Today the word “florist” refers to someone who keeps a shop and sells cut flowers and designs and produces arrangements of flowers. However this was not its original meaning. It first applied to a person who grew plants for the sake of their decorative flowers rather than for any useful property the plant might have. Later it came to refer to one who grew only certain kinds of flowering plants and these to a very high standard, their excellence being tested at competitions held with fellow florists.
The original florist flowers were Auricula, Polyanthus, Hyacinth, Anemone, Ranunculus, Tulip, Pinks and Carnations.
The Dahlia first made the list of florist flowers in the 1830’s. It was only towards the end of the nineteenth century that the word came to have its modern meaning.
Because of their small size at the time most of the information about “feasts” (flower shows) comes from adverts. By the beginning of the eighteenth century information about meetings of English florists is found in some local newspapers.
As early as 1707 the Norwich Gazette of 5 July had the following advertisement: “The Florists Feast, or Entertainment for lovers of Flowers and Gardens will be kept at Mr Thomas Riggs in St Swithen’s Lane on Tuesday the 8th day of July. Tickets may be had at 2s. 6d. Each at the aforesaid Mr Thomas Riggs.” It seems very expensive but it appears a meal was served.
A newspaper report of 16 April 1729 on an unusually well attended feast read…
“On Tuesday last a great feast of Gardiners call’d Florists was held in the Dog in Richmond Hill, at which were present about 130 in number; after Dinner several shew’d their flowers (most of them Auricula’s) and 5 ancient and judicious gardiners were judges to determine whose flowers excelled.. A gardiner of Barnes in Surrey was so well furnished with good flowers that the judge in the affair ordered him two spoons and one ladle” Silver spoons were the usual prize but to receive two and a ladle was outstanding.
Little has changed but we now have dinner after judging has taken place and medals are awarded instead of silver spoons !