A local florist from Kilkenny has proved he’s the best of the bunch after winning the regional heats of a national floristry competition. Vinny Yeates, who has been creating and delivering Interflora flowers in Ireland for more than a decade from his Flowers By Lucy shop on the Kilkenny High Street, took part in the regional heats for the Interflora Florist of the Year competition in Dublin.
During the competition Vinny had to create a naturally-inspired bridal design, a small floral tree and a surprise item- a wedding table centrepiece- which was briefed on the day. Vinny was able to complete one of the items, the bridal design, in advance of the competition but had to construct the other two designs within a set time limit, under the judges’ eyes.
Two of Vinny’s designs scored the highest marks from the panel of Judges, which included members of the UK Floristry Judges Guild, and he will now go on to compete at the grand final to be held at RHS Flower Show Tatton Park next year.
Talking about the event Vinny said: “I was really pleased with my floral tree design. To create it I dug up a tree, sprayed it with liquid rubber, then peeled off the rubber when it had dried and filled it with plaster. I then decorated it with floral material including white orchids and hypericum berries. It looked incredibly lifelike and I think this is what impressed the judges.”
“I am looking forward to competing in the grand finale event next year and my ambition is to go on to represent Interflora at the Europa Cup which would be a huge achievement.”
The Interflora Florist of the Year competition is held every two years and gives florists the opportunity to continually develop their exceptional floristry skills and creativity; allowing them to stay one step ahead in the industry.
