By Sally Sola, Founder, Cheltenham Flower School
This is one of the most beautiful moments in the floral calendar, the gentle turning point between April and May.
Although I am a lover of the Autumn (it’s my favourite!). I can’t deny that when Spring and Summer flowers start to collide it is the most beautiful combination. Colours deepen, stems grow a little wilder, and arrangements start to feel fuller, more abundant and effortlessly garden inspired. Not to mention the delicious scent! If you’re choosing flowers right now, you’re working with some of the very best the season has to offer.
The stars of the season
Late April still holds onto its spring favourites, especially if they are British grown. But you’ll notice a subtle shift as we move towards May.
Tulips - still very much in their moment, often more open and expressive now.
Ranunculus - at their peak with beautifully layered, romantic heads. They are especially beautiful when combined with Peonies.
Anemones - adding contrast with their striking dark centres.
These flowers bridge the gap between early spring and what’s about to come.
What’s emerging as we move into May
This is where things start to feel especially exciting. May brings a sense of abundance and a slightly more relaxed garden gathered style.
Peonies - just beginning to appear and always worth the wait. A particular favourite of mine and they were a huge ingredient in my own wedding flowers.
Alliums - sculptural, architectural and perfect for adding interest.
Sweet Peas - delicately scented and beautifully nostalgic. These are a huge part of my floral journey as they were grown by my Grandad. I was encouraged to pick as many as I liked as a child.
Stocks - soft, ruffled and wonderfully fragrant.
These stems start to shift arrangements from delicate spring posies into something a little more generous and expressive.
Blossom, still quietly stealing the show
Blossom continues to play a starring role through this transition.
Cherry and Apple Blossom
Hawthorn
Other flowering branches
They bring height, movement and that unmistakable “just gathered” feeling that defines this time of year.
The supporting textures
The magic of this season often lies in the details. The softer and more intricate elements that make arrangements feel natural rather than styled.
Fritillaria
Muscari
Hellebores
These are the stems that add lightness and movement.
A note on seasonality
This window, right now, is something of a sweet spot as I mentioned earlier. You still have the delicacy of early spring, but with the first hints of summer just beginning to appear. Choosing seasonal flowers at this time means better quality, more character and arrangements that feel truly connected to the moment. Some of the flowers I have listed may not be available in your local supermarket mostly because the Dutch season will have come to an end with some spring flowers. But the British season is only just beginning and it’s so exciting!
A final thought
If you’re not sure where to begin, try combining Tulips or Ranunculus with a few early Peonies and a touch of Blossom or foliage. It’s a simple way to capture this fleeting in between season. Soft, abundant and full of life.
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