If Eliza Doolittle was alive today, she wouldn't be peddling flowers from a cart at Covent Garden.
Instead, she would be running a wholesale business at the New Covent Garden Market.
From medieval times, Covent Garden was a place where fruit, veg and flowers were sold.
In the 1970's, the massive market was moved to Vauxhall which is where you will now find the
largest Fruit & Veg Market and Flower market in the UK.
I was lucky enough to be invited to bring my camera along for a stroll around the flower market
with a group of bloggers and journalists. How could I resist?
with a group of bloggers and journalists. How could I resist?
75% of London florists get their cut flowers, plants and sundries from this market.
And not just florists, but designers and decorators all know that this is the place to be.
Trading starts at 3 am on weekdays and 4am on Saturdays and is done by 10am.
What is your favorite cut flower?
Don't expect to walk in and buy a few stems of roses, this is big business and high volumes.
Some of the 20+ wholesalers that you find here have been in the business for generations.
You will find the most beautiful fresh flowers from the UK and around the world.
But first, a quick stop at the cafe for a coffee and bacon butty.
We must keep our energy up as we explore the acres of flowers.
We must keep our energy up as we explore the acres of flowers.
Once we started our tour, I couldn't put my camera down. So many colors and textures, not to mention the smells.
Every flower that you can imagine in one climate controlled space, under one massive roof.
Wait a minute... What's this?
"Oh, that's our 'cheeky calendar'. It was to raise money for charity. All these guys work here."
Oh, really?
Flowers.
Blossoms & blooms.
Mr. February!!!!
Cheeky is right! Back to the flowers.
I wonder if these guys were in the calendar. They look pretty cheeky.
It was a fabulous place and the best part was the people.
No, not just because they were willing to pose in the buff for a good cause.
But, it felt like a family. Everyone was passionate about flowers.
Even the trash bins were beautiful.
How could you not be happy when you worked in this amazing place?
And don't think I left there without my very own cheeky calendar.
And don't think I left there without my very own cheeky calendar.
What is your favorite cut flower?
