Shane, whose distinguished career includes designing the flowers for the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, first worked with Durham Cathedral ahead of the Royal Maundy service in April 2025. He advised Deborah Simpson Boston, who leads the Cathedral Flower Arranging Volunteers, helping them develop sustainable techniques and create displays suitable for the Royal occasion.
The King's commitment to environmental sustainability has influenced floral arrangements at Royal events, including the Royal Maundy Service, where locally grown and seasonal flowers are used to celebrate the area hosting the service each year.
Reflecting on this approach, Shane said:
"It's such a simple thing to have flowers from where you are. Every year it creates a Royal Maundy service that is unique to the place."
Shane is a leading advocate for sustainable floristry and has encouraged a move away from single-use floral foam in favour of more traditional methods using reusable holders and water-based techniques.
During his visit, he spoke about the opportunities and challenges of introducing more sustainable practices within churches and heritage settings, where change can sometimes be met with uncertainty.
He explained that through education, practical demonstrations and collaboration, people can gain confidence in trying new approaches. For Shane, caring for the environment is closely connected to faith and stewardship.
"It is about being respectful of creation and the Creator."
Following their successful collaboration in preparation for the Royal Maundy service, Shane and Deborah have remained in touch, united by a shared passion for sustainable flower arranging.
Returning to Durham Cathedral in September 2026, Shane spent time with the Cathedral Flower Arranging Volunteers answering questions, offering practical advice and demonstrating techniques that can be used throughout the year.
Deborah Simpson Boston, Flower Lead at Durham Cathedral commented on the collaboration,
"Since Royal Maundy we have been working on more sustainable ways to flower Durham Cathedral. We proudly do not use flower foam of any kind and have not since January 2025, we source flowers from our own cutting garden on the South Bailey and from local flower farms (Periwinkle Barn). We have amazing foliage around Durham and often volunteers will bring in their own cuttings from the garden. Local flowers have more movement and smell divine."
Deborah continued,
"Shane Connolly has visited our group twice now and shown us some really useful techniques and mechanics. We are very lucky to have this input. The legacy of sustainable flowers grows and between staff, clergy gardeners vergers and flower volunteers we can lead the way to a truly sustainable flower plan for the future."
The session was also attended by members of the Cathedral's Gardening Team, strengthening the connection between those who grow plants and those who use them in floral displays. Flowers and foliage for Shane's demonstrations were sourced from both the Cathedral gardens and Deborah's farm, showcasing the beauty and variety of seasonal materials available locally.
A key theme of the day was how gardeners and flower arrangers can work more closely together. By sharing knowledge and planning collaboratively, the teams can identify opportunities to grow and gather plants specifically for use in arrangements, making greater use of seasonal and sustainable materials throughout the year.
Speaking about working with the Cathedral Flower Arranging Volunteers and Flower Lead, Deborah, Shane said:
Quote from Shane Connolly on Floral Designer and Flower Farmer, Deborah Simpson Boston.
Debs already had sustainability at the top of her list, which reaffirmed that what we are trying to achieve is the right approach.
Shane Connolly on Floral Designer and Flower Farmer, Deborah Simpson Boston.
The visit also explored creativity in floral design and the importance of responding to the changing seasons. Shane encouraged arrangers to look beyond traditional flowers and consider locally sourced foliage, branches, seed heads and other natural materials that can be gathered sustainably throughout the year.
He highlighted how flower arranging does not always have to rely on flowers alone. Working with whatever is available locally and seasonally can inspire creativity and result in displays that are distinctive, beautiful and deeply connected to their surroundings.
By embracing seasonal materials and sustainable methods, Cathedral Flower Arranging Volunteers continue to create beautiful displays that enhance worship, celebrate the natural world and help care for the environment.
