Roundhill Flower and Garden Club

With apologies to anyone who by now has heard more than enough of Christmas as we enter February, our last demonstration of 2019, (held at the end of November), inevitably had a seasonal theme. Titled ‘Creeping Up To Christmas’, NAFAS Area Demonstrator and freelance florist Elizabeth Bishop from Sheffield (who has visited us before) provided an evening which was both educational and entertaining. Obviously at such a time of year red featured substantially within the colour scheme, however in light of Elizabeth’s Malaysian heritage there was also a strong mix of exotic tropical flowers such as Anthurium, Heliconia, and Strelitzia alongside the more traditional Roses, Carnations, Gerbera, and of course Hippeastrum (Amaryllis), a flowering bulb that is so strongly associated with Christmas. This introduced a mix of orange, purple and vibrant lime green into her designs, whilst maintaining the relevant festive element. To emphasise the seasonal connection, wreath rings, illuminated parcels, and a reindeer formed part of larger displays. The incorporation of the reindeer had a further significance to the demonstration as Elizabeth is emphatic about the preservation of animals and wildlife, she speaking fondly of her dedication to this subject along with loving descriptions of the part her own dogs play in her life. Looking forward, one floral arrangement, albeit on a seasonal theme in this instance, could very easily be transformed for use as a Valentine celebration. In two parts, a red commercially purchased 3-dimentional heart constructed of curled wood shavings and hung on a frame between upper and lower floral placements, was enhanced with a ribbon bow.