Jacqui O: Monton Jingle Mingle: A radiant tribute to community, craftsmanship and lilies

As a BFF, I am doubly honored to be able to do this. To me, Bredefleur's sustainable practices are really impressive and they are very important to me and this community.

As I stepped into the heart of Monton Village, I felt a sense of awe and excitement. The historic Monton Unitarian Church, a proud symbol of our community since 1875, stood before me, its late 19th-century stained glass windows shining in the winter light. These windows, which celebrate not only Biblical figures but also great minds like Plato, Socrates and Shakespeare, are a testament to our rich heritage.

This year I had the pleasure of working with Emma from The Blue Bell and Marie Hargraves to decorate the church gate for our Christmas Tree Festival. Our goal? To raise money to preserve those treasured stained glass windows and support local initiatives. But more importantly, we wanted to bring this community together. As a BFF (Bredefleur Friend), I am doubly honored to be able to do this.

The evening was nothing short of magical. A brass band filled the air with festive tunes, Santa Claus made a merry appearance and local vendors presented their wares at the market. The family-friendly fairground added an extra touch of excitement to the atmosphere.

When I had to choose the flowers for the event, I knew I wanted something that would complement both the artistry of the church and its ethos of community care and sustainability. That's why I worked with lilies from Bredefleur. Their dedication to craftsmanship, passion and stewardship for the environment aligned perfectly with my belief that "it is our responsibility to be bee-friendly and bee-kind."

Bredefleur's sustainable practices are truly impressive. Their energy-efficient greenhouses, powered by four thousand solar panels, even return surplus energy to local communities in the Netherlands. They use 100% rainwater in a closed-loop system and rely on wild insects for natural pest control. It is this kind of progressive approach that resonates deeply in our community.

Inspired by The Blue Bell Pub's brand colors of green and gold, I designed a floral installation that truly brought our local community together. With permission, we used foliage from neighborhood gardens to create a design that captured the spirit of Christmas and allowed local residents to proudly display their contributions. Bredefleur provided beautiful white Zambesi Supra lilies and soft orange Menton lilies that sparkled like stars on a winter night.

Symbolizing joy, friendship and gratitude, these lilies were the perfect finishing touch for our celebration of unity and community pride. On the iron fences, we created a lush, flowering meadow that seemed to grow naturally from the soil and weaved its way up with graceful abandon. Soft green foliage and swaying vines intertwined with vibrant lines, giving a sense of movement and wild beauty. This meadow-inspired design added a warm, organic touch to the historic setting and invited visitors to pause and admire the blend of natural artistry with our heritage structure.

At the entrance, we created large columns of lush foliage and beautiful lilies, creating a striking pathway that welcomed guests with warmth. The columns featured layers of rich, textured greenery, giving depth and fullness to the design, while Bredefleur's radiant lilies waited to open like stars, allowing our community to watch the design change over time.

As the Monton Jingle Mingle unfolded, our floral installation became a beautiful centerpiece of this beloved community gathering. Bredefleur's radiant lilies shone like stars against the evening sky, bringing sunshine into the cold and embodying the spirit of joy, friendship and gratitude. This celebration of unity was a testament to the strength of our community and shared stewardship. As I watched families and friends gather, enjoying the festivities and admiring the floral displays, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride in our small village.

I am so glad that Marie from Monton Jingle Mingle also liked the result of our work, especially when she said about me:

"Jacqui O is not only a florist but also a sustainable warrior, spreading awareness about local and seasonal alternatives, and Bredefleur's lilies are sustainably grown. She is talented, naturally cheerful and an embodiment of inspiration, creating change in her community through her actions and words. She is not only appreciated but deeply honored for her contribution and the positive ripple effect she creates."

The Monton Jingle Mingle was not just another event; it was a wonderful reminder of what we can accomplish when we come together, celebrate our heritage and look toward a sustainable future. For those who missed this magical evening, you can relive the moments through the beautiful photos captured by our talented local photographer. Visit Every Body Perfect to see the floral beauty in all its glory. Here's to many more years of community spirit, sustainable practices and beautiful flowers in Monton!

Love,

Jacqui O