Rolodex - Series 07:
Freddie Garland
“I find arranging flowers is an incredible way to stay present and off screens.”
How do you describe what you do and what do you love the most about it?
I just love creating flower arrangements (whilst listening to the radio). Finding the right shapes, colours and textures that work together fills me with so much joy and fills all my creative buckets. It’s like exercise — if you arrange some flowers, you’ll feel better, no matter what.
What morning ritual or habit have you developed that sets you up for a better day?
A 45-minute cycle to work followed by an iced black coffee makes me feel fairly invincible… ’til the afternoon, when I need a nap!
What’s your daily uniform?
Cargo trousers (the extra pockets are essential for floristry bits!) and a different shirt as often as possible — though I do love a white T-shirt with a decent thick neck.
Where are you local to, and what’s your best neighbourhood recommendation?
I live in Kensal Rise and my top recommendation is Sonora coffee shop on College Road. It has a fantastic wine and deli section, while also dishing up the finest pastries and amazing Mexican food.
Which modern convenience couldn't you live without, and why?
Is the radio a modern convenience? A combination of the radio and my AirPods — for Radio 6, Test Match Special, and The News Agents.
"To me, “materially better” means something that’s been properly thought through and considered. That’s the approach I take when I’m putting together a bunch of flowers. I think about how colours, textures and shapes work together - often using slightly unexpected combinations to give it character. And it’s not just about the flowers - the vase or bowl they go in matters just as much. I love using proper tools too - flower frogs that let you be precise with placement, or a really well-made pair of floral scissors.."
What’s your favourite piece of art (regardless of medium, e..g painting, design, movie)?
Recently, I absolutely loved the exhibition from my friend Pip Carter called Somewhere in Nowhere. It’s full of large-scale, hand-cut floral pictures, and she asked us to create the flowers alongside it to make a 3D experience. It was amazing.
What are you currently coveting, reading, watching and listening to?
Reading: George’s Marvellous Medicine to my son Jesse. We love it.
Watching: A horror of some sort (what a thrill!)
Listening to: Always something — Radio 6; a political or historical podcast; Kate Bush
"I’ve got a few favourite spots at home, and I love seeing how each arrangement changes the feel of the room."
How do you protect your time and attention from the constant demands of modern life?
I make sure I find as much time as possible to spend with my family.
How do you maintain human connection in an increasingly digital world?
I find arranging flowers is an incredible way to stay present and off screens — and with human connection, it’s the same. You’ve got to actually see people and do things with them. I go into the studio as much as I can, where it’s always buzzy, and I see my friends a lot too.
What makes your life materially better?
Anything that’s been made with thought, character and a bit of charm. A cracking pair of floral scissors. My morning coffee. A great shirt. Handmade spectacles by Rocco on Golborne Road. An antique flower frog. A thoughtful flower arrangement.
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