My Story with Flowers
I’m Jo Hammonds, lead florist and the vision that directs Magnificent Bouquets, from my flower studio based on Rosemead Drive, just off London Rd (B582) in Oadby.
I’ve been a professional florist since 1999, but really my passion for flowers started years earlier when my anosmic grandfather couldn’t smell the roses.
He lost his sense of smell due to a childhood bout of smallpox. My earliest memories are from when he would hold my hand, to walk with me round his exquisite rose garden, encouraging me to bury my nose in the most colourful blooms, saying ‘Smell this one! Can you describe the scent? Does it smell as beautiful as it looks?’
To this day I remember those roses, the vivid colours, the glorious smells. He always smiled at my replies. It was the start of my magical journey with flowers.
Art Meets Flowers
I've always been arty, I studied design & textiles, then worked as a freelance designer, until hearing an advert for a floristry course led me to work with flowers. I’m eternally grateful to the inspiring college tutors who encouraged me to blossom as a classically trained and yet contemporary florist.
During my course I spent an enchanted week on placement at the legendary Jane Packer London store, who at that time was considered the best florist in the world. Her serene shop fascinated me, with its manically bustling workshop beneath and the elegantly styled arrangements took my breath away. That’s when I knew I wanted to create striking, original floral designs.
I have subsequently added to my floral skillset & knowledge through extensive travel throughout Europe, America, Australia and Asia.
I LOVE my work with flowers!
Every bit of it! From meeting people, discussing ideas, creating designs that bring dreams to life, seeing venues and getting excited!
Following a visit to Royal Flora Holland, I now buy flowers directly from the growers in Holland as well as from our local wholesale which gives me a huge variety of flowers to work with, leading to amazing creativity with flowers.
Always conscious of our environment, I am exploring locally grown flowers with a view to improving my carbon footprint & sustainability. I have already embraced eco packaging and eliminated plastics wherever I can in designs.
I really look forward to serving the people of Oadby and Wigston and South Leicester with flowers and seeing your lovely smiles.