Flowers with flourish: new talent blossoms in Dunshaughlin

A Dunshaughlin florist has come within shouting distance of the pinnacle of floral success by coming second overall in the Interflora Florist of the Year competition at Tatton Park in England. Jenny Murphy of Flowers by Moira took part in the grand final of the Interflora contest after two years of gruelling regional heats. The finals were held in the British Florist Association marquee at the Royal Horticultural Society Tatton Park Flower Show last weekend. Since November 2009, Jenny has competed in four sets of thrilling regional heats to demonstrate her skills within a wedding theme. The bridal pieces created included an elaborate table design, body adornment, bridal design and a stunning fascinator for the mother of the bride. Twenty-two of the highest scoring finalists from across the UK and Ireland qualified for the grand finals. They represented a combination of some of the best established names in the industry and exciting new talent emerging to make their name. The competitions culminated in a series of four designs presented by each competitor. Some creations were executed before the show and others under timed conditions in front of visitors at the show itself. Jenny Murphy is one of just 18 florists in Ireland to hold the Wally Klett Wedding Diploma. She is a German master florist internationally known for her meticulous styled designs and high standards. On the International garden show circuit, it's been a good year for Ireland. A gold at Chelsea and Hampton Court for Irish designers and now last weekend Jenny Murphy making her mark.