About Amanda Randell Cox

Flowers and design are a passion that has given me a very fulfilling career exploring nature.

“For as long as I can remember, flowers and the English landscape have held me captive.”

Form, colour and structure inspired me to mess with plant material from an early age. I originally trained in London with Moyses Stevens in Barclay Square and Sloane Street followed by six years in Paris at Disney, where I was also influenced by fabulous designers such as Christian Tortu and Pierre Brinon’s shop, Mille Feuilles, with its exciting array of vintage containers. My passion is filling a beautiful old container with locally grown flowers in a thoughtful style. It’s not all about the plants, its about what kind of atmosphere you are trying to create and why.

In 2011 I embraced the opportunity to become one of the few British Master Florists in the country, studying with the hugely talented Tina Parkes at the British Academy of Floral Art in Exeter. I loved studying so much I stayed and am thrilled to be one of their tutors, teaching professional floristry.

I have enjoyed a long and exciting career as a contract and wedding florist, from intimate elopement weddings with Ever After, a stunning garden wedding venue in Devon to large events all over the South West.

In 2014 I became a Gold medallist at the prestigious RHS Chelsea Flower Show, and in 2016 I found an opportunity to study with the American Institute of Floral Design becoming an American Master at the AIFD Symposium in California. In 2021 I achieved another gold medal from Chelsea and best in show category for floral window designs of locally grown, sustainably arranged flowers. This particular show was a one off in so many ways, having been delayed for 1.5 years due to Covid the show was finally held in September, the first time in over 100 years, providing a wonderful opportunity for working with Autumnal flowers. It was a very exciting time and a highlight of my career.

Today, I am a consultant at Combe Grove, in Bath. A metabolic health retreat set in 70 acres. I am part of the estate team who embrace biodiversity, regenerating two ancient woodlands, a walled garden and setting up a full kitchen garden with the intention of becoming self sufficient. We also look after the gardens around the Manor House. I am embracing the opportunity of understanding the healing nature of plants and creating designs that are calming, and engaging with people who love to learn about flowers.

You can also find me in the classroom, as I continue to teach professional floristry at Level 3 for the British Academy of Floral Art in Exeter. A wonderful purpose built school teaching recreational to full Master qualifications and bringing excellent opportunities to those wanting a career in floristry.

“My flowers were breathtaking, they were more than I could ever have hoped for and I cannot thank you enough for your guidance along the way”. – Melanie