Meet the tutors - Jackie Brooks

Meet Jackie, our extremely talented Floristry tutor, who has been a florist for 30 years which she describes as 'the best job in the world'. She loves being creative with colour and making different styles for different occasions, all varying by the season. Her work revolves mainly around weddings, gifts and funerals. Jackie cherishes them all, helping a family honour a loved one or celebrating with a happy couple.

Jackie loves teaching at Kent Adult Education and she thrives on seeing her students grow with confidence and become more connected with the nature around us all. Often, she finds learners who come for just a short class, stay and learn with her for many years. Soon enough they come into class presenting a beautiful branch, piece of moss, the bargain they found in their local shop and then turn it into a piece of art for themselves. Jackie particularly enjoys mixed ability courses where new students can learn from returning ones - and the other way around too! As she says, 'everyone is always learning something'.

For Jackie, mother nature is her biggest inspiration, because she is always changing our surroundings. Jackie says: "A twig will look completely different on a cold frosty morning, to being covered in snow, to seeing the buds burst out, to seeing it filled with leaves and then autumn comes along and the leaves change colour. Wow, she is clever and inspiring! Going for a walk, looking around and collecting things on the way is just heaven to me".