There were a number of contemporary floral design classes at Southport Flower Show. The show theme for 2012 was ‘cool’ and the competitors had free reign to interpret the theme as they chose. The floral design classes included Ga Ga, MacQueened, All the Angles and Threadless Light.
I didn’t agree with all the places awarded, but you can’t please everyone. I’ve included a few of my favourite pieces in today’s article. The MacQueened class attracted some unusual entries, most competitors made dresses out of fresh materials and textiles. This design by Margaret Whittaker was awarded second place. The design was a complex shape with that appeared to defy gravity; it has lots of curved lines covered with intricate textiles and flowers. I felt this design was worthy of first place.
This piece by Paul Lomax was entered into the class, ‘All the Angles’. It had a lovely reflective quality as it was contained in a large mirrored cube. The outside was covered in layered foliage and inside was filled with a compact design of all white and green flowers. It featured lots of green lovelies like sedum, eryngium, green trick carnations, and alchemilla mollis. The design was awarded third place.
Myerscough College made some gorgeous pieces, their entry into the Threadless Light class was my favourite piece overall. The design was to be viewed from all sides, and was simply stunning from all angles. The flowers were arranged in vibrant groups dotted with tiny echeverias and tillandsia.
Craig Bullock’s piece entered into the Ga Ga class won the award for best Contemporary floral design. His flamboyant piece featured hanging heliconias, roses and chrysanths, mimicking the eccentric outfits Lady Ga Ga is famous for wearing.
