Mandy comes from England, the country we connect  with beautiful, spacious gardens, lush flowers, green leaves, and tall hedges supported by the many rainy summer days. With so much abundance at hand, it is no wonder that some of the finest florists come from that country.

When you stroll into the attractive flower shop on Union Street, you certainly don't imagine that only a few years ago Mandy, the owner, spent her days working as a CPA in Britain. Since then her life has changed dramatically. A vocational course in flower design, and an apprenticeship with the famous London-based florist, Paula Pryke, (who was invited to give a lecture at Bouquets to Art in 2005) gave Mandy a new perspective. On a trip to the States, Mandy and her husband fell in love with San Francisco, and the rest is history.

The English Girl, as she is known in the flower market, was recently voted Best Florist in the Bay Area in a reader's poll in San Francisco Magazine, and her designs were published in Gentry Magazine and 7x7 Magazine. Her creations enhanced the 2005 Opening Night Gala of the San Francisco Ballet and grace the homes and yachts of celebrities, hotels, and restaurants. I learned about her from one of her clients who recommended her with the following words: "Mandy is an incredibly gifted florist, who opened her boutique on Union Street almost two years ago and has already become the preferred florist for many brides, elite SF vendors, and corporate CEO's. I've used her floral designs in my private parties, and my guests feel as if they're dining in Four Seasons brilliance!"

A large assortment of beautiful flowers greeted us when we came for a visit. The fresh scent of lilies filled the air while we admired the variety of designs in her attractive portfolios. I loved the centerpiece of vibrant orange garden roses and coxcomb wrapped in orange fabric; the more muted bridal bouquet made of calla lilies and roses; or the ones, like here on the page, that look so natural, as if they were picked during a stroll through the garden.

Mandy is not only a gifted florist but also wonderfully personable, connecting with her brides such that they become long-term customers. She is proud of her personally-trained full-time staff. "Each one of my team is every bit as accomplished as you could wish for, preparing the flowers to delight the senses," she told me.