A FLORIST who moved to Shortwood after the Russian invasion of Ukraine says she was “honoured” to provide floral displays for an important event at 10 Downing Street.
Alla Orekhovska, who recently opened her own shop, Flowers by Alla, in Totterdown, received a call from the Prime Minister’s office asking if she could create displays for an event marking three years since the beginning of the war in Ukraine.
Alla crafted eight floral arrangements using blue and yellow flowers, including sunflowers, which are the national flower of Ukraine and a symbol of peace.
They were displayed at the event hosted by Sir Kier Starmer and attended by Ukrainian dignitaries, government aides and organisations.
She was also invited to the Prime Minister’s office for a ‘meet and greet’ and chat.
Alla, who fled her home city of Kyiv during the conflict, said: “I was able to tell him how I was a florist for many years in Ukraine. However, it is in the UK where all my dreams have come true and I have opened my very own shop.
“I love nothing more than creating beautiful arrangements for people to give to their loved ones. I’d also really love to get into creating displays for events and so to have my first event be for 10 Downing Street is an incredible achievement.
“They had searched for Ukrainian florists and came across my work. Ten days later I was on my way to London with a car full of flowers for the Prime Minister.”