A symphony in flowers at Ringwood Parish Church

Ringwood Parish Church will be the setting in May for a celebration of flowers planned by Linda Fleming NDSF (National Diploma of the Society of Floristry) and a team of volunteers. The title of the festival is Symphony in Flowers and it will take place between Wednesday 17 and Saturday 20 May, with a ticket only preview evening on Tuesday 16 May. The church will come alive with numerous contemporary and traditional flower arrangements on the windowsills, in the choir, on the chancel steps, in the Lady Chapel, on the font, by the west door and around the pillars. There will be refreshments, stalls (including plants and a plant crèche), a BBQ from 5pm on Friday and entertainment including something special for children on the Saturday. This is an event that everyone can enjoy.

The natural world has long had a foothold in England’s churches whether in the birds, beasts and flowers carved in wood or stone that decorate many of the older buildings, or in the flowers arrangements that each week take their place in hundreds of churches across the country organised by an army of volunteers. Flowers reflect the changing seasons of the year and their colour and scent give great pleasure. They remind us of the natural world on which we all depend, and whether a simple bunch of wild flowers placed on a window ledge or a large formal arrangement on a pedestal, the presence of flowers in churches is a reflection of how they are valued.

A church has stood on the site in Ringwood for more than a thousand years and continues to welcome both old friends and new. This celebration of flowers will be something to enjoy and remember in a beautiful and historic building.