Every cloud
Some of my favourite designs to create are
suspended flower clouds
I’ve been designing and creating hanging floral installations for years; it’s one of my ‘superpowers’ and possibly what I get asked about the most.
I still teach them occasionally, so keep an eye on my Masterclasses if you are interested in attending one in the future.
Creating a flower cloud is a coming together of the things I love most - defying gravity; making the seemingly impossible work; creating shape, space and movement; making an impact; perfecting the choice of ingredients and even engineering (believe me, I never thought I’d say that engineering would be something I loved!!).
I know it sounds a bit cringy to say about yourself (I am English after all!), but flower clouds and suspended installations really are my superpower! I have a way with ingredients when designing them and know how to push the boundaries to get dramatic movement and maximum interest and I love making them.
A limited life skill admittedly but it comes in handy nonetheless and if you fancy one yourself I take commissions (see bottom of page if you’re interested?)
I thought I’d share some of the clouds I’ve created over the years; as well as some tips and behind the scenes images.
Mechanics
Getting the mechanics right is key to the success of any piece, but it’s absolutely imperative and non-negotiable when creating something that hang above people’s heads.
Never underestimate the time it takes to get this part right.
Tempting though it may be to use the strongest rope the world has ever seen, to prevent it dropping to the ground, this would ruin the ‘floating’ aspect, so the rigorous mechanics also need to, ideally, be invisible!
This became a definite ‘thing’ when installing The Cloud at Castle Howard. I was commissioned as Creative Director for the Castle Howard Flower Festival in 2018, a celebration of British flowers without the use of any floral foam …
Created entirely from limonium (sea lavender)
The Cloud at Castle howard, North Yorkshire
The team were hanging the cloud in the Long Gallery and, as you would expect from a stateley home that houses priceless artefacts in every room, there were never ending lists of H&S requirements, not only to protect us and the public but also the building and its contents.
There was substantial pressure to suspend the piece directly from the hook in the ceiling for stability, but I was adamant that having a huge metal ‘pole’ sticking out of the top would ruin the entire impact of the piece. I think I said something like ‘better to have 50,000 strands of fishing wire than one hook’.
We had to work ‘at height’ to create this installation, but if possible, I would always recommend creating it on a pulley system, so you can work safely on the ground and raise and lower it as required.
Fresh flower clouds
Dried flower clouds are relatively easy to construct, but creating a cloud incorporating fresh flowers requires more ingenuity because water sources are required.
As well as how to attach them, consideration needs giving to ways of keeping them upright, to avoid spillage and also positioning to ensure there is access to water across the whole design. Strategies to hide the underside also need to be devised as access to water is difficult, yet it is the most visible area.
The water sources can be individual water tubes for just a few stems or larger containers such as jam jars (mason jars) or grave vases. A lot of water will substantially add to the weight of the flower cloud, which can often be hugely underestimated.
Every flower and most of the foliage was drinking in this installation.
A large branch provided rigidity and an organic shape, which combined with the water in all the pots, also meant this structure was extremely heavy.
(The initial structure we walked into the venue with would have caused some clients concern - basically a huge branch with yoghurt pots attached! - but my ethos is that it doesn’t matter how unpromising it is to start with, as long as the finished creation works and looks gorgeous.)
more flower clouds for inspiration.
Two enormous Dried flower clouds
Commissioned by the RHS
Consisting of everlasting ingredients, all grown by British flower growers.
If I could share only one piece of advice with anyone wanting to create a flower cloud, it would be test your ingredients!
If you want to trust and fully understand how they will perform ‘in situ’ it truly is the only way.
Created in France in collaboration with Floresie
Created in collaboration with Moss & Stone
I am currently taking flower cloud commissions, whether it’s commercial (product launch, gallery exhibition, window display etc) or for a private home.
Images additional to mine are courtesy of