For the love of nature
Stems has recently opened in Windsor.
Janet Davies has reopened her beautiful flower shop in her hometown of Windsor. The original Stems was opened in 1985 in Holborn. After 36 years and the harsh climate of the pandemic, Janet used the time to explore what to do next, foraging in nature and gardening. After discovering a beautiful, little shop unit by Windsor & Eton bridge, she filled it with her signature pots, pedestals and treasures from London and just like the spring, Stems was reborn.
Janet’s style, often described as wild, is inspired by her early years training as a florist in Sweden. She doesn't contort the stems with wire and tape, and she doesn't dye the flowers to unnatural colours; instead she allows the natural shapes and textures to stand out. To Janet, the space between the flowers is as important as the flowers themselves. Says Janet, “It is not a ball of colour, but a beautiful composition, on which to rest your eyes, and notice something different each time.” She continues:
"Flowers are in my blood. Early memories of picking wild flowers on country walks holding my grandfather's hand as he cut dahlias - like treasure for me. My mother loved to take us walking in Windsor Great Park, and we would stop at The Copper Horse, admiring the view of The Long Walk and making daisy chains. I would collect tansy on the banks of The Thames and mix with garden rose petals to make perfume.”
Janet’s career began in Stockholm where she trained as a florist for several years. Upon returning to the UK, she set up Stems in Bloomsbury. Her wild and natural bouquets caught the eye of Time Out and Central St. Martins College of Art and she built her business delivering arrangements to offices requiring weekly reception flowers. She supplied all the flowers for the Star Dressing Rooms and Green Rooms at ITV on The South Bank for 25 years.
Now that people work from home, Janet believes that people are enjoying more of a work-life balance and hopes that her local audience will embrace her natural, wild floral style.
We love how Janet is engaging her local community to see what people enjoy and connect with. Her commitment to understanding what resonates with her customers is inspiring. Janet wants to know what Windsor wants, and is listening. Have you ever noticed that our florists are always there for us - for everyday bouquets, and during very special or personal occasions? Births, deaths, anniversaries - they create personalised, bespoke arrangements for us. They are integral members of our community.
Thank you for sharing your story with us, Janet.
Everything you need to know right here:
Get in touch:
Janet Davies
Stems of Windsor
58, Thames Street
Windsor
SL4 1QW
www.stemsfloraldesign.com
Mobile: 07932052411
Landline: 020 7831 6776
Follow on Instagram/Twitter: @stemsfloral
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