The use of flowers and floral arrangements date back as far as the ancient Egyptians, with records showing floral arrangements depicted in illustrations and stone carvings as early as 2,500 BC. The ancient Egyptians were fascinated by flowers as they saw them as having sacred and symbolic qualities which led them being used extensively throughout Egyptian life in ceremonies, decoration and throughout their homes. The Lotus Flower is often the most depicted and well-known flowers used by Egyptians, often on their dining tables for decoration. However, they also used vases extensively for displaying their floral arrangements and were keen floral gardeners too.
While floral arrangement and decorations featured during the dark ages and middle ages, it wasn't until the Renaissance period (15th and 16th centuries) that there was a revival of interest in floral decorations. This revival led to widespread use of wreaths and garlands across Europe for homes, churches and festivals and can often be depicted in the art of the time.
The modern-day florists began around the mid-nineteenth century in the Netherlands with growers starting to sell their flower arrangements but it wasn't until around the turn of the twentieth century that the first florists/flower shops began to open in the Netherlands. The famous British horticulturist and garden designer Gertrude Jekyll is often credited with the increasing the influence of twentieth-century floral decoration for home decoration.
Originally located at Hereford Court, just off Hereford Street, Court Florist has been trading in Christchurch since 1937 making it one of the city's earliest florists still trading today. Court Florist was originally founded by Mr Hopkins who traded alongside his wife for 40 years before the business was acquired by Lee Craddock who ran it for a further 15 years before handing it over to Doris Gräbner in 1988. Doris built the shop into the modern and successful florists it is today having operated in several central Christchurch locations until moving to its current Victoria Street site after the 2011 earthquake.
Current owner Tracey Tyler has expanded Court Florists reputation of providing exceptional high-quality and creative floral arrangements. With a range of beautiful flowers and gifts for all occasions and same delivery available, Court Florist has built upon its historic legacy to be Christchurch's leading florist and gift destination for Cantabrians today and for many years to come.
Please take time to visit us at 143 Victoria Street, Christchurch or take a look at our beautiful flowers expertly crafted by our expert team of florist's all available at our wonderful online store. For more bespoke arrangements contact our team of knowledgeable and creative Christchurch florists at our Victoria Street store.