Our September Meeting

1 September 2022

'Autumn Glory' by Alan Smith

​ 'Autumn Glory’ was the title of the floral demonstration given by Alan Smith at the September meeting of Clophill and District Flower Club.  He created six beautiful designs, 5 of which incorporated Autumn colours depicted by sunflowers, lilies, dahlias, carnations, gerbera, wild clematis, anthuriums and teasels to name but a few.  The sixth design was a ‘special’ to celebrate our Sapphire Anniversary during the Covid lockdown but which we celebrated earlier this year as 45+1.  The sapphire blue was created by use of tall blue gentians, purple lisianthus and carnations and blue hydrangea all displayed in a deep blue earthenware pot.

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​​Throughout the demonstration, Alan was his usual bubbly self, telling us of his experiences since becoming involved with NAFAS (National Association of Flower Arranging Societies) in the 1970’s, his travels to the USA and to the World Show in Barbados and the many people he has met on his travels and through his keen competitive spirit at National and local shows.  Alan has been a favourite and regular demonstrator at our club but this, sadly, was his last visit as he is retiring – we all wish him well.

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​As with all good demonstrators, Alan passed on lots of tips on design – the use of structure, appropriate setting, driftwood, the use of recession of shorter flowers pushed deep into a design to give depth, placement of focal flowers and the preparing/conditioning of plant and flower material before use. 

Did you know that gerberas only like being in shallow water – in deep water they build up bacteria on the stems and die.

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​​Foliage for the designs was provided by Alan and also flower club members from their gardens – aspidistra, fatsia, bergenia, ivy and hosta to name but a few.
 
As always, the designs were raffle prizes at the end of the evening, the winners choosing the design they wanted – or were able to carry home.




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Visitors are always welcomed at our meetings.  On 3 November, we have Theresa Rodrigues with her demonstration entitled ‘Gardens by the Bay’ and then for our 1 December Open Evening we have Lee Berrill with his demonstration entitled ‘Made for Xmas’. 

​ For further information, see our website www.clophillflowerclub.com