• Swindon & Wiltshire Retail
• Monday March 3 2025
• Author Name: Peter Davison

Bristol florist provides Downing Street display – four weeks after opening shop

A Bristol florist who opened her shop only four short weeks ago has provided a floral display for a reception at 10 Downing Street.

Alla Orekhovska, who is originally from Kyiv, was asked by Downing Street to create displays for an event marking three years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Alla – the owner of new Totterdown shop Flowers by Alla – crafted eight floral arrangements, which were displayed at the event hosted by Prime Minister Kier Starmer and attended by Ukrainian dignitaries, government aides and organisations that had contributed to the efforts to support the end of the war.

Alla said: “When I first received the call from 10 Downing Street, I thought someone was joking with me! When I realised it was genuine, I was absolutely thrilled.

“They had searched for Ukrainian florists and came across my work. Ten days later I was on my way to London with a car full of flowers for the Prime Minister.

“It is an incredible honour to be entrusted with this opportunity. Flowers have a unique way of conveying emotions, and in Ukraine especially, flowers have great importance.

“To be able to contribute to an event representing the enduring spirit of the Ukrainian people and the unwavering support we have received from the UK, is truly heartwarming.”

The arrangements featured a selection of blue and yellow flowers, including sunflowers, which are the national flower of Ukraine and a symbol of peace.

During the event, which was attended by around 200 people, Alla was one of five selected to go to the Prime Minister’s office for a more intimate chat.

Alla, who fled her home city of Kyiv during the conflict, continued: “During the meet and greet with Kier Starmer I was able to tell him how I was a florist for many years in Ukraine. However, it is in the UK where all my dreams have come true and I have opened my very own shop Flowers By Alla.

“I love nothing more than creating beautiful arrangements for people to give to their loved ones. I’d also really love to get into creating displays for events and so to have my first event be for 10 Downing Street in an incredible achievement.”