Florrie nodded. ‘It was always my dream to become a florist, and growing up I worked alongside my great-aunt Ada in The Vintage Flower Van. She taught me everything I know, and there was nothing she didn’t know when it came to flowers. She grew the majority of them herself in the gardens at her home, and created a landscape that is truly wonderful to behold.’
Ben turned towards the camera. ‘Let’s take a look at this transformation, as it is indeed spectacular.’
Florrie looked towards the camera and saw the reel that had been put together showing the gardens going from sparse and sad to their present spectacular life and colour.
‘Now talk us through the different areas of this stunning garden,’ said Cathy.
Florrie chatted happily about the different sections and about how Ada had staggered the growth of each to ensure that there were flowers available throughout the seasons.
‘I feel like I’m looking at a garden that belongs to a palace or a stately home. The love and attention to detail that have gone into it over the years have created something so wonderful. Now, I believe that the garden will be open to the general public very soon. Can you tell us more about that?’
‘That’s right, every year the village of Heartcross holds a competition called Flowers in Bloom and anyone can buy a ticket and wander around all the gardens that have been entered. Each ticket-holder votes for their favourite garden – and Ada has won that competition for the past thirty years. Believe me when I say that the competition is fierce every year so it’s quite an achievement! Tickets go on sale tomorrow. They can be purchased from The Vintage Flower Van at Rose Cottage. Anyone interested will need to be quick though, as there are only a limited number of tickets available. And can I just add that the ticket also includes refreshments from Bonnie’s Teashop on Love Heart Lane.’
Cathy turned towards Ben. ‘I think this is a date for the diary.’
‘You’re both more than welcome to visit Heartcross anytime.’
‘We’ll take you up on that! For now, what’s next for Florrie Appleton and The Vintage Flower Van?’
It was the question she’d been waiting for and Florrie silently thanked Cathy for setting things up perfectly for her.
‘I’m saddened to share with you that it’s not good news.’ Florrie noticed the two presenters exchanging a fleeting puzzled look.
‘Just after my great-aunt Ada passed away, it came to light that she didn’t own Rose Cottage as I had been led to believe, but instead had rented it all her life from a property company.’ They have refused my request to transfer the lease to me, which means I am about to lose my family home, and as if that wasn’t enough, they are also taking The Vintage Flower Van, as it was also rented. After sixty years in business, The Vintage Flower Van will cease trading at the end of the month. And if that wasn’t enough of a shock for our beautiful village of Heartcross, the company that owns the cottage is proposing to flatten great-aunt Ada’s beautiful garden in order to build new houses. It’s absolutely devastating to me, to the memory of my family and to the community of Heartcross.’
There it was, all out in the open. Florrie knew by the looks on Cathy and Ben’s faces that they were sympathetic by what she’d just revealed.
‘These beautiful gardens are going to be demolished?’ asked Cathy.
‘Yes, that’s what the developers are proposing, so this year’s Flowers in Bloom will possibly be the last chance to enjoy everything Great-Aunt Ada created – and one of the last days you’ll be able to buy your flowers from The Vintage Flower Van.’
‘We’re so sorry to hear this,’ said Ben. ‘What started as such a romantic and uplifting story has turned into a true tragedy. We never anticipated things might take a turn like this.’
‘I, of course, will not be making it easy for the company, and will continue to appeal and fight for my business and the gardens.’
Cathy nodded. ‘I think you may have the whole nation behind you, Florrie. Thank you for joining us today, and we wish you success in saving the iconic flower van and gardens of Rose Cottage.’
‘Thank you for having me.’
The music played and the commercial break kicked in.
Cathy turned towards Florrie. ‘We’re off air. I’m so sorry to hear about this extremely sad development in your story.’
Florrie nodded her thanks. ‘It’s been a blow, but I’ll keep fighting.’
‘I think, after this appearance, the media will be fighting your corner alongside your ever-growing followers.’
‘I really hope so.’
‘We wish you lots of luck.’ Cathy shook her hand. ‘Meg will take you to collect your things. Thank you again for joining us and telling your story today.’
Ten minutes later, Florrie was sitting in her van in the car park outside the TV studios. She pulled her phone out of her bag. The text messages and notifications she’d received were in their hundreds! The first person she phoned was Isla.
‘You were very natural and oh my gosh, your hair! Your make-up! You looked stunning! But more importantly you came across brilliantly.’
‘At first I was nervous but then I have to say I rather enjoyed it.’
‘Your story is out there now so let’s see what impact it has. You’ll definitely need to keep on top of the social media. Aidy is going to run a follow-up to his first story and include what you revealed today, so that will be circulated in the news asap.’
