BOOK REVIEW: EVERLASTING BLOOMS by LAYLA ROBINSON.

VERDICT: A JOYFUL DEBUT

A majestic offering from Layla Robinson, with over 25 projects using dried flowers, that encourages each of us to discover and nurture our own creative seed. The iconic cover is uniquely Layla and you want to pick up the book and keep it forever before you've even looked inside. The contents are divided into Brights, Pastels and Neutrals, moving artfully from effervescence to earthiness, each piece with clear instructions, though you are invited to find your own style within the guidance.

Layla shares her favourite flowers, (strawflowers feature highly), where to source them, how to dry them, and includes an important lesson on responsible foraging. The opening page talks about the twists and turns that brought her to this point, much like the magical wreaths and creations she weaves that have driven her to experiment and come full circle to be able to share with us here, now. A breakthrough moment in her floral-art career was the invention of the Everlasting Flower Panel, inspired by a flower lampshade she made for her daughter. It's been a game-changer for her business and has become the focus of a very popular online course. She is thoughtful about the environment, too. In an age when we are increasingly concerned about our planet, Layla makes the case for using dried flowers. Dried flowers, unlike fresh flowers, last many years, so is a very sustainable option.

I like that the designs within these pages are inclusive - from button holes and flower streamers to flower clouds and garlands - allowing all skills levels, Layla reminding us that all we need are our hands and imagination to find the artist inside us.

In the BRIGHTS section Layla's signature Bright and Wild Wreath dazzles. For beginners, try the Mini Flower Globes (using 100% biodegradeable floral foam) or Vivid Waterfall Mobile. One I want to try is the Starburst Wall Decoration on page 58.

It fizzes with energy, like Scotch Bonnet chillis on MiracleGrow.

In PASTELS there is the textural Spring Bouquet in gentle colours - the perfect gift for a someone special. I love the folksy elegance of the Rustic Wall Sculpture and the decadence of the Romantic Pedestal.

In NEUTRALS, The White Meadow Lampshade and Circular Flower Panel are Layla Robinson inventions for us to try out. But my absolute favourite is the Winter Mantel, which, in this artist's hands, possesses a diaphanous quality, where I imagine fairies dancing within, not wanting to leave.

Layla's passion is palpable. Words like sparkle, joy and meaning flavour the book with optimism at a time when the world feels somewhat uprooted of late. Her work is recognised globally and her influence is far-reaching. She also adds Photographer/Stylist to her portfolio career, with every image Layla's own - except for those of Layla herself, taken by husband Rob, to whom she gives an emotional thank you for cheering her on, crediting him as co-creator and unwitting pro-photographer. It is a generous book, which leaves you feeling inspired, uplifted and satisfied. A book you won't want to give away. Or, in my case, even lend.

As Layla writes "These flowers have power".

Everlasting Blooms is published by Greenfinch, an imprint of Quercus Editions Ltd.

Full Disclosure:- I am passionate about sustainability and a strong advocate for ditching the traditional floral foam, also known as Oasis, because it is not biodegradable and is very bad for the environment. I have not yet tried the Agra Wool floral foam that Laya uses, however my research finds that it is all-natural, plant based, 100% biodegradable and compostable and that reassures me.