ByDesign A PUBLICATION OF THE GCA FLORAL DESIGN COMMITTEE WINTER/SPRING 2024 VOLUME 38, NO. 1
W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 024 By DESI G N | 1
CONTENTS
The COMMITTEE
Robin Hardman, Chair Akron GC, Zone X Sara Ledbetter, Vice Chair The GC of Houston, Zone IX Peggy Moore, Editor By Design Fairfield GC, Zone II Kitty Wo, Assistant Editor By Design The GC of Honolulu, Zone XII Katherine Palmer, Copy Editor By Design Green Tree GC, Zone XI Sarah Starrett, Photo Editor By Design Green Tree GC, Zone XI Shelley Galloway, Coordinator FDSG 2022-2024 Kenilworth GC, Zone XI Marilee Ahalt, Assistant Coordinator FDSG Workshops Seattle GC, Zone XII Cindy Hilson, Treasurer Hancock Park GC, Zone XII
First session attendees to the 2023 Floral Design Study Group workshop celebrating the end of their workshop in Savannah, Georgia.
3 } Bylines
15 } An Artist’s Atelier:
4 } Flower Show Awards Double the Pleasure, Double the Fun 7} Sojourn in Savannah Floral Design Study Group Workshop 2023
Where the Magic is Made Jane Godshalk, 16
Julie Spear, 18 Kathy Powell, 20 22 }
Club Workshop
23 } Random Resources Cover photo: Design by Klaus Wagener, 2023 Floral Design Study Group instructor from Germany. See page 7. Photo by Peggy Moore By Design is produced three times a year by the Floral Design Committee of The Garden Club of America. It is available online in the months of February, June, and October. Submissions and comments are encouraged and welcome. To submit, contact bydesign@gcamerica.org The contents contained in the GCA’s internal publications are intended solely for the education and enjoyment of club members of The Garden Club of America. For permission to reproduce any article in this publication, contact bydesign@gcamerica.org. The listing of any product does not imply a recommendation or an endorsement by the GCA. The purpose of The Garden Club of America is to stimulate the knowledge and love of gardening, to share the advantages of association by means of educational meetings, conferences, correspondence, and publications, and to restore, improve, and protect the quality of the environment through educational programs and actions in the fields of conservation and civic improvement. The Garden Club of America 14 East 60th Street, New York, NY 10022 gcamerica.org © The Garden Club of America, 2024. All rights reserved. 2 | By DE SIGN W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2024
Zone Representatives Kimberly Devlin-Brytz Piscataqua GC, Zone I Megan Kelly Sasqua GC, Zone II Joan Rockwell-Gifford North Suffolk GC, Zone III Katie Downes GC of Englewood, Zone IV Mary Margaret Stamy GC of Allegheny County, Zone V Mary Carpenter Amateur Gardeners Club, Zone VI Annie Vanderwarker Dolley Madison GC, Zone VII Kelly Hagler Sand Hills GC, Zone VIII Liz Wozencraft The GC of Houston, Zone IX Fern MacMillan Akron GC, Zone X Bryn Wagner Hanson GC of Evanston, Zone XI Marilee Ahalt, Seattle GC, Zone XII Elizabeth Meyer, Executive Board Liaison Cambridge Plant & GC, Zone I Bridget Madigan, Finance Committee Liaison Woodside-Atherton GC, Zone XII Jalisa Nesmith, Staff Administrator GCA Headquarters
{By LINES As we anxiously await spring to fill the air and eagerly anticipate the new buds and blooms of the coming season, the Floral Design Committee invites you to delve into and engage in a world of inspiration and educational resources in this issue of By Design. Recently the 2023 Floral Design Study Group workshop took center stage in Savannah, Georgia, featuring the esteemed instructor Klaus Wagener from Germany. Known for his gentle, approachable teaching style, Klaus enchanted participants with his naturalistic design approach, unveiling innovative techniques that promise to shape the upcoming flower show season. His artistic flair and fresh perspectives left an indelible mark on attendees, creating a buzz of excitement for everyone. For those who missed the experience, fear not! The recent Floral Design Virtual Conference, aptly named For the Love of Flowers, offered a front-row seat to witness Klaus Wagener in action, along with our own talented and creative GCA members: Dee Hall of The Garden Club of Norfolk, Carole Bailey of River Oaks Garden Club, and Kristin Brown of The Monroe Garden Study League. So, if you missed it, be sure to visit the Floral Design landing page and click on the Virtual Conference tab to watch this most recent conference or past conferences, which are archived there for your viewing. The Floral Design Committee’s purpose is to provide knowledge and inspiration for members, with a platform for engaging in educational activities that elevate the art of floral design and botanical arts. By Design is a wonderful resource for you, and each issue is archived on the Floral Design Committee landing page. As we eagerly await the rebirth of spring and the grandeur of flower shows to follow, let us take a moment to appreciate the wealth of resources GCA offers to nurture our passion For the Love of Flowers.
Nature, by definition, is the phenomena of the physical world collectively, including plants, animals, the landscape, and other features and products of the earth, as opposed to humans or human creations. The attendees at the 2023 Floral Design Study Group workshop in Savannah, Georgia, got as close to the phenomena of nature as one could under the tutelage of Klaus Wagener, floral design instructor from Germany. The designs executed were so close to being purely natural it is almost impossible to believe. The “human creations” consisted of one kenzan, a few glass tubes, a metal skeleton frame from an Ikea lampshade, a rough clay bowl, and a container made from cement. The natural elements were a big rock, branches in all shapes, lengths, and textures, grasses, more rocks, moss, dried grasses, leaves, twigs, cattails, and a few cultivated flowers. The attendees’ work was stunning. It was a Zen-like experience, working in the rustic red brick room at the historic Morris Center at Trustees’ Garden, surrounded by foraged materials. The FDSG workshop reinforced my love of nature and all that it has to offer to floral designers. Upon returning home, a walk in the woods resulted in a stack of twisted sticks of various lengths and shapes, and a new use for the pile of New England rocks accumulating on our property. None were perfect nor alike—that’s the beauty of nature. Happy reading!
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Peggy Moore By Design Editor
Of Interest…These links will take you to the GCA website where you can learn more. Floral design videos to share with your club. Great for workshops.
Robin Hardman, Chair Floral Design Committee
FDSG 2024 fall workshop in Santa Fe interest list. Botanical Art tips to help refine your craftsmanship. W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 024 By DESI G N | 3
{Flower SHOWS DOUBLE THE PLEASURE, DOUBLE THE FUN!
W
hat do these award-winning botanical arts and floral designs have in common? Hint—it’s all about the number two. A remarkable four designs won two awards by a single exhibitor. Five designs won a single award, created by a team of two. One exceptional design even won two awards by a team of two. Can you spot it? How delightful that these designs from GCA Flower Shows were rewarded for their ingenuity, with many exhibitors teaming up to create floral magic. Bravo to the dynamic pairs!
Christina Cocroft Isabel Goff South County Garden Club of R.I., Zone II Dorothy Vietor Munger Award Be Inspired: GCA Flower Show hosted by South County Garden Club of R.I., Zone II September 21, 2023 Floral Design Class: Peonies Blown in the Wind Citation: “Luminous Beauty”
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Tasha Mixon Sasha Neyman Shaker Lakes Garden Club, Zone X Harriet DeWaele Puckett Creativity Award
Sheila Hart Fort Orange Garden Club, Zone III Botanical Arts Best in Show GCA Novice Award in Botanical Arts
A Fantasy: GCA Flower Show hosted by Shaker Lakes Garden Club, Zone X September 8-10, 2023 Floral Design Class: Fantasy Island Citation: “Extraordinary dinner for two in Halong Bay. This exuberant and creative design is full of harmonious color, movement, and texture.”
Stepping Through Time: GCA Flower Show hosted by Fort Orange Garden Club, Zone III September 20-21, 2023 Botanical Arts Class: Stepping Carefully BIS Citation: “A beautiful step through time.” Novice Citation: “Boldly stepping forward with a good sense of principles and elements of design.”
Marta Nelson Katherine Renfrew The Garden Club of Norfolk, Zone VII Best in Show Botanical Arts Botanical Arts Creativity Award Ebb and Flow: GCA Zone Flower Show hosted by The James River Garden Club, Zone VII September 26-27, 2023 Botanical Arts Class: Botanical Couture: Party at the Pump House Citation: “A magical accomplishment of design and craftsmanship.”
Annie Vanderwarker Dolley Madison Garden Club, Zone VII Best in Show Floral Design Harriet DeWaele Puckett Creativity Award Ebb and Flow: GCA Zone Flower Show hosted by The James River Garden Club, Zone VII September 26-27, 2023 Floral Design Class: Bridges BIS Citation: “Distinctive selection and placement of plant material leads you over the bridge to the best of the blues.” Puckett Citation: “Technical suspension of creation of woven structure frames a floral fantasy.”
Catherine Bolton Barkley Laing Albemarle Garden Club, Zone VII Dorothy Vietor Munger Award Ebb and Flow: GCA Zone Flower Show hosted by The James River Garden Club, Zone VII September 26-27, 2023 Floral Design Class: Whitewater Citation: “A beautiful, cascading design worthy of the Munger.”
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{Flower SHOWS
Katrina Ladd Amy Lowden Hortulus, Zone II Best in Show Floral Design Johnese Thibault The Garden Club of Michigan, Zone X Best in Show Floral Design Harriet DeWaele Puckett Creativity Award
Cur-rent: GCA Flower Show hosted by Hortulus, Zone II September 29-30, 2023 Floral Design Class: Current Citation: “A crackling good charge. “Currently” Best in Show!”
Into the Woods: GCA Flower Show hosted by The Garden Club of Michigan, Zone X September 28-29, 2023 Floral Design Class: Sink Your Roots Citation: “The creative interpretation of “Sink Your Roots” raised the bar with its balance and rhythm.”
Be Inspired: GCA Flower Show hosted by South County Garden Club of R.I., Zone II September 21, 2023 Floral Design Class: A Stroll in Time Citation: “A pathway to a well-executed design.”
Photos contributed by host clubs
Maryl Hitchings Leslie Purple Wissahickon Garden Club, Zone V Botanical Arts Creativity Award Cur-rent: GCA Flower Show hosted by Hortulus, Zone II September 29-30, 2023 Botanical Arts Class: Current Citation: “Creative response to the class. No shade on this design.” 6 | By DE SIGN W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2024
Candace Morgenstern Newport Garden Club, Zone II Best in Show Floral Design Harriet DeWaele Puckett Creativity Award
Floral Design Study Group Workshop, 2023
Sojourn in Savannah O
ur Sojourn in Savannah for the Flower Design Study Group workshop, October 2023, was a creative and historic exploration from the start. While in Germany, I was fortunate to meet with Klaus Wagener, a renowned floral designer, teacher, nature lover, author, and creative head of the publishing house Bloom’s Medien. We met at his wonderful atelier in Minden, Germany. Minden is the home of Blooms.de, which is a publishing company, trend forecaster, and design hub for most of Europe. The design concepts we discussed at Klaus’s atelier, materialized through inventive efforts by Klaus, our assistants, and helpers from the local GCA garden club, Trustees’ Garden Club, Zone VIII. It was truly exhilarating to see our design concepts come to life at the Savannah workshop. When I encouraged Klaus to source local materials for the workshop, I was fully aware that some might not align with Garden Club of America guidelines. However, we decided to forge ahead and let creativity guide us, even if it meant deviating from the norm. Bamboo, abundant throughout the state of Georgia and often utilized as a screening material for property borders—some are the “running” variety and some are the “clumping” variety—was incorporated along with vining material, considered by some to be invasive. We also offered oyster shells, traditionally used in local tabby buildings from colonial days. Our rationale was to challenge conventional notions, considering that what is discouraged now might not be in the future due to global warming trends. This exercise prompted us to think creatively about how materials found in our own backyard could be utilized in floral design. Klaus also provided alternative options that would meet GCA requirements. Our four designs drew inspiration from Klaus’s book, New Ikebana. He adeptly conveyed his design concepts through PowerPoint presentations and easy-to-
Shelley Galloway, Coordinator FDSG and instructor Klaus Wagener from Germany, standing with the design for the group assignment.
Natural materials were foraged from local garden club members’ gardens.
Designs were critiqued in a circle setting where all participants could appreciate Klaus’ thorough and thoughtful feedback. W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 024 By DESI G N | 7
Tricia Stammberger, Founders Garden Club of Dallas, Zone IX and Melynda Whetsel, Knoxville Garden Club, Zone IX start the group design of bamboo stalks contained within an Ikea lampshade frame for stability.
Klaus with first time attendee, Martha Coates, and her finished rock design.
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follow demonstrations. In some designs, we used split bamboo strips as support grids and a large rock to act as a substructure for woven encasements that held glass water tubes and dried plant material. Klaus took care to allocate sufficient time to critique each person’s design, and participants valued his thorough and thoughtful feedback. The workshop took place at the Morris Center at Trustees’ Garden, a restored ironworks factory located on the grounds of James Oglethorpe’s Trustees’ Garden—the first public agricultural experimental garden in America. Savannah’s streets and historic squares exude history at every turn, providing us with an inspiring venue. We had the luxury of designing in a wonderful space with an outdoor patio for lunch and a tent for our larger design work. In our final design exercise, partners collaborated to create large bamboo structures using metal Ikea lamp shades as a mechanic to hold plant material. Our creative juices were flowing, and each team presented a unique vision, incorporating both floral and foliage elements. Klaus concluded our time together with an exploratory presentation on holiday trends from his design team. It was a glorious experience enjoyed by all. Shelley Galloway Coordinator, Floral Design Study Group Workshops Kenilworth Garden Club, Zone XI
“Excited and anxious as a first time attendee, I positioned myself in the front row. I was six feet away from where this handsome artist loomed above on the stage. As I looked at the big screen and followed Klaus as he designed, I was enthralled with his new approach and inspired by possibilities. I recall thinking to myself ‘I AM IN SEVENTH HEAVEN!’” Martha Coates Albemarle Garden Club, Zone VII First time attendee
Design 1
New ikebana/vegetative linear style–where East meets West
Start with your kenzan. Secure kenzan into the container with Oasis putty. If it is a good container and you want to protect the finish, Klaus recommends using a piece of scotch tape, then Oasis green putty. UGlu Strips can also be used PRIOR TO ADDING WATER, and the UGlu Strip will hold nicely. You can use bamboo skewers to help hold the kenzan in place. Central placement of the kenzan is boring. Placing it off center is more interesting (Photo 1, left). Start by inserting your main branch. Cut the plant stem flat, not at a slant, same with anthurium. Holding the stem at the base, press flat cut end firmly into kenzan, then tilt toward one direction being careful to hold higher up on the stem or leaf so it will not break. The pins will support the stem. You can use a small “shim” to secure and stabilize the main branch. (Photo 2, below) Grass is not sturdy on its own, so it is better to bundle together, wrap with a wire and then insert into the kenzan. (Photo 3, next page, top left) The grass bundle will create
Components One round ceramic container, approximately 8”–10” diameter Kenzan, 2”–3” Thin paper wire Thin wire to bundle grasses Moss Stones of various sizes Oyster shells Suggested plant material to select from, chosen with fall colors in mind Branches with beautiful movements Anthurium Asparagus densiflorus (foxtail fern) Chasmanthium grass or other grasses Chrysanthemum Crocosmia Curcuma Dianthus ‘Green Trick’ (carnation) Strelitzia reginae (bird of paradise) leaf or Eremurus Hypericum berries Lisianthus Lotus nucifera green fruits (lotus pods) Ornithogalum (star of Bethlehem) Strelitzia reginae leaf (bird of paradise) Aspidistra leaves Thauatophyllum xanadu leaf (philodendron) Hypericum berries Pandanus tectorius leaves Sticherus cunninghamii (umbrella fern) Liriope muscari (lily grass) Phormium tenax (New Zealand flax leaves) W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 024 By DESI G N | 9
a more natural look. With a big branch, make multiple cuts into the end. Make an open structure, then sections will grab into the heavier kenzan. Note it is best to use a heavier kenzan, otherwise the weight of the branch will lift the kenzan. Now you can start adding your foliage. Take two New Zealand flax leaves cutting one slightly shorter than the other, put together at base. This will create your line. Use the natural curve of your anthurium, strelitzia leaf, and xanadu leaf to enforce your line and create a natural vegetative look. When placing the flowers you have chosen, keep in mind to use a variety of shapes and sizes. Try not to clump plant material in the front as this design is viewed in the round and should look as it does in nature. Look at the movement in each stem. Position materials so the line is reinforced, but also adds to depth and space. Back up and look at the design from different angles. Use stems of dianthus and/or hypericum berries, cut short and placed at the bottom to cover the kenzan. A stone and moss combination can be used to fill in the base and finish off your design. (Photo 4, top right)
Klaus puts finishing touches on the base of his design. 10 | B y DE SIGN W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 024
When placing the flowers you have chosen, keep in mind to use a variety of shapes and sizes. Try not to clump plant material in the front as this design is viewed in the round and should look as it does in nature. Look at the movement in each stem. Position materials so the line is reinforced, but also adds to depth and space.
Attendees finished vegetative designs.
A video of Klaus constructing the bamboo cage in this container can be found on the Floral Design Committee Landing Page HERE in the 2024 Virtual Conference link.
Klaus’s finished vegetative design. W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 024 By DESI G N | 11
Design 2
Pure Nature—Embracing the beauty found in one’s own backyard
The second design involving the use of a stone as an armature or container, employing binding and winding techniques, serves the purpose of providing a substructure for woven encasements holding glass water tubes and dried plant material. In the workshop, each participant was able to select a natural stone brought from Wisconsin (courtesy of Shelley’s husband, Dean Galloway) to initiate their design. The stones varied in dimensions, weight, color, and texture, ensuring each design was unique. Not one stone looked like the other, no finished design did either! Components Large stone Foraged branches Flexible natural material such as curly willow or kiwi vine Bind wire in light or dark brown Green paper wire Natural raffia—soak it in water first to enhance pliability 3-5 glass test tubes in various sizes A long section of narrow bamboo Natural materials from nature that complement your stone
Paper wire covered tubes, inserted within the twine will hold plant material. 12 | B y DE SIG N W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 024
Be sure your rock is stable. Low dish added for presentation.
The uniqueness of each stone resonated with Klaus’s reverence for pure nature, embodying his mantra of embracing the beauty found in one’s own backyard. Begin creating a “web” around the stone with raffia, rustic twine, or paper covered wire, randomly wrapping horizontally and vertically to leave spaces, simulating the look of a web. Ensure tight knots to prevent slipping. Confirm the stone’s stability, and work with the slant of the stone to determine where you want to place your first glass test tube. Tie the test tube to the stone, securing it to the woven material. It is not necessary to cover the glass tube. Repeat for the other two test tubes, tying them securely to the stone, directing them based on the desired plant material sweep. Fill tubes with water, and add flowers you have gathered from foraging or a florist. When displaying your arrangement, consider placing the stone on a platform or in a low dish for presentation. An alternative involves using tall stalks of bamboo to encase the rock. Start by cutting below the nodule, then slice it into thirds to the next nodule, resembling a tripod when placed around the stone. Secure it with raffia or wire, attaching tall plant material and tubes as needed. Once proficient in winding and binding, your stone structure becomes reusable with seasonal flowers. Everything in this design is natural and sustainable.
Split bamboo fits tightly around the rock. Tall plant material like cattails and flax are a good choice to secure vertically. Photos contributed by workshop assistants
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The participants in the second session of the 2023 FDSG workshop pause to document their time with instructor, Klaus Wagener, from Germany. Photo by Peggy Moore
SAVE THE DATE! Floral Design Study Group—Fall Workshop October 20-22 & 23-25, 2024 Santa Fe, New Mexico Hungarian florist
Krisztián Kövér 14 | B y DE SIGN W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 024
Registration for the workshop will be sent on Thursday, July 11, 2PM EST. to those who have signed up on the interest list. Click HERE to put your name on the interest list. More information can be found on the Floral Design Committee landing page as well as the Summer 2024 issue of By Design. Krisztián Kövér strives to achieve a balance between nature and current flower trends to make his creations unique.
AN ARTIST’S ATELIER:
Where the Magic is Made… Three talented floral designers invite you into their “Ateliers” to unveil the intricacies of their artistic process. Through captivating images and compelling narratives, they guide you on a journey
Photo illustration by Sarah Starrett, Green Tree Garden Club, Zone XI
through the
environment where they bring their exquisite designs to life. Whether it be through the meticulous organization of their supplies and materials, or the rituals that ignite their creative processes, you will be drawn into their world where the atelier becomes a sanctuary where floral design magic is made. Thank you Jane, Julie, and Kathy for saying yes when we called. There will be more in the next issue!
Alice Farley and Leslie Purple Wissahickon GC, Zone V W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 024 By DESI G N | 15
JANE GODSHALK W
hen we moved into our home 40 years ago, the basement was a scary place! The original owner was a scientist, and the large space was set up as his workshop. There were wonderful large tables, but they were covered in asbestos. In the corner, which is now my photography nook, was a bomb shelter made of sandbags and cinder blocks. It took some doing to transform this space into a functional workshop for me. The bomb shelter and asbestos were carefully removed, walls were scrubbed and replastered, and new lighting was added. Shelves from Ikea now line the walls with vases organized by color. A week at a floral design academy in the Netherlands inspired the addition of plastic drawer units which are labeled to organize supplies. This helps as much with putting things away as well as finding them when necessary. During the pandemic, a black drape was added as a backdrop for video filming and Zoom sessions for my Longwood Gardens online classes, which are still taking place. It’s also good for photographs. Behind the
Jane’s large tool box is saved for local work, the Philadelphia Flower Show, and times when space is not an issue.
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drape are long shelves holding large vases and plastic bins with supplies such as bark, pine cones, shells, etc. Scissors, wire cutters, and other cutting tools are stored in metal bins on a shelf. When traveling, I like to store my tools in a clear case and place them at the top of my suitcase so that if the TSA inspects the bag, they can see that they are tools for flowers or craft. It is important that I have essential tools with me when I leave home such as my floral shears, knife, Felco and ratchet pruners, heavy and small wire cutters, and titanium scissors. The titanium allows cutting through UGlu adhesive without it sticking to the metal. Additional items include a Bostitch P3 stapler with narrow staples and a small ARS SA-1K 10R saw. Alcohol swabs are handy for cleaning clippers between uses. This basement workshop has had quite a history, from laboratory, to studio for weddings and event designs, to what is now a classroom space for on-site workshops and educational programming via Zoom. For design work it has everything I need to prepare for lectures and exhibits, and lots of vases and supplies to share with others.
Jane Godshalk Four Counties Garden Club, Zone V Photos by Kate Fahey W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 024 By DESI G N | 17
JULIE SPEAR
I
’m fortunate to have a spacious room in which I store all of my “stuff.” Once upon a time, our treadmill used to share this space, and I would brainstorm upcoming designs looking around at the different containers and assorted materials to distract myself from my treadmill session. We’ve now moved the treadmill, and the room is totally devoted to my floral supplies. I often stroll around looking at different items, sometimes sitting down with my cherished By Design issues and other floral-centric books. Then I will put everything down, and go about my day, while continuing to let ideas percolate in the background.
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At night, with my husband, Van, asleep, the lights off and no sensory distractions, I will lie in bed thinking about my design. Sometimes I can’t resist sneaking into the flower room to pick out a few items for inspiration. That’s how it begins, but the “Final Answer” often takes a while—blame it on my self-diagnosed version of floral design ADD! The real joy lies in the process of finding a solution even if, as Mary Chapin Carpenter sings, “Sometimes you’re the windshield, sometimes you’re the bug!!!”
Julie Spear Memphis Garden Club, Zone IX Photos by Van Spear
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KATHY POWELL H
ave you ever purchased a dress that you didn’t need at the moment, but knew that you would someday in the future? To some extent, that can also be true for the various materials used in floral designs. I like to purchase unusual materials anytime that I come across them, knowing that they will be just what I need sometime in the future. To keep all of these various supplies organized and handy to use, I created a very functional workspace. I took a pretty dark basement room that was surprisingly used as an art room by the previous owner, and added banks of ceiling lights as well as a sink and an ample amount of storage cabinets. I decided on half-drawers and half-shelving to better accommodate all of my supplies. Having all of this on site allows me to go through a number of design iterations before settling on one concept. I initially work from rough sketches and allow the final concept to emerge as I simply play with various materials. I also have a number of curved and straight metal stands. This flexibility is very important for me. Luckily, I was also able to pick up a number of pedestals from a retail store that was going out of
Assembling design with materials I brought from my workspace to Jaipur, India. Photo by Peggy Moore 2 0 | B y DE SIG N W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2024
business. These really help in duplicating the dimensions of the pedestals that will be used on the show floor. If I don’t have what I am looking for, I can use my various power tools to just create what I need. My design for the 2020 World Association of Floral Artists (WAFA) flower show in India was developed in the same way by simply playing with different materials that were tucked away in my workshop until I was able to achieve a design that sufficiently interpreted the class title. Always keep an eye out for the unexpected. No telling when it will be just the perfect thing!
Kathy Powell Peachtree Garden Club, Zone VIII Trenton GC, Zone IV Photos by Kathy Powell unless otherwise noted.
“Peacocks and Palaces” 2020 World Flower Show Floral Tales, Jaipur, India
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{Club WORKSHOP Great Designs Come From an Inspiring Club Workshop
Photo by Leslie Casse
H
osting a successful floral design workshop is a lot like creating an award-winning arrangement. It takes structure, quality materials, talent, and special touches— just as you see in the best floral designs. The French Broad River Garden Club Foundation, Zone VII, in Asheville, NC, hosted such an event in October 2023, using those exact ingredients. Fifteen participants created line designs at the “Igniting Your Creativity” floral workshop under the tutelage of Garden Club of America judge, lecturer, and floral design presenter Liz Wozencraft, The Garden Club of Houston, Zone IX Floral Design Rep. The success started with the “armature” of the event— the structural support of a budget, a schedule, a location, and a logistics plan.
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“Figuring out the budget is key,” said “French Broads” Floral Design Committee Chair, Eleanor Thompson. She and GCA Floral Design Committee member Barbra Love accounted for lunches, snacks, flowers, floral mechanics and vases, and rent for a venue. Planning began in May and required emailing area Zone VII Club Floral Design Chairs. A church with a well-lit, capacious work room, a kitchen with a nearby water source, and ample parking served as the venue. Liz ordered beautiful materials for the workshop. Pincushion flowers, billy balls, flax, hypericum berries, and “electric” green and white anthurium arrived from as far away as Hawaii. Volunteers prepped, fresh cut, and stored them in water until moving them to the venue the night before. “The transport with all that water can be tricky,” Barbra said. The star of the event was Liz herself, an eminently entertaining lecturer. She was able to give all the participants individual attention, as they weaved line designs on hand-made armatures. She also revealed tips like: when painting plant material, paint the foliage white first; let it dry; then paint it the desired color you want. Finally, there were the special touches: hand-made flower name tags; a box lunch of salad-stuffed croissants with cookies the size of salad plates; and a “photo booth” for photographing the designs. Because Liz runs the @flowershowjunkie Instagram account, she highlighted several designs in her October 12, 2023 post. Finally Liz generously identified her suppliers. “It helps if the talent is willing to share that valuable information,” Barbra said. “Liz made it clear materials really matter, but you are always ‘pivoting’ in floral design. A workshop takes some pivots too, but the end result, like a great design, is a thing of beauty. New friends are made, and it’s all incredibly satisfying.” Leslie McCullough Casse The French Broad River Garden Club Foundation Zone VII
Photos by Liz Wozencraft, except where noted.
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{Random RESOURCES
FROM READERS•FOR READERS•BY READERS
Martha McClellan, Knoxville GC, Zone IX, gathered many tips from the attendees at the 2023 Floral Design Study Group fall workshop in Savannah. A throwback tip from Weezie Munroe: Tried and true FelsNaptha soap provided by Susan Elliott who traveled to Savannah with a small “chunk” of the soap bar, handily removed the stain on her hands from handling dyed plant material. Available at most local hardware and super stores for under $5.00 per bar.
If you are not comfortable using a knife when preparing flowers for a show, keep a vegetable peeler in your tool kit for scraping bumps off stems. Vegetable peelers come in many different designs. These carbon steel blade peelers in bright colors will be easy to find in your toolkit. Available from various manufacturers on Amazon, $12.99 for a pack of three.
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When you need to use a knife, protect your hands from cuts by donning a pair of cut resistant, stainless steel metal mesh safety work gloves. Available from various manufacturers on Amazon starting at $6.99.
From the February 6 Virtual Floral Design Conference: The much frowned upon floral foam as we know it today, may soon have a successor. Phoam Labs patented foam is being developed to replace the phenolic foam used today in flower arranging. A video from the conference is available to watch HERE. We think you will find it fascinating and very informative. We encourage you to watch it.
A zip-tie holder for your tool belt, sported by FDSG workshop attendee Mary Katharine Green, Peachtree GC, Zone VIII, caught the attention of the designers who marveled at how practical the holder is when working on large installations where zip-ties need to be within reach. Available from various manufacturers on Amazon starting at $12.50.
For those who are intrigued by the 2023 FDSG instructor Klaus Wagener’s designs on pages 7-14, we recommend his book New Ikebana, Traditional Technique Reinterpreted. It is printed in German with English translation.You don’t need to be fluent in German to enjoy the photos of the 50 designs that are featured. The book provides lots of inspiration, as well as many tips and pointers. Available from Amazon starting at $49.63 or from his company, BLOOM’s GmbH for €29.90 plus international shipping.
Liz Piazza, Three Harbors GC, Zone III, passed along this helpful tip to the GCA House Committee regarding hydrangea conditioning. She recommends using alum powder (potassium aluminum sulfate), readily available in local grocery stores. Known for keeping pickles, fruits, and vegetables firm and crispy, it proves effective in extending the life of hydrangea when applied to the cut stem.
Have a tip to share? Please send it along. We love to hear from our readers. bydesign@gcamerica.org