On Thursday 23rd May 2019, we were fortunate to have a sunny Autumn day for our first Floristry event which was held in the great outdoors!
The afternoon commenced with a tour of Ausflora Pacific Nursery in Gembrook hosted by Sarah Burgess owner/manager and long-time EWHA member and Treasurer. Sarah took around 25 attendees on a tour of the Nursery beginning with a tour of the plantings, some of the potted areas, the packing shed and finally the nursery where plants are potted up.
Leucadendron argenteum Silver Tree
This striking, beautiful accent tree has a twisted grey trunk and irregular silhouette. Heavy branches are densely set with soft silky shimmering silvery-white lance-shaped leaves. Can grow up to 30ft
The group then made their way to the area set up for Rita Feldmann’s floristry talk and demonstration.
Rita began by explaining the floral foam story and its environmental impact. Rita then followed up by showing us how to display flowers in a clay pot using chicken wire. Rita also did a demonstration sharing techniques of hand flower arranging. The group then had the opportunity to make up a posy themselves using the many beautiful flowers & foliage donated by Ausflora Pacific and Rita Feldmann’s Flowers.
The splendid day was capped off by afternoon tea with sweet treats from Spencers Store in Gembrook.
Thank you to all involved: Sarah and Staff at Ausflora Pacific, Rita Feldmann and colleague, the EWHA team and Pieter & Martina for the use of their front garden to host the workshop.
More information about the adverse effects of floral foam can be found here and here.
