Design Characteristics
This design can be used as a sympathy design and would be particularly appropriate for a woodland burial especially if the base was created with a twig and moss base rather than a floral foam pad. All of the materials of the tribute could then naturally decompose.
Materials Used:-Bark pieces Eryngium x 1 stem Solidago x 1 stem Chrysanthemum 'Kermit' x 4 stems Fir cones Hedera (Ivy leaves - variegated) Acuba japonica leaves Fir tree branches Square posy pad | FLOWER TRIVIA:- Solidago commonly known as golden rod is used as a filler flower to support the focal flowers and fill the spaces offering complementary colour and texture. It is native to North America where the Cherokees used it for medicinal purposes creating both a leaf tea and a root tea from the plant. The roots were also chewed to cure a sore mouth. |
How to construct the design:-
Start by inserting curved strips of bark all around the edges of the posy pad.
STEP 2:-
Fill around the edges underneath the bark with fir branches in order to conceal the floral foam.
STEP 3:-
Position the central larger pieces of bark in a tilted position to give a natural appearance where the floral material can be slotted in the crevices to make the focal point.
STEP 4:-
Group fir cones and rolled leaves into the design and fill the corner spaces with the 'kermits'. The rest of the materials can be slotted in randomly to tie the design together. I have purposely created a diagonal growth pattern with the Solidago. Separate fir cones have been used on the opposite side to the grouped ones to add balance and extra Eryngium to give a natural spreading quality to the vegetative design.
Historical and Cultural funeral Trivia:-
Different religions and faiths have different beliefs towards paying respects to their deceased, eg flowers are inappropriate at a funeral for Jewish and Muslim faiths. Hindu appreciate gifts of fruit instead to express condolences and in Asian culture it is important to avoid red flowers.
Evaluation
Bibliography
Carithers, C (2014) "Solidago" [on-line] accessed on 18.5.14 and available at www.carithers.com
Cowling L & C "Flowers for Funerals - Autumn 2008" Bury St Edmunds: Thrive Floristy
Cowling L & C "Flowers for Funerals - Winter 2008" Bury St Edmunds: Thrive Floristry
Curtis C & D & J Vagg (2004) "Contemporary Floral Design" London: NAFAS
Design Element Flowers [on-line] accessed on 1.5.14 and available at www.designelementflowers.com/design-20110428
Milner, G (2009) "Fresh Cut Flowers" Victoria/Australia: JoJo Publishing
My Florist (1984) "SympathyHistory and Cultures" [on-line] accessed on 26.4.14 and available at: www.myfloristsympathy.com
Mustard Seed Florist [on-line] accessed on 1.5.14 and available at: www.the-mustard-seed-florist.co.uk