, I had lots of roses and I loved my “Peace” rose and the story about it being smuggled to America during World War II. It really makes you appreciate what you have in your yard when there is a great story behind it. I love all the unique flowers you post on Facebook, too. One of these days, I want to start working on be a Nymph.
GREAT article.