Floral designer Graeme Corbett has released a new book titled Life in Bloom: Grow, Gather, and Arrange Seasonal Flowers, set for publication by Frances Lincoln in 2026. Corbett, who transitioned from television production to floral design after a workshop sparked his interest, now operates out of Kent, focusing on loose, garden-style arrangements. The book invites readers to follow his creative process through all four seasons, featuring practical tutorials and detailed photography.
Corbett explains that he has produced many of these designs while working as a wedding florist in London. The method yields a versatile piece that can stand alone or be multiplied to create larger installations for events or feasting tables.
To build the runner, the designer uses a long, low vessel with specific dimensions: 10cm tall, 22cm long, and 7cm wide. He starts by securing a flower frog to one side of the container and covering it with a scrunched-up sausage of chicken wire. This setup provides the necessary support for the arrangement’s asymmetrical style, which features a tall focal point on one side.
The process involves layering flowers to establish depth and texture. Tallest foxglove stems are worked through the wire into the frog, leaning casually rather than standing bolt upright. Remaining foxgloves are added to create a loose framework, allowing the natural character of each stem to guide the placement. Focal flowers, such as roses, are introduced by nesting a few low down to cover mechanics and gradually working upward to connect with the taller stems.
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Corbett notes that smaller filler flowers like phlox, geum, and penstemon help balance the design. If the height feels disconnected, he suggests adding nepeta, scabious, alliums, or camassia. These plants provide subtle height without distracting from the main blooms. The design is kept heavy at the base with spaced blooms, then lightened toward the top to allow the stems to add movement.
While the tutorial focuses on fresh flowers, Corbett mentions the design can be adapted for dried arrangements and festive occasions. For those looking to add a touch of nature to a home, this method offers a way to create an elongated centerpiece suitable for a console or dining table.
Corbett hopes readers will gain the confidence to use flowers in their daily lives. “By the end of the book, I hope you’ll have the confidence to brighten your everyday life with blooms, be it on a normal Monday morning, for a dinner with friends or for a larger event.”
