ON a very wet and blustery evening, Gretchen White, a demonstrator from Bishopsteignton, delighted members of Crediton Flower Club with her interpretation of “Living Art”.

First came a rustic frame surrounding a grid through which she threaded burgundy heuchera leaves, senecio and epimedium to create a backdrop for beautiful pink roses, anthuriums and the finishing touch of curved pink medolino sticks.

Gretchen had drawn her inspiration from a visit to a garden festival for her next design which she arranged in a beautiful urn and where, after creating a border of hebe, she used succulents together with peach/pink carnations and roses, finishing with “veiling” of delicate trailing foliage.

Craftwork and knitting were also included in our demonstrator’s skills and she had used brightly coloured “sari silks” to wind round wreath rings, creating a contemporary showcase for the beautiful green and burgundy chrysanths “Balthazar”.

Rhythm and movement were then introduced with the use of pink calla lilies called “Captain Romance”.

A purchase from a local well-known supermarket had been the inspiration for the next design - a large strawberry container, the outside of which Gretchen had covered with silver birch bark.

This created a container for a parallel design with phormium “Joker” and red flowered griselinia.

One of the much recognised “mixed bunches” provided delightful pink spray roses, white “Avalanche” rose blooms, cerise gerbera and fountain grass.

Then to complete the picture (and whet the appetite!) white knitting yarn was coiled into the base to represent the all-important clotted cream and ultra-large strawberries provided the finishing touch.

For her finale a stunning large green “Italian-style” vase had been chosen in which Gretchen arranged large fatsia leaves, choissia “Sundance”, spotted laurel, rosemary and “Sundowner” phormium with lilac stocks and dark purple lizianthus created a “statement” in the centre of the design.

Lime green “Predo” carnations provided a highlight colour and the picture was completed with the addition of a matching smaller placement at the side.

Mary Nunn gave the vote of thanks for what had been a very inspiring interpretation of the art form that is flower arranging.

The next meeting will be held on Thursday, April 11 at 7.15pm in the Boniface Centre and will be a demonstration by Jenny Dellow entitled “Floral Inspirations”.

Visitors and new members are welcome - for any enquiries please telephone Gay Mullins (chairman) on 01363 774791.

GM