This September marked the return of the Strawberry Hill House Flower Festival for its sixth consecutive year, uniting the design creativity of renowned floral designers and passionate flower growers. Set against the stunning backdrop of the historic Gothic castle, built in 1747 along the banks of the River Thames, the festival once again captivated visitors with its vibrant displays.

Strawberry Hill House, once home to Horace Walpole—an influential figure in 18th-century society, literature, art, and architecture—offers a unique charm that complements the festival's mission. The house and its enchanting five-acre garden, filled with mixed borders, tree groves, and winding paths, create a picturesque setting for this celebration of flowers. Late summer sunshine illuminated the expansive lawn, open terrace, and meadows, enhancing the festival's beauty.

Nestled within the suburbs of Twickenham, Strawberry Hill House is a true "hidden gem," easily accessible on foot, by train, or by road. Its opulent beauty is the perfect backdrop for the invited florists and growers, who come to share their artistry, expertise, and commitment to sustainable floral design.

This year, distinguished curators Leigh Chappell and Janne Ford, Char Johnson, Sarah Lindsey and Lillian Highmoor—now the modern-day "Committee of Taste"—set a creative theme of "Nature Unbound." This theme highlighted the very best of British-grown, sustainable floristry, encouraging visitors to appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship behind each arrangement.

Each room of the house and corner of the garden was thoughtfully curated to showcase the incredible beauty, variety, and versatility of fresh and dried flowers and foliage cultivated by British flower growers. From stunning installations to intricate arrangements, the festival offered a feast for the senses, inviting guests to immerse themselves in the artistry of floral design. There were so many incredible installations, all of which Janne Ford captured so beautifully. A few favourite images are shown below.

As you arrived at Strawberry Hill, you were greeted by an elegant meadow raised on the horseshoe drive. This welcoming spectacular was created by @henkroling, who elevated beauty using bamboo stakes and local wild flowers. Beautiful fabric billowed amongst the trees in the copse, enticing you to explore mystical forms and shapes created by Rachel from @themirrowandveil.

You were invited into an immersive floral experience in the Great Parlour, beautifully crafted by Joanne @joannetrubyfloraldesign and Leanne from @wildstonefloral. As you entered, you were welcomed into a world of colour and texture and you were encouraged to gaze upon ‘Natures Kaleidoscope’ which invited a fresh view of natures seasonal beauty. A thoughtfully designed seat, lovingly built by Leanne’s father, encouraged you to pause, reflect and fully engage with this beautiful installation.

Inside the long Gallery, the five historical windows were adorned with beautiful installations. A favourite was the ‘Unbound Wave’ by @Vanessa_jayne_design, which was inspired by her coastal home in Southsea.

Gilly and Fi from @hortuspoeticus invited you to an extravagant candlelit dinner party in the Great North Bedchamber from a bygone era. Dinner guests obsessed with the beauty, intricacy and opportunities for learning derived from the natural world gathered around a vast table for a feast of delights.

Inspired by Constance Spry, who said, “Be open to every form of beauty, be it a buttercup or a prize rose’ Kara @floral_odyssey created a powerful yet delicate installation using hundreds of dried buttercups cascading and spilling gracefully from the huge gothic fireplace—the Library.

An ephemeral, installation created from flowering nasturtiums by Olivia @_wetherly_ in The Plaid Bedchamber was truly a sight to behold. Its fleeting beauty captured the essence of natures impermanence, inviting visitors to appreciate every vibrant, twisted, trailing detail

‘The Forgotten Plot’, my installation at Strawberry Hill this year, created a once meticulously tended allotment garden where the landscape has now transformed into a wild tapestry of nature, reclaiming its space. Overgrown and unruly, the neat rows of flowers were now obscured by climbing plants whilst a broken archway and discarded tools rust away, remnants of past cultivation efforts.

As the summer annuals fade, the perennial plants emerge, showcasing a vibrant array of autumnal colours and textures. Clusters of Dahlias, Sunflowers, Amaranths, and Sedums bring life to the plot, contrasting hues and forms and creating a striking visual feast. Rustic vessels filled with pumpkins, herbs, and nasturtiums charm a small mobile greenhouse, providing shelter for tender potted plants and seedlings.

Despite its neglect, the small allotment garden remains abundant and beautiful, offering a final flourish before winter sets in. An old bench invites visitors to pause and reflect, a perfect spot for contemplation before the promise of next year’s growing season begins. In this forgotten plot, nature reminds us that life can thrive, even in abandonment.

As the festival unfolded during the sunshine-filled late summer weekend, it is clear that Strawberry Hill continues to be a beacon of creativity and sustainability in the floral world. It celebrates the rich heritage of British floristry while inspiring a new generation of flower enthusiasts. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a casual admirer of flowers, the Strawberry Hill House Flower Festival promises a delightful experience that showcases the best of nature’s bounty.

Watch out for the dates of the 2025 festival for another unforgettable celebration of floral artistry!