Golden Triumph in Philadelphia

11 March 2026

Caroline Crabb’s Golden Triumph in Philadelphia

What a whirlwind it has been for our very own Caroline Crabb! If you’ve stepped into Fleurtations in Bodmin recently, you’ll know that passion and petals go hand-in-hand here. But lately, that passion took Caroline across the Atlantic to the prestigious Philadelphia Flower Show, and we are bursting with pride to announce she is coming home with Gold.

Her installation, titled "Grow Deep, Live Tall," wasn't just a floral display, it was a feat of engineering, a marathon of endurance, and a deeply personal tribute.

The Vision: Grow Deep, Live Tall

Representing the AIFD (American Institute of Floral Designers), Caroline headed up the project alongside co chair Jo Jarvis. The scale was immense, involving:

A team of over 40 florists from across America.
Two florists from the UK.
Months of meticulous planning and hundreds of design meetings.

For Caroline, this project carried a special weight. It served as a floral tribute to the late Ron Mulray, a dear friend and legend in the floral world.Every stem placed was a nod to his memory. A kaleidoscope of silver butterflies could be seen leaving the ferneries elegantly lit empty seat, making their way to meet Ron, it was an perfect way to people to take time and reflect on his magnificent presence, in many ways he was still with us all.

Click here to MEET THE TEAM

The Vision: From Mind to Masterpiece

The biggest challenge? The entire concept lived solely in Caroline’s head. To get the Philadelphia Horticultural Society (PHS) to green-light the exhibit, those ethereal ideas had to be pinned down onto paper with technical precision.

However, as anyone running a busy florist shop knows, time is the one luxury you don’t have. Between daily bouquets, events, weddings, the daily running of the shop and local deliveries, Caroline didn't just need a spare hour—she needed a 38-hour day.

To bridge the gap, Caroline turned to a trusted collaborator, Morgan-Douglas Nuth. Having worked together on numerous high-profile projects, Morgan-Douglas possesses the rare ability to "speak Caroline." Through a series of intensive phone calls, she downloaded her vision, and he translated it into the professional presentation required for the committee.

After a few characteristic "Caroline tweaks," the proposal was submitted. The committee was floored, the approval was swift, and the real hard work—the logistical mountain of March 2026—was ready to begin.

But the project was not simply about the design! It carried a strong message about education too. Read all about it here: AIFD Grow Deep Live Tall - Education

When Mother Nature Intervenes

By March 2026, the vision was ready to become reality. However, the American weather had other ideas. A massive snowstorm hit the Sunday before the show, grounding flights and closing roads.

While the snow looked picture-perfect for social media, it was a logistical nightmare. Caroline was the only one to make it into Philly on time. Holding the fort alone amidst cancelled travel plans, she stayed remarkably calm. We lost two vital days of the build, but as the snow subsided on Tuesday, the "Floral Legions" finally arrived, and the race was on.

The Build: 48 Hours of Heart and Soul

Despite being two days behind, the atmosphere was electric. Caroline orchestrated the vast exhibit by breaking it down into specialised zones, each with its own dedicated team leader:

The Tablescape: A masterclass in detail.
The Windows & The Fernery: Bringing architectural height, depth and Instagrammable opportunities to the blooms.
Letters & Signage: Crafting the narrative of the piece, guiding people around with an interactive tour.
The Orbs: Perhaps the most daring feat, requiring cherry pickers to finish installations suspended 30ft in the air!
None of this would have been possbile without our fantastic partners, discover who they are here: Grow Deep Live Tall Magic Makers

The Result: Perfection in Every Petal

By Thursday night, the "blood, sweat, and tears" (and perhaps a little bit of Cornish grit) had paid off. The team spent the final hours tweaking stems and polishing foliage until every inch was perfect for the Friday morning judging.

The judges saw what we’ve always known: Caroline’s vision is world-class. Taking home the Gold Medal & the Ron Mulray Award is a testament to her leadership and her ability to turn a storm-delayed project into a masterpiece.

Want to learn more about Grow Deep Live Tall then you can read all about it by visiting the following link: