Kitten Grayson, luxury florist

Kitten Grayson’s exquisite, theatrical installations unite her love of nature and commitment to sustainability, and have made her a star in the world of luxury floristry.

What was the background to your company, what led you to work with flowers?

The company was born out of my love for and fascination with the natural world. I realised quite quickly when I was growing up that I wanted to be immersed in nature; the knowledge and feeling of connection. 

It was starting to be a huge part of my life and I realised if I could work with nature then I would forever have an enriching relationship with it. I love more than anything sharing that connection with others.

What inspired your love of nature?

I guess nature itself. I really see it as a relationship: a teacher, a philosopher.

How would you describe your relationship with nature?

The only way I can describe my passion for nature – the world of flowers, trees, plants, wildlife – is like having the greatest, biggest love affair. My dialogue with nature evolved from a very young age. It was a world I would often escape into. It is an evolving conversation that I find is both harnessing and so enriching in life. It can also be brutal, which can provoke problem solving, survival and sometimes a change in direction. It really is one of the most treasured parts of my life.

What are the guiding principles behind your work?

As a studio we work within the framework of biodynamics. Working in harmony with the rhythms of nature, we aim to nurture the health of the soil by the influence of the moon and the sun, the sky and the stars.

As well as the ecological benefits to biodynamics, we find that the homegrown flowers have a uniqueness to them, a beautiful character, and imperfections. 

The principles of permaculture, which encourage the understanding of gardens as complete eco-systems, are also key to everything we do. 

How would you describe your style?

Our style is wild and otherworldly, earthy, and full of beauty in the individuality of the species. We don’t look for perfect symmetry, instead we are guided by the natural world and by the seasons. 

Who or what has been your biggest influence and why?

I have many influences, many gardeners, growers, cooks, chefs, writers. Places, stories.

What have you learned from collaboration?

Collaboration is at the heart of everything that we do. In many ways we collaborate with every client we work with; we try to immerse ourselves in their worlds and find what it is that they find most beautiful. 

How would you describe your community?

The sense of community among like-minded growers is wonderful, supportive. It is something I see becoming stronger and stronger. The floristry and growing industry is vibrant and diverse, we are all working as hard as we can to bring beauty and colour to everyone’s daily life.

Do you have a favourite season?

I love the spring, the awakening. A new beginning, and a chance to take what you’ve learnt from the previous year to grow and evolve. It’s also the bird song. 

A favourite flower?

Very hard question, there is not one I love the most. I have a story with and connection with many. They all connect with a different part of my soul and being.

How has nature most recently surprised you?

I try not to let it surprise me; I try to just let it be. It’s uncontrollable, the more we try to control it the more disconnected we become.

How has your commitment to sustainability furthered innovation and creativity in your work?

The undoing and re-education have been really interesting.  It’s been challenging and I love it. It’s now more a philosophy, a way of being.
Some floristry methods, like floriculture, have become so complicated – it’s messy and the damage that is being done is quite shocking. It is only in the past six years that we have realised how damaging floral foam is. Sustainability, care and stripping it all back is key to the creativity.

kittengrayson.com