Floristry students from Moreton Morrell College visited New Covent Garden Market during Chelsea Flower Show week as part of a trio of flower-based excursions. Based in Warwick in the West Midlands, Moreton Morrell College is a British Florist Association member college – a high proportion of students gain employment in the industry whilst studying with expert and award-winning tutors.

Many of the students are hoping to become professional florists and were highly impressed with the extensive offer at Nine Elms. “We were all in heaven, with everything under one roof,” says student Stacey Guest. “It’s my first visit to New Covent Garden Market and I thought it was brilliant, in fact I’d love to move to London so I could be close to the Market.”

Living in the Midlands town of Rugby, Stacey has to drive to either Coventry or Birmingham to find her nearest flower and plant wholesalers. “The selection isn’t anywhere near as comprehensive as New Covent Garden Market’s offer,” says Stacey, adding: “There’s a big gap in the market for any wholesalers who would like to open up in the Midlands.”

The  Moreton Morrell College students had already visited Chelsea Flower Show earlier this week, and followed their tour of New Covent Garden Market with a visit to Kew Gardens, all as part of an educational tour arranged by ECT Travel Ltd.