Sussex


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/04/Caroline_daines_chichesterflowerfest.jpg" alt="Caroline Daines, Designer of Chichester Festival of Flowers 2026" class="wp-image-84278" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/04/Caroline_daines_chichesterflowerfest.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/04/Caroline_daines_chichesterflowerfest-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/04/Caroline_daines_chichesterflowerfest-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/04/Caroline_daines_chichesterflowerfest-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Chichester Cathedral’s biennial <a href="https://www.chichestercathedral.org.uk/events/festival-flowers-2026" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Festival of Flowers</a> is just weeks away but the seeds for this four-day floral extravaganza were sown months ago. At the helm is Caroline Daines, owner of West Sussex’s <a href="https://www.nordictwigs.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nordic Twigs</a> floral studio. As lead designer, she’s drawn on both her Swedish roots and her deep love of the South Downs to conjure 2026’s theme: Nature’s Embrace.</p>



<p>This year also happens to be the festival’s 30<sup>th</sup>&nbsp;anniversary. Over the decades, it&#8217;s grown into one of the region’s best-loved events, drawing enthusiasts from across the UK with its colour-pop botanical displays and immersive, petal-powered reimaginings of the Cathedral’s ancient space.&nbsp;</p>



<p>It runs from&nbsp;<strong>3-6 Jun</strong>&nbsp;and if the headline figures are anything to go by, visitors can look forward to another showstopper: we’re talking over 50,000 blooms and more than 60 floral installations. Keen to hear more, we cornered Caroline to quiz her about all things botanical. Read on to find out which are the fussiest flowers to work with, top tips for arranging your own posies, and why we should all love carnations more.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/04/chichesterflowerfest_2025.jpg" alt="Chichester Festival of Flowers, Sussex" class="wp-image-84279" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/04/chichesterflowerfest_2025.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/04/chichesterflowerfest_2025-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/04/chichesterflowerfest_2025-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/04/chichesterflowerfest_2025-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chichester Festival of Flowers exhibit from a previous year</figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-festival-falls-in-peak-wedding-season-how-are-you-managing-your-workload-nbsp">The Festival falls in peak wedding season. How are you managing your workload?&nbsp;</h3>



<p>I’ve turned down business to accommodate it – it’s two weeks and I need to be a hundred percent present. Honestly, I haven’t even visited the Festival before because it’s such a tricky time of year, so the whole thing is a very special first for me.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tell-us-about-this-year-s-theme-nature-s-embrace">Tell us about this year&#8217;s theme, Nature’s Embrace. </h3>



<p>It’s very much about how we find healing and inspiration and renewal in nature. My inspiration was the nature that surrounds Chichester. It’s where I live, and the rolling hills where I walk my dog are very much a space that I recharge and go to for a bit of headspace. We’re really cared for by nature and we need to care for it in turn, and sustain the world that sustains us.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-you-re-swedish-what-drew-you-to-sussex-nbsp">You’re Swedish – what drew you to Sussex?&nbsp;</h3>



<p>My husband’s from here so we moved down from London in 2006. I come from quite a flat area of Sweden and with all these rolling hills, and so much woodland and the seaside as well, I’ve never got fed up of Sussex. I’m still finding new walks.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-can-you-reveal-anything-about-how-the-installations-will-look-nbsp">Can you reveal anything about how the installations will look?&nbsp;</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/04/chichesterflowerfest_2025_wheelbarrow-1000x667.jpg" alt="Chichester Festival of Flowers, Sussex" class="wp-image-84277" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/04/chichesterflowerfest_2025_wheelbarrow-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/04/chichesterflowerfest_2025_wheelbarrow-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/04/chichesterflowerfest_2025_wheelbarrow-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/04/chichesterflowerfest_2025_wheelbarrow.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chichester Festival of Flowers exhibit from a previous year</figcaption></figure>



<p>We’re using loads of trees, plants and flowers but we’re also using fabric and other materials to showcase textures and colours, and to add another dimension to some of the arrangements. In terms of exact flowers, it’s all seasonal and of course we have to choose things that are going to last for four days.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-it-s-the-festival-s-30-th-nbsp-year-can-we-expect-any-new-elements-nbsp">It’s the Festival’s 30<sup>th</sup>&nbsp;year – can we expect any new elements?&nbsp;</h3>



<p>We’re super-excited to have schools involved for the first time. Children from schools around Goodwood are going to create a root system hanging off the Arundel screen, and then Graffham Infants School are doing an art installation with cyanotype of memories from nature, and that’s going to be suspended in this little globe and there’s going to be loads of flowers underneath it, like a meadow.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-did-you-first-get-into-floristry-nbsp">How did you first get into floristry?&nbsp;</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/04/nordic_twig2.png" alt="Nordic Twigs, Sussex" class="wp-image-84445" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/04/nordic_twig2.png 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/04/nordic_twig2-800x533.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/04/nordic_twig2-1000x667.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/04/nordic_twig2-768x512.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A Nordic Twigs wedding </figcaption></figure>



<p>I try to design my life to have as much freedom as possible, and after being at home with the children I kind of fell into it. I had family in events, so started doing little bits of event work and thought, I quite like the idea of floristry. I took a two-day course and then set up in business. So I’m almost self-taught, and have built up the business with no business experience at all. It’s been lots of ups and downs but an amazing journey. We all work very hard in this industry so I’m surrounded by inspirational people, which helps to keep me going.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-there-can-be-a-lot-of-snobbery-around-flowers-name-one-that-you-feel-is-unjustly-maligned-nbsp">There can be a lot of snobbery around flowers. Name one that you feel is unjustly maligned.&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Carnations are definitely a flower that I use a lot in larger installations. They’re fine for a few days without water and come in so many different colours. If you bunch them together, they almost look like a hydrangea.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-are-the-fussiest-flowers-to-work-with-nbsp">What are the fussiest flowers to work with?&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Hydrangeas and peonies. Those two make me a little bit nervous. Peonies especially have to be really nurtured to come out when you need them to come out.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-are-your-top-tips-for-arranging-flowers-at-home-nbsp">What are your top tips for arranging flowers at home?&nbsp;</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/04/Caroline_daines_chichesterflowerfest_portrait.jpg" alt="Caroline Daines, Designer of Chichester Festival of Flowers 2026" class="wp-image-84276" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/04/Caroline_daines_chichesterflowerfest_portrait.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/04/Caroline_daines_chichesterflowerfest_portrait-533x800.jpg 533w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/04/Caroline_daines_chichesterflowerfest_portrait-667x1000.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/04/Caroline_daines_chichesterflowerfest_portrait-768x1152.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Caroline at work</figcaption></figure>



<p>For an over-thinker like myself, I would say don’t over think it, just let the flowers speak for themselves. Don’t be afraid to combine different things, try and bring whatever you can from the garden. The foliage is super important as well – that adds a real dimension and texture to the flowers. I think the vessel is hugely important, too. If you have a pretty vase or urn, or something a bit quirkier, that really lifts the whole arrangement.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-one-free-simple-thing-we-could-all-do-to-reconnect-with-nature-nbsp">What’s one free, simple thing we could all do to reconnect with nature?&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Leave your neighbourhood and go for a walk – in this area, the countryside is such a short distance from any little town or village, and it doesn’t take much to discover a new path. I never come back from a walk feeling down – always the opposite.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-do-you-have-a-favourite-route-nbsp">Do you have a favourite route?&nbsp;</h3>



<p>My favourite route is behind Slindon village, it’s called Northwood, and it’s down a long, long track and it’s a dead end. It’s just gorgeous – it’s both open fields and woodland. I’m often on my own – you don’t meet anybody, and you feel not insignificant but you’re so small, and you can just walk around and explore and be in your own mind and just enjoy what’s around you. I love that walk. And there are some beautiful woodland walks behind Arundel Castle, too.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-do-you-go-when-you-need-coffee-and-somewhere-inspiring-to-sit-and-think-nbsp">Where do you go when you need coffee and somewhere inspiring to sit and think?&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Often I get my ideas when I’m on the road in the van, which isn’t very glamourous. If I’m in Chichester I really like the toasties in The Trading Post, and I really like to go to The Ghost at the FEAST because they’re a small independent with really great food. Also Luckes is really nice to sit in.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-should-we-be-buying-ourselves-more-flowers-rather-than-waiting-to-be-given-a-bunch-nbsp">Should we be buying ourselves more flowers rather than waiting to be given a bunch?&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Definitely. At this time of year, treat yourself to a bunch of beautiful tulips. You don’t need anything in the vase but them – they mark the beginning of the green season and they’re full of positivity.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-are-you-hoping-people-will-take-away-from-the-exhibition-nbsp">What are you hoping people will take away from the exhibition?&nbsp;</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/04/chichesterflowerfest_2025_gates-1000x667.jpg" alt="Chichester Festival of Flowers, Sussex" class="wp-image-84280" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/04/chichesterflowerfest_2025_gates-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/04/chichesterflowerfest_2025_gates-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/04/chichesterflowerfest_2025_gates-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/04/chichesterflowerfest_2025_gates.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chichester Festival of Flowers exhibit from a previous year</figcaption></figure>



<p>I really hope that they’re going to come in and not just see the hard work that everybody’s put it, but that it’s also something that looks effortless, that’s really pleasing to the eye, makes people think about nature and what it can create for us, that we create with our hands as well. So I really hope that they get a real sense of visual, sensory, immersive experience, and that they come away feeling really uplifted, relaxed and happy. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-name-your-favourite-local-gardens">Name your favourite local gardens. </h3>



<p>Arundel Castle and Parham House. I find the gardens behind Chichester Cathedral calming and West Dean gardens are also beautiful, especially in autumn.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-am-i-right-in-thinking-you-have-a-side-hustle-too-nbsp">Am I right in thinking you have a side hustle, too?&nbsp;</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/04/RAG_nordic_bakery.png" alt="Crackers from RÅG Nordic Bakery, Sussex" class="wp-image-84447" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/04/RAG_nordic_bakery.png 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/04/RAG_nordic_bakery-800x533.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/04/RAG_nordic_bakery-1000x667.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2026/04/RAG_nordic_bakery-768x512.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">RÅG&#8217;s three-star crackers</figcaption></figure>



<p>Floristry is quite seasonal so I also have another business, producing Swedish rye bread and crackers. <a href="https://www.rag-nordicbakery.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOoo6Z3iuucToDoy0S0U4qqJtJFbc-FGA9giN1Jmv-ut74u00ml5I" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RÅG Nordic Bakery</a> in its fourth year now and we’re in about 70 shops. The bread received two Great Taste stars in 2024 and the crackers won three stars in 2025, and I’m moving into my own premises soon.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-delicious-any-serving-suggestions-nbsp">Delicious! Any serving suggestions?&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Smoked salmon, smoked trout pate, or a strong cheddar cheese.&nbsp;The crackers are just addictive on their own. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-about-edible-flower-garnishes-nbsp">What about edible flower garnishes?&nbsp;</h3>



<p>That’s something I’m going to have to try, to marry the businesses up!&nbsp;</p>



<p><em><a href="https://www.chichestercathedral.org.uk/events/festival-flowers-2026" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Festival of Flowers at Chichester Cathedral</a> runs from <strong>3-6 Jun</strong>, and you can also book tickets to a <a href="https://www.chichestercathedral.org.uk/events/festival-flowers-vip-preview-evening" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">VIP Preview Evening</a> on<strong> 2 Jun</strong>. </em></p>



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Flower power! Meet the Swedish florist behind Chichester’s Festival of Flowers

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