Renowned florist Shane Connolly has returned to Durham Cathedral to share sustainable floristry expertise with the volunteers responsible for its floral displays.
The visit in September 2026 followed Connolly’s work advising on the Royal Maundy service held at the cathedral in April 2025. His career also includes designing the flowers for the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
During his latest session, Connolly answered questions, demonstrated practical techniques and discussed how sustainable approaches can be introduced in churches and heritage settings. Members of Durham Cathedral’s Gardening Team also attended, helping strengthen links between those who grow plants and those who use them in arrangements.
From the Royal Maundy service to year-round sustainability
Connolly first worked with Durham Cathedral ahead of the 2025 Royal Maundy service, advising Deborah Simpson Boston, who leads the Cathedral Flower Arranging Volunteers. Together, they explored ways to create displays suitable for the royal occasion while using local and seasonal materials.
The King’s commitment to environmental sustainability has influenced floral arrangements at Royal events. At the Royal Maundy service, locally grown and seasonal flowers were used to reflect the area hosting the event.
“It's such a simple thing to have flowers from where you are. Every year it creates a Royal Maundy service that is unique to the place.”
Connolly is an advocate for moving away from single-use floral foam. He promotes traditional methods involving reusable holders and water-based techniques, while recognising that changes to established practices can sometimes create uncertainty in churches and heritage buildings.
He told the volunteers that education, demonstrations and collaboration can help people gain confidence in trying different methods. He also connected environmental care with faith and stewardship.
“It is about being respectful of creation and the Creator.”
Durham-grown flowers and foliage take centre stage
Simpson Boston said the cathedral has not used flower foam since January 2025. The volunteers source flowers from the cathedral’s cutting garden on the South Bailey and from local flower farms, including Periwinkle Barn. Volunteers also bring cuttings from their own gardens, while foliage is gathered from around Durham.
“Since Royal Maundy we have been working on more sustainable ways to flower Durham Cathedral. We proudly do not use flower foam of any kind and have not since January 2025, we source flowers from our own cutting garden on the South Bailey and from local flower farms (Periwinkle Barn). We have amazing foliage around Durham and often volunteers will bring in their own cuttings from the garden. Local flowers have more movement and smell divine.”
Flowers and foliage used for Connolly’s demonstrations came from the cathedral gardens and Simpson Boston’s farm. The materials showed the variety available locally as the seasons change.
A key focus was closer planning between gardeners and flower arrangers. By sharing knowledge, the teams can identify plants to grow and gather specifically for floral displays, increasing the use of seasonal and sustainable materials throughout the year.
Connolly also encouraged arrangers to look beyond conventional flowers. Locally sourced foliage, branches, seed heads and other natural materials can be gathered sustainably and used to create displays that reflect their surroundings.
A continuing partnership at Durham Cathedral
Connolly and Simpson Boston have stayed in contact since their work on the Royal Maundy service. He has now visited the flower-arranging group twice, providing advice on techniques and mechanics that can be used throughout the year.
“Shane Connolly has visited our group twice now and shown us some really useful techniques and mechanics. We are very lucky to have this input. The legacy of sustainable flowers grows and between staff, clergy gardeners vergers and flower volunteers we can lead the way to a truly sustainable plan for the future.”
Connolly said Simpson Boston’s existing approach to sustainability reinforced the direction of their work together.
“Debs already had sustainability at the top of her list, which reaffirmed that what we are trying to achieve is the right approach.”
The cathedral’s volunteers will continue using seasonal materials and sustainable methods to create floral displays for worship, celebrate the natural world and reduce their environmental impact.