Community, Education & Skill: Celebrating One Year of the IOF
The Institute of Flowers marked its first birthday in style at Killeen Castle, an evening dedicated to celebrating community, education, and the continued development of our craft.
Hosted by the ever-charismatic Nikky Hughes, the event was filled with laughter, inspiration, and a true sense of connection. Every moment reflected what the IOF stands for — florists coming together to learn, grow, and strengthen the industry we love.
Nikky Hughes, Mc Institute of Flowers 1st Birthday
On stage, Karen Massey and Lamber de Bie delighted guests with creative demonstrations and light-hearted banter, proving that learning can be both educational and entertaining. Their designs showcased skill, sustainability, and innovation — the perfect example of artistry meeting technique.
Johnny Tanner of Arbour Blooms & Tanner’s Foliage and Yvonne Miland of Miland’s Garden Centre shared open and insightful stories from their own business journeys. They spoke candidly about knowing your numbers, staying true to your direction, and building success through honesty and focus.
We also heard from Caoimhe from Meath LEO, who outlined the range of supports and resources available for floristry businesses, reminding everyone that education and development are within reach — and that support is there when we seek it.
The evening also featured a fantastic social media session with Lyn from Noodle Horse Media, who gave a fresh and practical lesson on how florists can show up authentically on Instagram, build confidence online, and use the tools at their fingertips to market their businesses effectively. Her advice clearly hit home — we’ve already seen some brilliant new content shared by members since the event! It’s all about growing the community and strengthening connection, one post at a time.
A key part of the evening was also looking ahead to Bord Bia Bloom 2026. We reflected on the success of last year’s showcase and shared plans to expand on that momentum — creating an even bigger, more impactful floristry space. Bloom continues to be a fantastic opportunity to put florists in the eye of the consumer, showcasing floristry as a skilled, professional, and creative industry. Members were encouraged to get involved, share ideas, and help shape what promises to be our best Bloom yet. 🌿
One of the most touching moments of the night was Violet receiving the bouquet. Violet has grown alongside the IOF, attending every workshop, nurturing her skill, and allowing her floristry to truly flourish. Her business has blossomed as a result, but perhaps even more special are the friendships she’s built with fellow florists across the country. She represents everything the IOF stands for, growth, community, and connection. 💜
We also want to express our sincere thanks to Positive2Work Skillnet for their continued support. Their commitment to professional development within the floristry sector — through funded training opportunities, evening workshops, and ongoing upskilling programmes — is helping to secure a stronger, more sustainable future for Irish florists.
Each topic of the evening — from creativity and business growth to education and community — went down a treat, sparking conversations and new ideas that will carry the IOF forward into its next chapter.
Here’s to another year of connection, learning, and celebrating the incredible skill of Irish florists.
