Moreton Morrell lecturer wins top floral competition

Laura Leong, a higher education floristry lecturer, achieved the top spot after beating off tough competition from four of the UK’s top florists at the RHS Hampton Court Flower Show on 3 July. She will now represent the UK in the Interflora world cup 2019, which takes place in Philadelphia, USA next spring. 

Laura won the prestigious title by creating three floral items inspired by the theme ‘Summer Garden Party’ in a tense grand final. She impressed the judges by creating elaborate flower designs including a parasol, table decoration and a picnic basket. They praised her exquisite workmanship, eye for detail and choice of colour palette.

The Interflora Florist of the Year competition is a well known industry event which gives floral designers the opportunity to showcase their skills in front of a live audience. The competition, which is seen as the pinnacle of achievement in the industry, includes regional heats and months of planning.

Commenting on her victory, Laura, who also works as a professional florist said:

“I am delighted to have won. I feel very proud of what I have achieved and really excited for the next challenge! It is a tremendous honour to represent the UK at the World Cup next year in Philadelphia, floristry has been a lifelong passion, so this is a dream come true.”

During her 30 year career, Laura has travelled across the world successfully representing the UK in numerous competitions. She has also won the RHS Chelsea Flower Show Florist of the Year twice.

Addressing her teaching role in the horticulture department at Moreton Morrell College, she said: “Mentoring the next generation of florists and competitors is something that I am really passionate about.”

Jane Benefield, floristry course manager, Moreton Morrell College said:

“It is a pleasure to work alongside Laura in the delivery of the Master Diploma in Professional Floristry in our award-winning Floristry department. I am thrilled that she has won a place to represent the UK at the world cup and excited to see the designs she develops for the final.”

WCG is one of the largest general further and higher education college groups in the UK, providing high quality education and training for individuals and organisations at a local, regional, national and international level.

The group has seven colleges – Royal Leamington Spa, Rugby, Moreton Morrell, Pershore, Evesham, Malvern Hills and Warwick Trident, with over 17,000 students and more than 1000 courses.

WCG works in partnership with a large number of local and national employers across industry and is the largest college provider of apprenticeship training in the region, with over 2,000 apprentices trained every year.

Moreton Morrell College offers floristry courses at a range of levels. For more information call 0300 456 0047.