PREVIOUS EVE EDUCATES EVENT

Flower Arranging

They arrived with little more than a love of flowers, but left brimming with ideas, enthusiasm and know-how. 35 eve readers came together for the eve educates - Flower Arranging workshop at McQueens, in association with The National Lottery, and experienced a truly inspiring day...

Not even the wet weather could dampen the spirits of the 35 eve readers who gathered in east London for our second eve Educates workshop, in association with The National Lottery. Brimming with excitement, and relishing the chance to chat to other readers, they were abuzz with anticipation.

The surroundings certainly helped: the venue was the chic McQueens Flower School, where students learn to make the stunning bouquets and amazing floral arrangements for which McQueens has become famous.

The day began with a series of demonstrations by McQueens' flamboyant and engaging Ercole Moroni. As he talked about his approach to floral styling, offered tips, and told hilarious anecdotes, he put together floral arrangements that had the class gasping and applauding with delight.

From a few stems of gloriosa wound about the inside of a fishbowl vase, to an incredible display of arum lilies arching over five huge column vases, he conjured up one stunning arrangement after another. As Jane Naik, 37, a social worker, said, 'I could feel my heart beating faster as Ercole constructed the most beautiful bouquet of peonies - just fantastic.'

A happy bunch
After a delicious lunch, it was time for everyone to have a go at their own arrangements. And with guidance from Ercole and his team, everyone produced something to be really proud of. And so it was a jubilant band that set off to celebrate at lovely bar The Well in nearby St John Street, with a cool glass of bubbly.

So will they pursue their newfound passion? Absolutely. As marketing manager Jessamy Sheppard, 28, said, 'This has been a fabulous day that reminded me how important all our senses are, and how a simple flower can touch us deeply. I will definitely do it all again, so thank you, eve.'