Colchester ton centre's one and only florist is preparing for one of the busiest and most meaningful times of the year as Mother's Day comes knocking.
Dillys Bespoke Florist, located in the heart of Colchester town centre on Crouch Street, has been creating floral arrangements for residents for nearly two decades. They also have another shop in Maldon.
Known for its elegant, made-to-order designs, the independent shop prides itself on offering flowers that are truly personal.
Manager Rachel Boucher, 53, has been part of the business for around 20 years since it's opening in 2006 and says the job remains as rewarding as ever.
“I love it. People are so friendly – the customers,” she said. “It’s such a lovely job. No two days are the same, and we just like making people smile.”
Rachel began working with flowers as a teenager and says floristry has always been more than just a career.
“I’ve been a florist since I was 15. It’s a vocation. You’re not in it for the money – but it’s a job I love. I’m really lucky because I don’t get many days where I think, ‘Oh God, I’ve got to go into work today.’”
The shop is owned by Joe Dilworth – whose surname inspired the name “Dillys” – and forms part of a thriving business with another shop in Maldon.
Rachel manages the Colchester store while Joe runs the Maldon branch.
What makes Dillys stand out is its bespoke approach.
Rather than selling standard arrangements, the team works closely with customers to design something unique.
“Everything is bespoke,” Rachel explained. “If someone has a preference for a certain flower, style or colour, we’ll make something especially for them.”
Bouquets can be tailored to a wide range of budgets, with customers often choosing arrangements around the £50 mark, though prices vary depending on the flowers selected.
The business also offers same-day delivery across a wide area of Essex, something Rachel says many customers appreciate.
“If they want something delivered and order by one o’clock, we can guarantee same-day delivery,” she said. “We cover a huge area – Colchester, Manningtree, Brightlingsea, Tiptree – and our other shop covers all the way over towards Chelmsford.”
Alongside fresh flowers, the shop also stocks plants, candles, gifts and even holds an alcohol licence for special occasion hampers.
However, Rachel says the industry has faced challenges in recent years, particularly following Covid and Brexit.
“A lot of the growers have gone out of business and that’s pushed prices up,” she said. “Flowers still come through Holland, but many now come from further afield like Ecuador and Colombia. It’s not quite like it used to be.”
Despite these challenges, Rachel says the aim remains the same – helping customers celebrate life’s important moments with beautiful flowers.
And with Mother’s Day around the corner, the team at Dillys will be doing exactly that.
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