Flower Power: Q&A with Flowers by Elaine

We sat down with Elaine, the owner of Flowers by Elaine, an independent florist based in Dorking. Just a ten-minute stroll from our Taylor Place community, Flowers by Elaine provided the beautiful flowers for our off plan launch of the new homes which took place at Denbies Wine Estate.

Elaine told us a little more about the business, why she loves being a florist and some of her top tips for things to do in Dorking.

How long has Flowers by Elaine been in business and can you tell us a bit more about the business?

We’re a family run business, which was established over 42 years ago, serving the public in our Dorking High Street shop. We specialise in weddings, functions, corporate events and sympathy tributes. We really take pride in providing excellent customer service and fresh, quality flowers. We deliver locally, nationally, and internationally.

Congratulation on your recent award nomination, could you tell us a bit more about that?

Thank you! We’ve been nominated for Retail Florist Shop of the Year at the 2020 British Florist Association Industry Awards. The voting has just closed, and we’re awaiting to see if we’ve made the final, fingers crossed!

What is your favourite thing about being a florist?

By far the best thing about being a florist is the customers’ enjoyment. Seeing them receive the bouquet always fills us with joy. Especially through the recent situation with COVID-19, providing wedding flowers for the brides that have had to downsize their wedding. It is lovely to see the smile on their faces as we deliver their bouquets.

We loved the flowers you provided for our off-plan launch. How did you decide which flowers to use?

For the off plan launch at Denbies Wine Estate we decided to stick to a neutral colour palette. We thought that this would best compliment the surrounding beauty of the Estate. With a range of people in attendance, we thought that having a neutral palette would suit all tastes.

What are your favourite events to put together arrangements for?

Weddings are always such joyous occasions and we find that there are so many different styles and themes that brides like today, from more contemporary displays to bright and colourful ones. It means that every wedding is unique, especially working with seasonal flowers. We also really enjoy corporate events, these occasions allow us to be creative and use some really interesting blooms.

What do you like most about living and working in the area?

Dorking is such a fantastic market town with lots of history, everyone is really friendly and there is a great community atmosphere. There are lots of independent shops, which really helps the community to thrive and attract visitors to the area. I especially love the surrounding countryside, it’s very beautiful and peaceful - with its historic background there are lots of places to visit.

What are your top-tips for people visiting the area?

Denbies vineyard is one of our favourite places; you can go for a ride on a train or walk through the vines, then go back for good food and of course great wine to complete your visit.  There are a number of great eateries in Dorking, such as Sorell, which has a Michelin Star. The White Horse Hotel in the heart of the town has a great menu and lots of history too where you can eat in or take out fish and chips. I’d also recommend a walk in the country – you really can’t go wrong with either Box Hill, Leith Hill or Ranmore. The Dorking caves are another not to miss – you’ll need to book for this though.

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If you’re looking to move to an area with a fantastic array of independent shops and boutiques, with the Surrey countryside on your doorstep, then look no further than our Taylor Place community - a stylish collection of 22 one and two-bedroom apartments. Call our sales team on 01306 230 010 or emails us at [email protected] to arrange a viewing.