The SPIRIT of the Future after the Pandemic will be different, we can only guess HOW different.
I see several Changes… I will describe them and will suggest the answers to the Change visualized in the works. Event floristry could have some formidably necessary innovations. One of the future focus will be a real interest in Sustainability…. Sustainable Floristry… Florists caring for the Environment.
A lot is possible in Florists’ pursuit of sustainable practices. Floristry’s Bio-Litter composes of biodegradable materials, mechanical elements and packaging. By shifting step by step toward the ultimate goal of Zero Waste by going ALL ORGANIC.
The ‘IN BETWEEN’ steps to reach the ultimate end solution can be done in stages. There are many reasons to not run too fast… work at a pace that we can afford. Flowers can be designed without water into a bundled cluster of branches taking some chances with longevity for an event, depending on the weather and the length of the event. Using chicken wire structures as base mechanics is widely accepted in some cultures.
Imagine, a bundle of Birch branches, maybe not the rigid variety but more hanging type where its twigs are curled together into itself…. Flowers can be inserted into this unit. Not much difference to the chickenwire technique. The study of these twig mechanics will require another layer of study – knowledge of which type of branches or twigs are the most suitable for this use.
In my thinking…. water source is a very important factor. The cemetary vases with addition of 3 prongs of sticks attached, can be inserted into the twig bundle structure. Even a bundle of Hay might be useful to support water mechanics. Hedera or Smilax vines could also be a way to make it a more harmonious mechanics.
The popularity of Flower Wall or flower-covered architecture for bride and/or photo op moments is still a fashion trend whether it is an affordable option for people with average income or not.
We know by experience that this kind of setting is very costly. To hold up heavy wet foam is a great challenge, and the technical structure to support this weight whether on walls or ceilings makes it terribly expensive. The cost of foam itself for a solid Flower Wall can be costly in itself, in addition to the number of roses or other precious flowers to cover the foam. Phalaenopsis and Vandas are also becoming more and more WALL MATERIALS.
Future after Covid 19 will reflect continued financial catch up for many. Will brides turn away from such dreams or extravagance? Or is there a chance for an alternative more affordable flower decoration? Yes, I have been testing… the look is more lighter, transparent… it also depends on the character and form of flowers for which there’s more further study on cost per coverage. Mixing with inexpensive greens is also possible, to get away from all flower decorations in the fashionable pure white or pure flower color…. Maybe consider pure green or inclusion of green for extended size.
The costs can be reduced with use of not too complex a structure… of lighter welded steel and a smaller wire mesh. These structures will hold larger Anthurium water tubes which you recycle or purchase by the bag in quantity. These tubes with their rims held by the chickenwire (galvanized grey so it disappears). Many short flowers of lighter qualities, also grasses and meadowish materials in between… this is the effect that is very much popular in the Garden style, or the Vintage style and Boho.
The Anthurium tubes can be filled tight or looser, depending on the flower stems, its thirstiness and the final effect. Also soft fillers like Statice, Gypsophila, Solidaster, Matricaria, Aster and Waxflower can help create a very dainty Wall. Light will filter through this somewhat transparent wall to give a very flattering ethereal effect from some angles, but yet solid wall from another angle. After the use of this decoration, the floral parts can be quickly dismantled and be re-used for gifting to guests in quickly made hand-tied bouquets or be ready to go to compost 100%. The tubes can be gathered into cutlery baskets and placed in the dishwasher to be ready for the next job.
So many shorter, smaller and less expensive flowers can be used in conjunction with vines and hanging elements, streaming down over the edges. And of course in the mid-garden season, the stems can be cut off short from the garden/farm and used freshly harvested for longevity of the event piece. The mixture of flowers is charismatized by the hands of a creative Florist/Tastemaker… maybe this is a way to offer decorations for the New Times.
This is just the beginning…. We also have ways to make more reduced linear decorations, as a big contrast to the very decorative ones.
Project #1 ‘TABLE DECORATION’
The stand for this design was a candelabra made of aluminum. We took the stand out and kept only the foot (pedestal), which is about 70/80cm wide and 50cm deep. We welded a 4mm strong cage which is covered with chickenwire which can hold many Anthurium tubes. The form is a little pointed at the top.
Most of the flowers used in this design are Red – Gloriosas, Orchids, Roses, Hypericum, etc. The Casuarinas stream downward, as does the Hedera vines with its bits of red showing the Winter influence. The flowers are not placed too much in rhythm, but more in a textural manner. Everything is in water so can last well. Only Tulips should be in bigger tubes – they are very thirsty flower. I also see the opportunity to make the design in many different structural ways to get variations in its character. With streaming vines in between, under and over the flowers, you will have a different, more spontaneous natural look for instance…
It is not too difficult to think more asymmetrical too, in this symmetrical structure… The lines and placement of forms in asymmetrical way can also produce styles which can be an additional design option. The works can be a good opportunity for fantastic color combinations. Mixing in a little purple or such will add depth in color in an analogous color harmony, a different rich color mood. We can open ourselves to use structure such as this to play with many combinations of colors and textures.
It is fascinating…. how many forms like this can be custom-built for event installation rentals.
The key intent in sharing this idea is to give you the ability to use a recyclable structure and parts (tubes), while the flowers you use can easily be designed and dismantled to go direct into compost (100% organic).
All the flowers are in water and are long lasting for installation requiring more than short term longevity.
BOTANICAL LIST (Coming Soon)
SKETCHES (Click to Enlarge)
Project #2 ‘FLOWER TAPESTRY’
This work is created on a huge urn on a high column. The design is planned like a TAPESTRY, streaming downward from the height to the floor in this set-up. White and Green is the color theme with many tints and tones combined. This work is very symmetrical. The sides of the Tapestry has an extra strip of chickenwire. Its frame is seamed with a full length of wire to keep the side with a smooth edge. Everything is painted in light grey. The Side strips (7cm wide) are woven with little pieces of Calocephalus brownii. This covers the mechanics of the chickenwire and tubes in soft botanical grey. In focusing on these strips… brings much light and transparency to soften the edges.
The overall iron tapestry structure holds hundreds of tubes with water and all the floral materials… this big mass and weight need to be well supported at the top with heavy iron weight inside the big urn, and at the bottom of the structure with 2 rebar feet at the floor.
The whole work is more than 2.20m in height.
It is still transportable.
It is best designed on site.
Vanda air roots are streaming down, in and out between flowers.
Greenish Phalaenopsis and round spray mums, Gypsophilla, Lisianthus, White Roses, Viburnum opulus and more…
BOTANICAL LIST (Coming Soon)
SKETCHES (Click to Enlarge)