In 2016, Graeme Corbett started Bloom and Burn at the kitchen table of an apartment in Archway, North London. After five years of designing flowers for weddings, parties, product launches, and music videos in the city, the floral designer and his partner moved to a new studio in the Kent countryside. Many don't know how his passion and love for flowers started and were rooted during the pandemic. Join this week's florist special to learn about Bloom and Burn and what keeps it flaming and alive!
The Story Behind Bloom and Burn by Graeme Corbett - From London to the Kent Countryside
Bloom and Burn is a floral studio based in Kent, led by Graeme Corbett, a former television producer turned florist. His path to floristry began after spending over a decade working behind the scenes on shows like The Voice and Celebrity Big Brother. While TV offered excitement, it left him searching for a creative outlet that felt more personal and fulfilling.
In 2016, Graeme took a leap of faith. He attended a short course in floristry at The Judith Blacklock Flower School in Knightsbridge and discovered a passion for working with flowers. Shortly after, he launched Bloom and Burn, initially running the business out of his home studio in North London.
What began as a small operation focused on naturally styled arrangements has since grown into something much larger. In search of space and a deeper connection to his materials, Graeme moved his studio to Kent. This shift became about building a lifestyle and a business centered around a hands-on, thoughtful approach to floral design.
The relocation allowed him, at the same time, to create a cutting garden where he could grow his own flowers. This step reduced dependency on external suppliers and ensured he had access to flowers that aligned with his vision and were British-grown florals as well, something that was very important for him. The cutting garden has become a key part of Bloom and Burn, supplying unique flowers for both arrangements and workshops.
Workshops That Emphasize Connection and Love for Flowers
At a moment in his career and business, Graeme wanted flower lovers to come and study with him and see his work. He nowadays offers one-on-one classes, weekend classes in his lovely Kent studio, and larger workshops in various locations – both locally and abroad. Graeme’s classes are a creative escape, where participants can connect with others who share a love for flowers.
He has hosted classes in the U.S., Mexico, and all over the UK and Ireland, and is looking forward to doing more of this in the future. Corbett is more than willing to travel to host a demo or workshop class wherever you are in the world and is incredibly passionate about nurturing new talent coming into the industry with a focus on creating sustainable businesses, both financially and for the environment
Bloom and Burn is about sharing knowledge and creating, creating, creating! From beginners to experienced florists, the sessions he imparts focus on practical skills like sustainable flower arranging and working with seasonally available materials. Rather than following rigid formulas, the workshops encourage creativity and working with what’s at hand—a philosophy that reflects his approach to floral design.
The Power of Flowers and Leaning Towards a Sustainable Business
One of the standout aspects of Bloom and Burn is its focus on sustainability. Graeme is part of a growing movement in the floral industry that prioritizes environmentally responsible practices. This includes avoiding floral foam, using compostable materials, and minimizing waste wherever possible. For him, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a way of operating that respects both the environment and the art of floristry.
At the same time, all the floral designs are rooted in what is love and appreciation for nature. Graeme works with flowers in their natural form, letting their shapes and stages of bloom guide the arrangement process. His style goes along with characteristics of imperfection, highlighting the beauty of flowers as they are, rather than forcing them into overly polished shapes.
A Future That Looks Bright and Blooming
With previous clients that include Jamie Oliver, Penguin Books, Space NK, and National Geographic, the floral designer's work has been featured on the cover of Elle Decoration and in the book, Together by Jamie Oliver.
His company continues to evolve, with Graeme balancing the day-to-day demands of running a studio with his passion for teaching and creating. The studio’s focus on simplicity, authenticity, and sustainability has resonated with clients and workshop participants alike.
To be part of his workshops and get inspired, visit Bloom and Burn's Instagram account.
Photos by @bloomandburn.
