Women who grow
Madge and Ivy is more than just a brand; it is the custodian of a rich and enduring heritage. Every petal we nurture and every bouquet we craft is a tribute to the generations before us. We carry forward a legacy that has been lovingly preserved and passed down through the years. Our commitment to heritage is the cornerstone of our business, infusing each aspect with a deep sense of history and reverence for the traditions that define us.
A Family Legacy Rooted in Tradition
Our story begins with humble origins, where a passion for flowers and a commitment to quality were first planted. Over the years, this passion has blossomed into a flourishing family legacy, passed from grandmother to granddaughter with care and devotion. Our values — integrity, excellence, and a deep respect for the land — have remained unchanged, guiding us as we grow and evolve. Every stem we cut, and every arrangement we create reflects these core values, nurtured and honed over generations.
Celebrating the Unsung Heroes: Women Growers
An often overlooked chapter of our history is the significant contribution of women growers, who have shaped our brand and its identity. From my grandmothers, Madge and Ivy, to celebrated growers and arrangers like Constance Spry - these incredible women have inspired our drive with their resilience, ingenuity, and passion. Their stories are woven into the fabric of our business, and we take immense pride in honouring their legacy. From the fields to the design table, their influence is present in every aspect of what we do, inspiring us to continue their work with the same dedication and love for the craft.
Carrying the Legacy Forward
We are dedicated to preserving the traditions handed down to us while embracing innovation and creativity in our approach to floral design. Our journey involves honouring the past, cultivating the present, and sowing the seeds of a brighter future. We invite you to join us in celebrating this rich legacy. Whether you purchase a bouquet, book a workshop, or follow our story, you are participating in a tradition that values history, honours women growers, and cherishes the beauty of flowers. Together, we can continue to nurture this legacy, ensuring it flourishes for generations.
As a fellow woman grower, I'm excited to share some incredible women from British gardening history and across the world who have inspired me on this journey. Each has left a mark on botany, agriculture, or the environment—all of which is still visible in their gardens and work to this day. I hope their stories will inspire you, too.
Gertrude Jekyll – Gertrude’s garden designs, with their thoughtful colour schemes, plant groupings, and natural beauty used to carefully create pictures, make me want to blend art with gardening. She has taught me that a garden is not just about plants but about creating living, breathing beauty. No garden designer has had a more enduring influence on the British garden. Gertrude Jekyll’s home, Munstead Wood, is now under the care of the National Trust.
Norah Lindsay was a significant influence in the 1920s, during the years of hardship due to Britain's war. Norah developed the rich and romantic, sometimes regarded as messy, style of garden that encouraged self-seeding. Her gardening style was wonderfully realised at Sutton Courtenay, her home in the 1920s. Although considered poor, she had good connections and enjoyed a successful career as a ‘High Society’ garden designer. Hidcote in Oxfordshire is a fine example of her work today.
Further afield, Eliza Tibbets in the USA demonstrates how determination can bring about change and bringing the navel orange to California, kickstarting a citrus industry that changed the state. Her story reminds me that one small act of planting can have huge ripple effects.
Vandana Shiva in India is a fierce advocate for biodiversity and organic farming. Her work to protect native seeds against GMOs is a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving the earth’s natural gifts.
These women prove that growing isn’t just about planting seeds—it’s about cultivating ideas, values, and change. I hope their stories encourage you to dig deeper into the world of growing and make your mark on it too.