AN Abergavenny florist is hoping to arrange a prestigious title win as a finalist in the 2018 Interflora Florist of the Year Competition on Tuesday, July 3rd at the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show in Surrey.

Charlotte Davies, of Hilary’s Floral Design, started in floristry after graduating from art college and has been working at the family business ever since.

She has competed in the RHS Chelsea Flower Show six times claiming two Gold medals, one silver-gilt, one silver and one bronze.

She said, ‘Ever since I entered my first competition I have loved the thrill and excitement. I really relish the opportunity to design and create things that I wouldn’t usually get to do.’

Finalists will complete four items for the final, all within the theme ‘A Summer Garden Party.’ They will be allowed to make one of the pieces, a floral picnic basket, in advance of the competition.

They will construct two of the other creations, a garden parasol and table arrangement, within a set time limit and in front of an audience of show visitors.

The final item is a surprise brief and the finalists will have an hour to interpret the surprise item brief, review the flowers, materials and tools available, and complete their designs.