2018 marks the 250th anniversary of the Ancient Society of York Florists (ASYF), the oldest florists’ society in the world still in existence. To celebrate this important milestone within the horticultural heritage of York, it has been decided that a city-wide festival should be organised. The resultant festival “Bloom!” will be a four-day celebration of all things horticultural, floral and plant-based.

One of the major projects that we are currently working on, is the dressing of Coney Street and the creation of an animated, carnival-esque space which will become 'The Curious Realm of Floribunda' for the four days of the festival. Picture bright coloured fabrics, swathes of flowers, garlands of greenery, plants, buskers, circus skills, parades, stilt walkers, floral crowns, colour, life and so much more!....

Once an inviting, thriving part of central York, this street would, I'm sure you agree, benefit hugely today, from some colour, life, greenery and creative input.

Who better to do this than those that walk along it often?!

With this in mind a scheme has been devised which will see this abandoned high street adorned with garlands of flowers, swags of foliage, hanging baskets and the like. In order to create these hanging floral installations we intend to work with charities and not-for-profit organisations from within the city so that groups of their clients, pupils or members can take ownership of this project and help to create the garlands, hanging decorations and floral hoops which will combine to reinvigorate this well-known street.

Can you help us to raise the money to make this project happen, to allow us to put workshops on for disadvantaged community groups, school children, isolated adults and many more, giving them the opportunity to become part of a wider celebration and to give them access to new skills and experiences in the realisation of the scheme?....

Top Image courtesy of The York Press