June was the final meeting of the year and once again the curse of the AGM struck when our scheduled demonstrator had to cancel at short notice.  With just one day’s notice Elizabeth Coyle, a florist from Edinburgh, stepped into the breach and drove north to delight us with “A Floral Odyssey”.

 

Elizabeth's 1st creation

Elizabeth's 2nd creation

 

The title of her demonstration, “Odyssey” is defined as a series of journeys or adventures, and that is what Elizabeth took us on.  Starting with a sunny basket arrangement filled with bergenia, Pieris Forestii, sunflower, lilac and paeony and following with the story of an unexpected sale in a garden centre which resulted in some new containers including a giant cup and saucer.  The cup brimmed over with bright green skimmia, red germini, orange roses and Kermit spray carnations - there was even a little floral cupcake to go with the teacup; this brought a smile to the faces of those members who had helped with the recent Emerald Anniversary celebrations where 260 floral cupcakes had been made as table decorations and gifts for everybody who attended the event.

 

 

 


 

Elizabeth's 3rd creation

 

 

Elizabeth, who is a teacher as well as a demonstrator, then showed us how a “mixed bunch” from the wholesaler or supermarket, with a bit of imagination, could be used to produce a very pleasing arrangement.  The mixed bunch was a tropical one containing phoenix palm, helliconia, fatsia, and aspidistra as well as a few unusual stems.  Having produced a very attractive arrangement using only the content of the bunch, Elizabeth then added anthurium, mini pineapples and calla turning the basic arrangement into something really special.

 

 

Elizabeth's 4th creation

 

 

Two stunning stands next – originally outdoor candles but now converted for the much more useful purpose of flower arranging.  Two lovely asymmetric arrangements using grey foliage and a mixture of pink and white roses, alstroemeria and orchid which really complimented the chrome stands.

 

 

 

 

Elizabeth's 5th creation

 

 

Finally, we reached the end of the “Floral Odyssey” with a beautiful arrangement in whites and greens, always a most attractive and fresh colour scheme.  The wheel at the back conjured up the image of a mill wheel, and the cool greys and greens of the foliage the lushness of the surrounding riverbank.  White lily and white “Dolmiti” roses added to the overall effect and a froth of gypsophila completed the arrangement.

 

 

 

Elizabeth's finale

 

 

The demonstration was a lovely end to what has been a very exciting year for the Club, and we would like to thank Elizabeth most sincerely for stepping in at the last moment with her most enjoyable presentation.