Allison - 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.'

With over 30 years in the industry, Allison is an award winning professional florist. With extensive experience and expertise, she is a much sought after professional as can be seen in the articles below.

“Join me at the Allison Hood Flower School. Discover the art of floristry and let your floral journey begin”.

Allison wins ‘Best Use of Colour’ at Bloom 2025

A mannequin head with closed eyes, wearing a light green garment and an elaborate headpiece made of various colorful flowers and plants.

As far as floral competitions go this was “A Master Class in Colour”. Allison won Best Use of Colour at the Institute of Flowers ‘Wearable Floristry Competition’, Bord Bia ‘Bloom’ June 2025.

Selected by colour psychologist and expert Adele Roche, Allison’s design was a vibrant, joyful celebration of nature’s palette. It spoke volumes without needing to shout—blending warmth, coolness, energy and softness into a perfectly balanced composition. You can read more at: https://www.instituteofflowers.com/blog/a-masterclass-in-colour-allison-hood-wins-best-use-of-colour-at-bloom-2025

Silver-Gilt at 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.
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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

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.

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

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.

PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo (above)