A Wigan florist wins a prestigious RHS Sandringham award in an extraordinary year of national recognition

A Wigan florist is celebrating one of the biggest achievements of her career after winning the RHS Sandringham Award for Floral Tablescapes at the inaugural RHS Sandringham Flower Show.

Carol Peacock, owner of Peacock & Wild in Winstanley, was presented with the prestigious award for her floral tablescape, Eat Your Greens, at the Royal Horticultural Society’s brand-new flower show, held on the King’s Norfolk estate.

Carol’s winning design celebrated the beauty of British-grown flowers, herbs and seasonal produce, showcasing sustainable floristry while encouraging visitors to see flowers and food in a fresh and creative way.

The award was judged and presented by Shane Connolly, one of the world’s most respected floral designers and renowned for creating the flowers for the weddings of Their Majesties The King and Queen, The Prince and Princess of Wales, and for designing the floral arrangements for the Coronation of King Charles.

The RHS award is the latest milestone in what has already become an extraordinary year for the Wigan business owner.

In October, Carol will compete in the British Florist Association (BFA) UK Florist of the Year 2026 Live Final, one of the profession’s most prestigious competitions.

At the same event, Peacock & Wild has also been shortlisted for BFA Wedding & Event Florist of the Year 2026, recognising excellence in wedding and event floristry.

With more than 16 years in the floristry industry, Carol has built a career combining award-winning floral design with education, sustainability and flower growing.

Alongside running Peacock & Wild, she is a qualified floristry lecturer, mentor and flower grower, inspiring the next generation of florists while championing environmentally responsible practices and British-grown flowers.

The momentum doesn’t stop there. Carol is also preparing to launch The British School of Sustainable Floristry, a new education venture alongside renowned flower farmer Roz Chandler. The school will champion foam-free floristry, British-grown flowers and sustainable floral design, helping to inspire and educate florists across the UK.

Carol said:

“Winning the RHS Sandringham Award was a complete shock and an incredibly proud moment. To have my work recognised at the inaugural RHS Sandringham Flower Show is something I’ll never forget.

“To have my work judged by Shane Connolly MBE and then to receive the award from him made the moment even more special. Shane is someone I’ve admired for many years because of his creativity and commitment to sustainable floristry, so it was a real honour.”

Carol added:

“This has already been an amazing year, and to now be preparing for the British Florist Association UK Florist of the Year Live Final while also being shortlisted for Wedding & Event Florist of the Year makes it even more special. I’m incredibly proud to be representing Wigan on a national stage.”

Earlier this year, Carol rebranded her business from The Blossom Room to Peacock & Wild, reflecting an expanded focus on sustainable floristry, education, mentoring and British-grown flowers.

Alongside designing bespoke weddings and events across the North West, Carol continues to teach floristry while growing many of the flowers she uses in her work, helping to promote a more sustainable future for the industry.

“I’ve always believed that hard work, creativity and never being afraid to push yourself can open incredible doors. To bring an RHS award back to Wigan is something I’m immensely proud of. I hope it shows what’s possible for small independent businesses in our town and inspires others to follow their passion.”