For all who love flowers and championing local business
About the society
The ‘Midhurst Buds & Blooms Society’ was founded in March 2022 by MaryAnn Kauntze.
The Society welcomes all, and champions local businesses from in and around Midhurst.
Our ethos is to aim to be free-spirited, inspirational, creative and to enjoy everything floral, through fun and interactive monthly meetings. All of our guest speakers are within local distance from Midhurst.
We meet on the last Tuesday of the month at 2pm - 4pm in the beautiful Old Library on Knockhundred Row.
Annual Membership £60
Guests/visitors £12 (pre-book required)
Please contact our Secretary Karen Russell via our email:
secretary@midhurstbudsandblooms.co.uk
Our Committee
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Coleen Rose
Society Chairman
Coleen moved to Midhurst from Harpenden in North London in October 2020 with her husband Sean to begin a new life in the country, after retiring from her career in accountancy and estate agency. Captivated by Midhurst and the beauty of the south downs, she knew instantly that this was her ‘forever place’. Coleen has always been a keen gardener and lover of flowers and is now immersing herself in the beauty and nature around her on the King Edward VII estate, in particular the spectacular Gertrude Jekyll format gardens.
@mrscoleenrose
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Karen Russell
Society Secretary
Karen’s roots are firmly floral related.
She descends from three generations of nurserymen & horticulturalists. Karen grew up on the family nursery in Rudgwick and has been surrounded by flowers, plants and all things gardening since a young age.
Midhurst will always have a place in Karen’s heart having trained and worked as a nurse at the prestigious former hospital King Edward VII in Midhurst for over 17 years until its closure in 2006.
Karen aims to bring her love of flowers and her love of Midhurst to the role as secretary.
Happily retired, Karen enjoys life with her husband and family.
@karenshomeandgarden
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Katharine Pethick
Society Treasurer & Graphic Designer
Katharine is a newcomer to Midhurst, having discovered her house during Covid lockdown and made the life changing move from London in August 2021. With very little gardening experience she is hoping to learn a lot quickly in order to tackle the large outdoor space she now has - a big contrast to a London courtyard garden!
Katharine has worked as a freelance graphic designer for too many years to mention and, having run her businesses, is also adept at tackling finances and spreadsheets. She enjoys photography and particularly taking photos of the natural environment so Midhurst will provide plenty of scope for that!
@aneyeforthings
MaryAnn Kauntze - Society Founder - @mymidhurstlife
MaryAnn Kauntz moved to Midhurst in June 2016 with her husband Richard and son Henry. The town, its people, its beauty, its energy and incredible sense of community captured her heart. On hearing that The Midhurst Flower Club had closed after 46 years she felt something had to be done. With her passion for supporting local business in and around Midhurst she decided to set up a new club where local, creative and vibrant talent could be showcased. And so the ‘Midhurst Buds & Blooms Society’ was born, presenting a series of talks and tutorials throughout the year.
Having built the society into a very popular and thriving part of the Midhurst calendar, MaryAnn decided to step down in 2026 as chairman leaving her legacy to be continued by the committee and faithful members.