At the Flower Corner, our team of dedicated artisanal florists believe they have the expertise and experience to create arrangements and bouquets or provide flowers for any occasion, and are confident that with the offer of same day delivery can provide their customers with what they want when they want it. The history of the town and region on our doorstep, not to mention the natural beauty surrounding us, is a source of constant inspiration for our florists. We are certain that by sharing a brief history and some information on the nature in the region that we can provide inspiration for others.
Lying 18 miles south of the Devon county town of Exeter, Torquay is a seaside town of over 20,000 that is renowned for its mild, by UK standards at least, climate. In fact, it is because of the relatively mild climate that the town is also fondly known as the English Riviera. There is evidence that the area on which modern Torquay stands has been inhabited since at least the Palaeolithic period, hand axes in excess of 40,000 years of age have been found nearby. Part of a human jaw bone found in the same area and dated to between 37,000-40,000 years ago may also be the oldest example of a modern human in Europe. Due to the mild climate many of the military personnel injured in the Napoleonic Wars were sent to the town to convalesce. It was at the this time that the first major expansion of the town took place, as sick Victorians continued to visit to recover from maladies away from colder northern areas. The town also grew as a result of the construction of Torre railway station, being part of Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s railway network enhanced and solidified the town’s reputation as a retreat and holiday destination.
As a result of the town’s history as a convalescent retreat and holiday destination, there are plenty of green spaces and parks for both residents and locals to enjoy. There are a number of exotic, and local, plants and flowers which add to the already stunning scenery of the area. It would be remiss not to mention one of Torquay’s most famous residents, the word famous crime writer Agatha Christie, and there is a very special garden dedicated to her legacy on the grounds of the medieval Torre Abbey. After being inspired by the plethora of poisons, antidotes and remedies in Christie’s works, the head gardener at the Abbey created the Potent Plants Garden. This is one garden where the sign ‘Do not touch!’ should definitely be heeded. The garden features a variety of flowers that can cure or kill depending on one’s motives, but never fear, in actual fact far less potent species were planted and it was designed for entertainment purposes, as were Agatha Christie’s fabulous novels. Rest assured that this is not one of the gardens where our florists get their inspiration, although the flowers on display are a sight to behold!
The Princess Gardens actually feature in one of Christie’s most famous novels, The ABC Murders, and they were established in 1890. The gardens feature flowerbeds filled with stunning, beautiful flowers, a palm lined promenade and an ornate fountain. This is definitely somewhere our florists come to find their inspiration, as do many others.
Battery Gardens are a more natural than cultivated site, and also a Scheduled Monument. Not only do flowers such as orchids and bluebells flourish here, the gardens also offer perhaps the best panoramic view of the bay in town.
It is clear why the florists at the Flower corner are so proud of their town, and they are confident they have the knowledge and expertise to brighten any occasion.
