Also known as the 'Lily of the Nile', (but it is not a lily), agapanthus is grown from bulb and is a genus of the Agapanthaceae family. Agapanthus are native to South Africa. Agapanthus is a seasonal summer flower and very much in vogue for wedding flowers these days.With its globe shape mass of trumpet like flowers, agapanthus is perfect for contempory floral design.

Alliums, (otherwise known as Ornimental Onions), are hybrids that have been bred for their wide variety of colours and flower head sizes. Originally native to the northern hemisphere, the Allium is a genus of perennial bulbous plants that produce a chemical called cysteine sulfoxide - this chemical gives the allium the unpleasant odour of onions! (Stronger in some varieties than others).

Aconitum, (also known as aconite, wolfsbane, monkshood, leopards bane, womens bane, devils helmut and blue rocket), is a genus of the buttercup family. Aconitum is a beautiful tall spike flower, similar looking to delphinium, with large hood shaped flowers. Because of the shape of the flowers, the English named it 'monkshood'.

Also known as the Peruvian Lily or Lily of The Incas, (or simply 'alstro' in the floristry trade), alstroemeria, was named for the Swedish Baron Clas Alstromer by his associate Carolus Linnaeus. Alstroemeria is commonly miss-spelt 'alstroemaria' & 'alstromaria'. The flower is referred to as the Peruvian Lily as it resembles a miniature lily. (Alstoemeria is not a lily though). An unusual botanical fact about alstroemeria is that the leaves are 'resupinate' - meaning that they twist from the bottom, so what appears to be the upper leaf is in fact the lower leaf area.

Anthuriums, (otherwise known as The Flamingo Flower, Flamingo Lily, Boy Flower, Painted Tongue or Willies on Plates by some cheeky florists!!), are a genus of the Arum family. Anthuriums are native to the tropical Americas and grow naturally in many forms, bushy or climbing with roots that can dangle from a rainforest canopy all the way to the floor!

Aster, (otherwise known as September Flower), is a genus of the Asteraceae family. The name 'aster' is derived from the ancient Greek word meaning 'star' because of it's star shaped flower heads. Aster is a multi-headed flower used as a filler in the floristry trade. It also has the effect of adding softness to flower bouquets, arrangements and wedding flowers, (similar to gypsophilia). Aster is also popular in wedding flowers that require a cottage garden / vintage feel.

Achillea, (also known as Yarrow, Allheal and Bloodwort), is a genus of the Asteraceae family and grows wild in across Europe and temperate parts of Asia.

Ageratum, (also known as Floss Flower & Whiteweed), is a genus of the Asteraceae family and is native to Mexico.

Alchemilla Mollis, (otherwise known as Lady’s Mantle) is an ornamental garden plant native to North America. Alchemilla Mollis takes its name from the Arabic words meaning  ‘little magical one’ due to its healing properties. It has been used as an ingredient in herbal remedies for centuries.

Amaranthus, (collectively known as Amaranth and often called Love Lies Bleeding), is closely related to Celosia. Amaranthus is a traditional food plant in Africa and has the potential to improve nutrition.

Anemones, (also known as Wind Flowers), are a genus of the buttercup family Raununculaceae and are closely related Pasque flowers and Hepaticas.

Anigozanthos, (otherwise known as Kangeroo Paw & Cats Paw), is a genus of Australian plants of the Bloodwort family Haemodoraceae.

Antirrhinums, (otherwise known as Snap Dragons), were originally thought to be a genus of the Scrophulariaceae family, but DNA studies have led antirrhinums to be included in the Plantaginceae family.

Asclepias tuberosa is a variety of milkweed native to North Africa. Ascelpias is a perennial plant and has many common names which can be very confusing. Here are just a few common names for Asclepias tuberosa: Butterfly Weed, Chigger Flower, Canada Root, Indian Paintbrush, Fluxroot, Indian Posy, Orange Swallow Wort, Orange Milkweed, Silky Swallow Wort, Tuber Root, White Root, Yellow Milkweed, Butterfly Love and Windroot – Phew! See what I mean!!

Astrantia, (otherwise known as Great Masterwort), is a genus of the same family as Cow Parsley – the Apiaceae family.

Ananas, (pineapples), are a member of the Bromeliaceae family and are native to Mesoamerica . Ananas were taken to the Caribbean by Carib natives.

Aspidistra is a plant native to Asia and is commonly grown as a house plant. The common name for aspidistra is the 'cast-iron plant'.

Aralia, (otherwise known as Fatsia Japonica, Fatsi, Glossy Leaved Paper Plant, Castor Oil Plant and Fig-Leaf Plant), is native to Japan and Taiwan.

Asparagus fern is a genus of the 'Asparagaceae' family and there are over 300 species known to date. The most well known asparagus is the edible variety called Asparagus Officinalis - all other varieties are ornimental plants.

Abies Nobilis is a very seasonal Christmas foliage and is only available in November and Dececember. Blue Spruce is never seen on the wholesale flower markets in other months. Traditionally Blue Spruce is used for making Xmas flower arrangements, Spruce Rings, Xmas Garlands and decorating shop windows etc.

Abies Nobilis Spruce Rings are very popular at Christmas time and are purchased by florists and flower arrangers for the base of their decorations. Spruce rings can be made by hand using mossing wire, but purchasing pre-made abies nobilis spruce rings save a lot of time - and after all 'time is money'.