A Coronation floral horseshoe has been created in Oakham to reflect the floral invitation sent out to guests who will be attending the Coronation of King Charles III on 6 May 2023.

The floral horseshoe has been created taking inspiration from the Coronation Invitation that was designed by Andrew Jamieson, a heraldic artist and manuscript illuminator.

Central to the design is the motif of the Green Man, an ancient figure from British folklore, symbolic of spring and rebirth, to celebrate the new reign. The shape of the Green Man, crowned in natural foliage, is formed of leaves of oak, ivy and hawthorn, and the emblematic flowers of the United Kingdom.

The British wildflower meadow bordering the invitation features lily of the valley, cornflowers, wild strawberries, dog roses, bluebells, and a sprig of rosemary for remembrance, together with wildlife including a bee, a butterfly, a ladybird, a wren and a robin. Flowers appear in groupings of three, signifying The King becoming the third monarch of his name.

The invitation was designed by Andrew Jamieson. Image credit: www.royal.uk

Florists and their customers are increasingly asking for locally grown British blooms.

This is not just because of their distinctive beauty, but because they are farmed sustainably. The principles of sustainable flower cultivation are encompassed in this supersized floral horseshoe display as many of the flowers are locally grown and sourced. Although not organic, most growers have phased out single use plastics and avoid using chemicals and artificial fertilisers.

Flowers and supplies were sourced locally for this design.

These local suppliers include:

• Evolve Flowers, Spalding, Lincolnshire
• Smith & Munson Ltd, Spalding, Lincolnshire
• E M Cole Farms Ltd, Spalding, Lincolnshire
• The Sensory Garden of Oakham Castle
• Flower & Farmer, Northamptonshire.

Flowers include tulips, roses, forget-me-nots, ranunculus, white and pink heather, cultivated bluebells, and much more…

The design can be seen at Oakham Castle over the Coronation weekend.