THE Chelsea Flower Show proved to be a blooming success for a Burbage-based florist who was awarded a bronze medal for her floral art arrangement.

Julia Russett, owner and florist at Robin Flowers, was delighted to come away with a medal from the 'Destination Unknown' class at Britain's most prestigious flower show in just her second outing at the competition

Her entry called 'Life is not about the destination, it's about the journey' involved putting flowers and foliage, sourced from friends' gardens in Burbage, around two large cart wheels.

"It does not get bigger than Chelsea when it comes to flower shows. It is a real honour simply to be here, so to be awarded a medal as well truly is amazing," she said.

"When I entered two years ago I was frustratingly just one point away from earning a medal, and I am delighted to be back here and this time bring an award home. I was just one point away from silver this time."

Julia’s love of floristry began when she was a child in her parents shop in Cornwall, where she would help out whenever she had the chance.

"The shop is still running now, after 35 years trading, and it helped me to learn about flowers and design from the very basics," she added.

Since then Julia has gone on to gain her qualifications and set up her own business, Robins Flowers, named after her dad who died in 2010.

As well as teaching through the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies, she has passed on her skills locally, teaching evening courses at St John’s School in Marlborough and demonstrating in many local venues.