The florists at Jean Page Floral Boutique have numerous passions, but the entire team has a few that unite them in their quest to provide bouquets and flowers of the highest quality and for any occasion. We are passionate about flowers, naturally, but also the town of Watford and the stunning Hertfordshire countryside, both of which provide ample inspiration for our designs. We want to share some local history and some of our inspirations.
There is some scattered evidence of prehistoric occupation around Watford, with some Celtic and Roman discoveries, however there is no evidence of prolonged settlement until much later. In fact, the name Watford first appears in an Anglo-Saxon charter of 1007. Despite this it is not mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, at this time the area was part of the manor of Cashio, part of St. Alban’s Abbey. Watford is located on the River Colne and developed as a small market town until the Grand Junction Canal was constructed in 1798, and the London and Birmingham railway was completed in 1837. These developments, and the towns proximity to London, encouraged industry in the area, with a number of print works, paper mills and breweries opening and various companies moving their headquarters here. This was followed by a period of rapid urban expansion and today Watford has a population of approximately 100,000. This growth led to the establishment of an urban district under the Local Government Act 1894, and it was eventually granted charter as a municipal borough in 1922.
Despite the development of the town, it has stayed true to its roots as a market town with a number of parks and green spaces allowing residents and visitors to experience the beauty of the local flowers and wildlife. In fact, there are over 190 parks within the city, and upwards of 40 nature reserves in Hertfordshire. Perhaps the most famous of these, and certainly the closest to the town centre, is Cassiobury Park. The park was created in 1909 and covers over 190 acres of green space, making it the largest public open space in Watford. The western area of the park contains 25.1 hectares which provide a glimpse in to the biodiversity, and natural history of the area. The habitat is mostly wetland and is the perfect place to see a variety of flowers and wildlife all year long. Flowers such as water-forget-me-not, meadowsweet and mistlethrush thrive here, not to mention the county flower of Hertfordshire; the pasqueflower (Pulisatilla vulgaris). This distinctive flower can be recognised by a head of purple petals surrounding a tuft of yellow stamens and silvery seed heads, and is also known as Danes blood. The sight of these spectacular flowers in bloom is sureis sure to be an inspiration to any florists..
Whippendell Wood is often used as a shortcut to Cassiobury Park and, since 1954, has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its various woodland habitats and its location in a primarily urban and agricultural setting. It is locally renowned for colourful species such as bluebells, and is also home to some rare species of fungus, including Crepidotus cinnabainus which has only been noted on three other occasions in Europe. It was first found here in 1995 and samples are kept at Kew Gardens. Who knows what other rare wonders are waiting to be discovered by amateur botanists or intrepid local florists?
No doubt this brief history shows why the florists at Jean Page Floral Boutique believe we have the traditional knowledge, not to mention the inspiration, to provide bouquets for any occasion. Our artisanal florists are ready and waiting to fulfil your floral desires, in a time frame that suits you.
