Today was the last floral design workshop until Fall. Discussion was focused on the element of proportion and the design we created was The Parallel. This design is recommended to be created in a 12-inch long rectangular dish that is 2 inches high, using three 2.5 to 3-inch floral pins, aligned in a row. Our containers instead were round, posing a slightly different challenge.
Parallel Design
This was the first time the class used floral pins instead of foam to hold the flowers. The pins were easy to use and the arrangements went together quickly. As usual I could have used more time, but each pin can be moved around so there is a bit of flexibility and adjustments are easy to make later. (One must know what adjustment needs to be made and is that not always an issue, the knowing?)
The next garden club meeting will feature a Members’ Flower Show, the first for the club in many years I understand. I will enter one of the four designs we studied in this year’s workshops into the “New Sprouts” class, but have not decided yet what design that will be.
The plant material for today’s exercise was Bells of Ireland, Carnation, Liatris, Snapdragon and variegated leaves whose name I forgot to record.
Photographing this design proved to be a challenge. Using a black mat board gives an entirely different effect than allowing the light switch to show through. Details…
Parallel Design
Parallel Design with LIght Switch
pbmGarden 
The darker background really makes your colors pop and makes the floral elements seem more striking…I really love what you did, it is really fun to look at. Isn’t it amazing how we are always a bit more of an expert when we are looking at someone else’s work. I should really just leave it at I like looking at what you did, I find it really pleasing.
I think your observation is correct Charlie. The background really changes the overall effect. Glad you like it. It was fun to do, but I know I have much to learn. Have a nice day. Susie
I suppose any colour background could be used to create a contrast, but the black is quite effective. The light reflects so differently! Very interesting project that can perhaps help in garden planning too….
At class we stood the arrangements against a yellow-green background too. Totally different look. One of the teachers reminded us that blues and violets recede, yellows pop and suggested using black and white photos to help us analyze how the colors work together. Susie
A stunning arrangement and the black background sets it all off beautifully making the colours really shine out. I like the different textures you have used, did you take your own material or was it provided for you?
Thanks Pauline! The teacher selected the plant materials and got them through a wholesaler for us. This is helpful so we can focus on the design.
The background does make a huge difference, something for us all to remember in our gardens too. The arrangement is amazing, how do the stems get water? It isn’t clear from the images. Is it usual to leave the pins showing? Christina
After I finished photographing I filled the container with more water. The preferred container would be 2-inches tall so it would be easier to submerge the stems. The pins are left showing, although I was supposed to bring some small stones to scatter around the bottom. The teacher said you don’t have to use many stones though, just a few to distract the eye.
Lovely arrangement. The green Bells of Ireland against the black background is wonderful. Love your header photo too.
Thanks Judy. I like the bells of Ireland too. Aren’t they amazing?