Meet the team
Jamie
Owner and founder
Jamie Grant started the business in 1999, working alongside his father, Andy. Since then, Gardenia has grown and flourished thanks to a forward-thinking approach, a well-established reputation for fabulously fresh, high quality flowers and a welcoming approach to customer service. Whilst retailers and household name brands seem to sink on an all too regular basis, Gardenia has weathered the high street storm well – although Jamie admits that there have been some tense moments.
Jamie says:
Retail can be very hard, no matter how established your business. There have been times when I have been close to throwing in the proverbial towel – but I am so grateful to our customers for sticking by us and helping us thrive. We love what we do – our flowers put smiles on faces, brighten up people’s days, celebrate the good times and offer comfort to those that need it. Even after 22+ years, we’re still delighted to be able to play our part in all that.
My favourite flower changes on a daily basis. I love that, in floristry, we get to appreciate something new every single day. Although flowers with the same name all seem to look the same, look closer and each one is unique. And I love that.
My favourite thing about Gardenia is being able to make a difference. We are a family at Gardenia and seeing my staff flourish and grow in their roles is unbeatable. We’re also on a mission to reduce our impact on the planet, to have a positive social impact and brighten up life, one bunch at time. We are going to be London’s first 100% plastics free florist. Gardenia will pave the way for all florists to take more responsibility for the waste that they produce, so that we can all continue to enjoy flowers for centuries to come.
Lucy
Head of Creative, Sales & Operations
Lucy’s path to floristry is a little less traditional, having previously been a digital project manager for large corporates. Like so many, she yearned for a more creative work life and so turned to floristry. Lucy has been at the helm since 2018 and we couldn’t live without her. It might sound corny but Lucy really is the perfect asset to Gardenia - she’s our brilliant weddings expert, she manages the team, runs all operations, cheers everyone up and makes the best tea!
Lucy says:
It’s impossible to choose a favourite flower so I’ve made a top 5: Clematis, Anemones, Double tulips, Ranunculus and Nigella – I love texture and my favourite bouquets are those that look like they’re still growing.
My favourite thing about working at Gardenia is a bit cheesy, but I love that sending flowers is such a positive thing. Regardless of the occasion, the gesture behind it is to let someone know you care. And that, to me, is motivation enough to get out of bed and go to work each morning.
My speciality – and I’d love to pretend this is super cool and creative – is organisation. I love a list, a plan and to support the team, our customers and happy wedding couples.
Anna
Senior florist
Anna joined us in April 2024 with 10+ years in floristry under her belt. She had us laughing at her impressions, scoffing her homemade focaccia and swooning over her beautiful bouquets from day one. You’ll find Anna either on the shop floor, designing dream weddings for happy couples in the office or making friends with all the dogs of Wimbledon Village.
Anna says:
My favourite flowers are Sweet peas – they have the best scent and I just think they’re so beautiful and delicate.
The best thing about working at Gardenia is the team – working with a team who are hardworking and so passionate about what they do is everything. We all care for each other and have a good laugh along the way – and that’s a big part of getting excited to come to work every day.
In terms of my greatest strength, I think I’m just a good allrounder – I love working with colour and texture, creating designs for weird and wonderful requests and bringing a wedding couple’s vision to life. Being a florist is all about being there for all occasions from life until death.
Iyata
Senior florist
Iyata first joined Gardenia in 2018 and has over 10 years’ experience in the industry having trained and qualified at Plumpton College. Between climbing ladders, fixing the printer, masterminding our installation mechanics and of course making stunning floral creations, you’ll find her smiling, laughing, and chatting with the locals.
Iyata says:
My favourite flower is ‘Lilac (Syringa)’. It reminds me of Lignum Vitae, the national flower of Jamaica, where my Dad is from. The scent is just the best.
What I love most about being a florist at Gardenia is all the happiness we spread. Every bunch of flowers that leaves us makes someone’s day.
My strength is customer service; I love spending time with people and making their floral dreams come true!
My favourite colour is purple. If I could, I’d just make purple bouquets :-0
Carys
Florist
Carys joined the Gardenia team in April 2023 with 7 years floristry experience under her belt and armed with her Diploma in Floristry Level 3. Carys not only has excellent floristry skills, but is also our resident baker and is delighting us each and every week with her "100 bakes to make at home" challenge.
Carys says:
My favourite flower has got to be sunflowers, they're like a big ray of sunshine indoors.
The variety of work is the best thing about a florist at Gardenia. And the people are very lovely too!
It's sad, and I hate saying it, but I really like doing funeral work. It's nice because it's one of the last things you can do for somebody and it means a lot to people.
Maria
Florist
Maria joined the Gardenia family in September 2024 on a 6-month fixed-term contract before she heads back to her home in sunny Australia.
Maria wowed us at interview with a gorgeous bouquet that sold as soon as it hit the floor! Since then, she’s been busy buzzing around the shop like the worker bee she is.
Maria says:
Dahlias are my absolute favourite flowers – they come in so many shapes and sizes, and I can’t get enough of all the different varieties!
The best thing about working at Gardenia is definitely the team and the wonderful atmosphere. The Wimbledon Village community is so warm and welcoming too!
If I had a flower superpower, it would be making sure every customer has the best experience possible, whether that’s through friendly service or creating something special and unique just for them.
Grace
Trainee Florist
Grace joined the team in January 2024, brand new to the world of floristry. With a background in Art and Design and experience in hospitality she really hit the ground running and in September 2024 Grace started studying for her Level 2 Floristry Apprenticeship. We’re excited to see her skills develop.
Grace says
I don’t have a favourite flower yet but I do really love Tulips – I like the different varieties and they’re so colourful.
So far, I’m really enjoying choosing flowers and making bouquets. I like working with flowers and plants and everyone is really nice
I’m not sure what my specialist floristry skill is yet, but I think my creative side and background in art will come in handy
Francesca
Junior florist
Francesca joined Gardenia in February 2024 and was thrown in at the deep end with back-to-back Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day. She’s the queen of clean and we’re looking forward to being part of her journey into floristry
Francesca says:
It's hard to choose a favourite flower as I appreciate all the different forms, colours and textures they come in. Whilst hibiscus reminds me of being on holiday, lotus flower is also a favourite when I see it in it's natural environment and for what it symbolises - rebirth. For flower arrangements, I find blue flowers most appealing, so I think I'd have to pick dark blue Delphinium.
The best thing about Gardenia is that there is such variety and I love seeing the flowers change with the seasons. I'm a visual person, so it's rewarding to create displays and to be able to work and create with nature. There's more to the job than meets the eye, which keeps me stimulated! It's also a bonus working with a lovely team.
My super powers are being organised, keeping the workplace tidy and my love and care for people and nature.
Dawn
Delivery driver
Dawn has been delighting doorsteps across south west London since the very early days, delivering our blooms near and far.
Dawn says:
I began as a florist at Gardenia but turned to delivery driving and haven’t looked back since (except for checking my mirrors occasionally ;))
My favourite flowers have to be Peonies and Calla Lilies, along with anything in strong, deep colours.
My favourite thing about working at Gardenia is the variety – I’m not just a delivery driver; I get to be involved with all aspects of the business. Even though it’s fast paced and high tech nowadays, Gardenia still has grass roots of the family that started it back in 1999. Jamie and his team welcomes everyone who works here into the Gardenia family.
