A Floral Story

A woman standing in front of a white door with a floral wreath that says 'Allison Hood Flower School,' with colorful flower arrangements on the ground and two signs on yellow brick walls nearby reading 'The Studio' and 'Allison Hood Flower School.'

Welcome to the Allison Hood Flower School. The school was established in 2023 as a place of excellence and a beacon of floral creativity. With over 30 years in the industry, Allison, an award winning professional florist, with extensive experience and expertise, is a highly respected florist and tutor.

The Allison Hood Flower School offers classes and workshops that cater to all levels of floral enthusiasts - from hand-tied bouquets to magnificent arrangements. Whether you’re looking to master the art of elegant floral design or simply want to explore your passion for flowers, the school provides a nurturing environment where creativity and skill flourish.

Join us and discover the art of floristry through the eyes of a true expert, and let your floral journey begin.

RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024

A tall, vertical floral arrangement featuring various colorful flowers placed on large pieces of bark against a dark gray wall.

At the Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show 2024, Allison was awarded an RHS Silver-Gilt Medal in the Floral Creation Category for her exhibit ‘Nature’s Spectrum’.

The award-winning piece was a sensational example of floral design: a three-tiered column of colour – a blaze of locally grown, seasonal flowers all sourced from a sustainable grower. The design was a homage to the balance of nature, its complex relationships, and the intertwining of these elements. Within each tier, a snap-shot of the current seasonal blooms was on show.

Allison talks about the winning piece to David Maxwell on BBC Gardeners’ Corner: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m001zlst?partner=uk.co.bbc&origin=share-mobile

A floral arrangement with a certificate of achievement for a floral creation, awarded at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024 to Allison Hood Flower School for Nature's Spectrum. The arrangement is a colorful display of various flowers in a wooden container.
Icon of a speaker with sound waves indicating audio or volume.
Crowd of people inside a greenhouse with floral displays and hanging flowers.

A Royal Bouquet

A woman with curly blonde hair wearing a light blue outfit speaking to three girls in school uniforms, one holding a bouquet, in front of a store with framed pictures and flowers

PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo

In March 2024, Her Royal Highness Queen Camilla visited Belfast to celebrate Northern Ireland's artisan and family producers. The Queen was presented with a posy from the owners of Arcadia.

A petite spring hand tied presentation posy was created by Allison Hood. It contained locally grown scented Narcissi ‘Bridal Crown’, ‘Avalanche’ and Apple mint (Hilltop Flowers) with Muscari, Forget-me-nots, Rosemary, Skimmia, White Heather, Hebe and the first unfurling leaves of pear from Allison’s cutting garden.

All the flowers were chosen carefully to reflect Her Majesty’s love of gardening and seasonal locally grown flowers. We were told on good authority that the posy was very well received and was carried on the plane by Her Majesty.

A hand holding a vibrant mixed flower bouquet with white, yellow, purple, and pink blossoms against a plain wall.

“From start to finish, Allison’s classes were thoroughly enjoyable. Her instruction was informative and helpful and the floral arrangement I made was beyond what I could have imagined.”

- J. Thompson Belfast