Inspiration from the environment

Lately I've been thinking about where I draw inspiration from when designing wedding bouquets and other botanical installations. 

Apart from the seasons which influence as well as inspire, I've been thinking about unexpected materials, landscapes and environments. A view of twisted, high reaching branches or a bundle of bleached twigs. Collections of plants growing alongside each other in botanic gardens. Bulbs and perennials mass planted in heritage gardens.

Maybe a bit of a stretch to your average wedding bouquet...but I try to avoid average! Here's an example -

twigs and branches 

   

Obviously there are all the other factors involved in designing wedding flowers...not least of all the bride's tastes, colour scheme, budget....but it's nice to dream!

It's always a treat to get a client who has some definite ideas to work with, but then is willing to add to and build upon them, incorporating unexpected plant materials, new groupings or a fresh take on the style. 

Thanks for looking again. XNP

A visit to the Australian National Botanic Gardens www.anbg.gov.au today got me thinking about all the amazing native plant materials available from wholesalers for bouquets and arrangements. Even in the depths of winter there were funky colours and shapes everywhere. Gum leaves, gum blossom and gum nuts (seeded gum) are all favourites of mine year-round to compliment roses, but there's a whole spectrum of shapes, textures and the most amazing colours out there to use.

   

  

  

Gardeners will already know Kangaroo Paw, Paper Daisies, Geraldton Waxflower and lots of varieties of Banskia, but also readily available are Flannel Flower, Ericas, Waratah, Boronias, Tea Tree and even Sturts' Desert Peas and Christmas Bells at the right end of the year!

Add some twisted vine, branches or chunky leaves and you have an intriguing and unique arrangement. Following are some native-based creations of mine over the years - 

      

      

   

In my opinion the best grower/wholesaler by fa country mile is Craig at Eastcoast Wildflowers (Sydney) http://www.eastcoastwildflowers.com.au/events.htm

Also, in my opinion - the best photographer of native flowers and plant materials - Gary Heery (pics below)

http://www.garyheery.com/photographer/projects/ 

      

    

    

Enjoy! 

XNP