About the Tablescape
This tablescape explores spring as a moment of transition; the point in the season when the garden is poised to burst into full growth. Created for the RHS Malvern Spring Festival, the design reflects the cusp of spring, when plants, bulbs and flowers are emerging with energy, promise and anticipation, but before the garden reaches peak abundance.
Inspired by the brief A Feast of Flowers, the table becomes a place where living plants, bulbs and cut flowers coexist, allowing floristry to take centre stage.
Planted material represents continuity and future growth, while freshly cut flowers capture the fleeting beauty of the present moment. Together, they create a calm yet dynamic composition that reflects spring in motion rather than at its height.
Flowers appear to grow through and around the table, with height built at the back and lowering gradually towards the front rather than being placed formally on top of it, creating depth and movement within the shed setting. Flowers and plant material spill and cascade gently from the tabletop, reinforcing a sense of natural growth and connection to the garden beyond.
A soft spring palette of greens, pinks, yellows and powdery blues reflects the natural colours found along woodland edges and garden borders.
Tableware and props are minimal and purposeful, ensuring they support the narrative without distracting from the floristry.
Plant material is intentionally chosen at different stages of development, from emerging buds and unfurling foliage to flowers in full bloom. Rather than presenting a finished banquet, this tablescape captures a moment of gathering at the threshold of the season, celebrating anticipation, growth and the joy of bringing flowers to the table just before the garden fully unfolds.
The overall intention is to create an intimate, immersive experience, inviting diners to feel as though they are seated within the garden itself, held in a moment of pause and reflection.
Inspiration
The design is inspired by the excitement and anticipation the designer experienced last spring while discovering her new garden, waiting to see what plants would emerge and how the space would slowly reveal itself.
Drawing on this sense of observation and expectation, the tablescape reflects early May as a time of emergence rather than completion.
Living plants, bulbs and cut flowers are combined so the table feels rooted in the garden itself.
Planted material represents continuity and future growth, while freshly cut flowers capture the fleeting beauty of the present moment.
Sustainability
Materials are selected with sustainability and longevity in mind.
British and locally grown, seasonal flowers have been prioritised. They form an integral part of the design and lasting part of the design beyond the Festival. Plant material will be prioritised from British growers and nurseries, reducing transport impact and supporting seasonal, responsible sourcing.
The design uses foam-free, reusable mechanics throughout, including chicken wire, kenzan pin holders and natural binding materials.
About the Designer
Ashley is a Birmingham-based wedding and event florist and the founder of Ash Tree Floral Designs. I came to floristry as a career change, having previously worked as a visual merchandiser for a fashion brand.
Her background in visual storytelling, composition and spatial design continues to influence her floral work today. Her interest in floristry deepened while planning her own wedding. Working closely with her wedding florist sparked a fascination with the mechanics, seasonality and creative possibilities of flowers, which led her to pursue formal floristry qualifications and retrain professionally. Ashley has now worked in floristry for over seven years, specialising in bold, seasonal and sustainably designed wedding flowers and large-scale installations. Alongside her wedding work, she teaches adult learners, which continually strengthens my understanding of design principles and sustainable practice.
Ashley is particularly passionate about working with British-grown flowers, seasonality and creating foam-free designs that feel expressive, abundant and unique
