Members of Wales YFC showcased their creative flair at the national Floral Art final, winning first place in all three categories at the Malvern Autumn Show in September.
After reaching the national final five times, Ella Harris from Radnor finally clinched the trophy she’d coveted for years.
Joining Teme Valley YFC at age 12, Ella was encouraged to enter the competition and 15 years later, after five times reaching the national final, Ella finally brought home the trophy.
“I’ve seen this cup many times when I’ve travelled here to the national finals and just thought, wow, wouldn’t that be amazing,” said Ella about the large cup presented to the senior floral art winner. “I kept coming back and trying and trying. So, this really is the icing on the cake to win.”
Ella’s winning design was to the theme of Down Under. Competitors interpreted this in many ways, but Ella chose under the sea and the Great Barrier Reef as her inspiration.
“I picked a variety of flowers and foliage with different textures, different colours, because for me it was down under the sea. I got some fish, just for it to be bright and vibrant too,” she said.
Ella has taken her love for Floral Art to other competitions too and competed in the open section at the Royal Welsh Show for the first time.
“It was one of the very first competitions I did when I started, sat in the village hall as a ‘quieter’ 12 year old. I’ve gone through the age categories and it’s been a really nice journey because it’s been a hobby I’ve taken other places.
“I’m starting to train junior members and actually give back, which has been really nice. It’s a great hobby of mine and I really enjoy it.
“Without YFC I wouldn’t be flower arranging. It’s all thanks to the competitions and the help I’ve received, the coaching and also having senior members to inspire me,” said Ella.
In the under 16 category Einir from Carmarthenshire triumphed with her design that celebrated the four nations of the United Kingdom.
The theme this year for the 16 and under category was the British Isles and Einir created an arrangement that promoted Scotland, Wales, England and Ireland.
“I used bells for Ireland, leeks for Wales, red roses for England and thistles for Scotland,” explained Einir who started floral art when she was 11 and after four years competing made it to the national final for the first time.
“It’s a massive achievement. I can’t believe I got here. I’ve only got through the county [rounds] two times and this is my first time at Malvern, so I’m really grateful. Where I’ve come today, I don’t think anything can beat it.”
In the 21-and-under category, 16-year-old Lois from Pembrokeshire triumphed over strong competition to take first place with her European Cities–themed design.
Lois chose Seville and used orange and yellow colours as well as placing sliced oranges in the vases to celebrate the fruit the city is famous for.
“I practised with our YFC president from last year who helped me to learn all of this.
“I find flower arranging very therapeutic because I’m just by myself doing it.”
The Floral Art competition for 2025-26 will follow the themes of ‘Electricity’ for the 16 and under category, Rumble in the Jungle for the 21 and under category and Red Sky at Night for the 28 and under category. Rules are available online.
