Bath College hosted top florists and floristry businesses at the Chelsea Flower Show South West regional heat, with student Emily Smith excelling and earning the chance to compete for Young Chelsea Florist of the Year.
The 17-year-old from Bath College impressed with a bouquet decorated with seashells, coming second in the under 24s category.
Over 30 people took part in the competition. They were asked to make a bridal bouquet inspired by a seaside wedding.
Bath College student Louise Waters also entered the over 24s category, producing a towering design inspired by ice cream cones.
Other college students attended on the day to watch a floristry demonstration and lend their support to competitors.
Lecturer Jo Matthews said: “It’s always intense because you’re eagerly awaiting the results.
“For our students here, they really had their eyes opened to seeing something completely different – not industry floristry but competition floristry.
“Competition floristry is more creative. It’s a showcase of your talent so it means larger designs and more technical ability.
“I was very proud to see them both enter, because they haven’t got the experience of a lot of other competitors who have been entering competitions for years.”
“Emily was really shocked to win second place and I think Louise was very proud to be involved and learn a lot from it.”
Sixteen florists from regional heats across the country will be chosen to compete for a national title at the Chelsea Flower Show.
The college already plans to be at the Chelsea Flower Show in May, where it will compete for College of the Year.
Last July, Bath College won Best College in Show and a gold medal at the Hampton Court Flower Show.
Judges awarded Miss Smith 90 points for her bouquet and it is hoped she will have the chance take part at Chelsea.
Mrs Matthews said: “We have to wait until April and they will announce who is going through to Chelsea, but I’m pretty sure Emily will go through with those marks.”
