The Monmouth Floral Society was treated to a very entertaining afternoon by Coral Gardiner from Bath with her theme “Nature’s Autumn Palette”.

1. A foam-free arrangement based on a large, clear glass sweet jar with a “flower guppy”

to hold the foliage and flowers in place. Guppies are approx. £7.00 each but are re-usable

Into the guppy Coral placed ramnus and rosemary stems and added green hypericum berries white chincherinchees, white Sweet William, green dianthus Barbaratus which are a stunning variety adding depth of colour and shape to any arrangement. Finally, a spray rose of cream with a sandy coloured centre.

2. A classical urn topped with a dish and half block of oasis. A traditional triangular arrangement based on Griselinia, Euonymous, Ramnus and Rosemary. Pale pink double lizianthus, Dark pink Phlox, Dark Pink & Burgundy bloom carnations and Dark pink bloom xanthus. Finally Sedum Autumn Joy and a soft mauve perennial clematis. Coral humorously described this as a “Random, Retro, 3 dimensional design”.

3 A slice of wood with a rod of approx. 12” height in a dish with half a block of oasis.

Foliage of privet, conifer, cotinus, thuja, choisya “Sun Dance”. Magnum Yellow bloom xanths

with a wow factor! Safari Sunset, orange Gladioli, Euphorbia, large orange Gerbera. The

design was completed with a felt pumpkin and a very tall rusted effect metal fern. This was

paired with a matching arrangement.

4. A tall turquoise ceramic vase, topped with a dish and half block of oasis. Palms, osmanthus ruscus, Sulphur Heart ivy sprays with purple Gladioli, lily Longiflorum, Black Pearl lizianthus Blue picotee clematis, dark blue Delphiniums, orange Gerberas and dark purple bloom carnations. This was by a stunning tall arched frame with a matching horizontal arrangement with a glass Indian lantern.

The vote of thanks was given and the arrangements were then raffled off. Tea, Coffee and splendid cakes followed.The next Open Meeting with be held on Wednesday, 8th November at Bridges when the demonstrator will be Bridgette Manton from Worcester with her theme of “Brolliology”.

Doors open at 1.45. All visitors and members welcome.