As I stepped into the heart of Monton Village, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and excitement. The historic Monton Unitarian Church, a proud symbol of our community since 1875, stood before me, its late 19th-century stained glass windows gleaming in the winter light. These windows, celebrating not only biblical figures but also great minds like Plato, Socrates, and Shakespeare, are a testament to our rich heritage.
This year, I had the pleasure of collaborating with Emma from The Blue Bell and Marie Hargraves to decorate the church lychgate for our Christmas Tree Festival. Our goal? To raise funds to preserve those cherished stained glass windows and support local initiatives. But more importantly, we wanted to bring this community together. As BFF (Bredefleur Friend), I'm double honored to do this.
Decorating With Lilies to Raise Funds for the Churches' Stained Glass Windows
The evening was nothing short of magical. A brass band filled the air with festive tunes, Santa made a jolly appearance, and local vendors showcased their wares at the market. The family-friendly fun fair added an extra touch of excitement to the atmosphere.
When it came to selecting florals for the event, I knew I wanted something that would complement both the church's artistry and its ethos of community care and sustainability. That's why I partnered with lilies by Bredefleur. Their commitment to craftsmanship, passion, and environmental stewardship aligned perfectly with my belief that "it's all our blooming responsibility to be bee-friendly and bee-kind.
Bredefleur's sustainable practices are truly impressive. Their energy-efficient greenhouses, powered by four thousand solar panels, even supply surplus energy back to local communities in the Netherlands. They use 100% rainwater in a closed-loop system and rely on wild insects for natural pest control. It's this kind of forward-thinking approach that resonates deeply with our community.
Inspired by The Blue Bell Pub's brand colors of green and gold, I designed a floral installation that truly brought our local community together. With permission, we sourced foliage from neighborhood gardens, creating a design that captured the spirit of Christmas and allowed locals to spot their contributions with pride. Bredefleur provided stunning white Zambesi Supra lilies and soft orange Menton lilies that shone like stars on a winter night.
These lilies, symbolizing joy, friendship, and gratitude, were the perfect finishing touch to our celebration of unity and community pride. On the iron gates, we created a lush, blooming meadow that seemed to grow naturally from the bottom, weaving its way up with graceful abandon. Soft green foliage and trailing vines intertwined with vibrant lines, giving a sense of movement and wild beauty. This meadow-inspired design added a warm, organic touch to the historic setting, inviting visitors to pause and admire the blend of natural artistry with our heritage structure.
Lilies Give That Extra Touch to Design
At the entrance, we crafted grand columns of lush foliage and beautiful lilies, creating a striking pathway that welcomed guests with warmth. The columns featured layers of rich, textured greenery, bringing depth and fullness to the design, while Bredefleur's radiant lilies waited to open like stars, allowing our community to watch the design transition over time. As the Monton Jingle Mingle unfolded, our floral installation became a beautiful centerpiece of this cherished community gathering. Bredefleur's radiant lilies glowed like stars against the evening sky, bringing sunshine to the cold and embodying the spirit of joy, friendship, and gratitude. This celebration of unity was a testament to the power of our community and shared stewardship. As I watched families and friends come together, enjoying the festivities and admiring the floral displays, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride in our little village.
I am so happy that Marie from Monton Jingle Mingle also liked the result of our work, especially when she said about me:
"Jacqui O isn't just a florist but a sustainable warrior, spreading awareness about local and seasonal alternatives, and Bredefleur lilies are sustainably grown. She's talented, inherently joyful, and an embodiment of inspiration, bringing about a change in her community through her actions and words. She's not just appreciated but deeply revered for her contribution and the positive ripple effect it creates."
The Monton Jingle Mingle wasn't just an event; it was a beautiful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together, celebrate our heritage, and look toward a sustainable future. For those who missed this magical evening, you can relive the moments through the stunning photographs captured by our talented local photographer. Visit Every Body Perfect to see the floral display in all its glory. Here's to many more years of community spirit, sustainable practices, and beautiful blooms in Monton!
Love,
Jacqui O
