Naturally Talented

We speak to two of Ireland’s most talented florists, both of whom are inspired by the beauty of Ireland’s great outdoors.

Mark Grehan

The Garden, Powerscourt Townhouse, Dublin the garden.ie Follow @shopthegarden

Q. TELL US ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND

Growing up amongst the stunning connemara landscape combined with my first job in a garden centre led me to study horticulture. When I had finished my studies I got a job as a visual plant merchandiser in a garden centre and from here I went on to specialise in landscape design. I ran my own award-winning landscape design company and went into freelance creative floristry in 2003 before opening The garden in Powerscourt Townhouse, Dublin in October 2010.

Q. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE?

My style is quite natural and derived from the landscape. I definitely don’t do ‘pretty’ flowers. even if it’s a bouquet filled with pretty pink flowers, there’s masculinity to my design. I also prefer looser arrangements, a style that’s very popular in America and becoming increasingly popular here too due to the influence of Pinterest. However, that said everyone has their own personal taste and I will happily craft a bouquet to a customer’s personal taste and what suits their home décor.

Q. WHERE DO YOU LOOK TO FOR INSPIRATION?

I always look to the landscape around me for inspiration. from the rugged connemara countryside to the beaches of Kerry and the untouched beauty of the Aran Islands, as well as the foreign landscapes of Mallorca and Greece; they all inspire my work. In particular, I’m drawn to hedgerows; I love to see flowers and plants in their natural environment and try to replicate this natural beauty through my own work.

Q. FOR YOU, WHAT ARE THE MAIN FLORAL TRENDS IN 2021?