design21 
Gemma Murray, owner of the beautiful Basil + Pip in the Royal Arcade, Norwich, is our new columnist. She shares her delight at the summer colours, plus gives foraging advice for those looking to brighten up their home.
Spring is the season of growth and development in nature, and it was no different here at Basil + Pip. We opened our doors at the end of January and have been absolutely overwhelmed with the love and support from all our customers and friends. Life in the Royal Arcade has been joyous, and we have adored making fabulous connections with other Norfolk based creatives, putting on various workshops at our store in Norwich. We have loved the collaborations so far and will continue to champion the Norfolk independent scene.
We are so grateful for the continued encouragement as we begin to head into a busy summer, excited for all our weddings that we are delighted to be providing the florals for. The change in the season will bring a deluge of fresh flowers, a lot of which will be grown in the UK, meaning we can do more to support local growers and enjoy the smell of fresh flowers once again.
Longer evenings and warmer temperatures mean we can finally spend more time outdoors and embracing nature – something that goes a long way towards improving mental health. Taking some time to nurture the soul is the important to us at Basil + Pip, and we always endorse mindfulness and well-being in everything we do.
Peonies, roses, and delphinium all flower in the summer months and the good weather serves flowers with a wonderful platform to show off their colours, making the scenic Norfolk countryside even more picturesque. Wildflowers will be more commonplace in green areas, and some personal foraging can be a wonderful way to brighten up your home.
Foraging is a brilliant way to create some stunning, individual arrangements and add to the romance of floristry. However, being mindful while foraging is incredibly important, so do be sure not to take flowers from owned land, or pick anything that is protected, as well as not too much from any one area. Other important things to remember when foraging include removing any flowers after a growth point with clean cuts. This ensures the stem is not damaged and allows future growth, leaving something for the bees and future foragers.
Repurposing old household glassware such as jam jars and bottles is a perfect way to house rustic,
handmade posies and brings the beauty of the summer season from your garden, or the greater outdoors, into your home.
At Basil + Pip, we are always eager to hear about your floral fantasies and are committed to helping with arrangements and bouquets for any and every occasion. No job is too big or too small.
We present only the freshest of flowers in our contemporary style, supporting beautiful stems with complimentary foliage.
Examples of our work can be found on our social media pages, as well as on our website. We are always ready to welcome new customers and old faces through our doors in the Royal Arcade. We look forward to seeing you soon.
• visit basilandpip.com
• hello@basilandpip.com
• social @FLOWERSBYBASILANDPIP
• 15 The Royal Arcade, Norwich NR2 1NQ | 01603 612635
• Monday-Tuesday: Closed, Wednesday-Friday: 10am–5pm, Saturday: 11am–5pm, Sunday: 12–4pm
