17
Apr
2014
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Melbourne Int. Flower & Garden Show Review

Looking Back on the Melbourne International Flower And Garden Show

Competition Winner Christie McIntosh Reviews The MIFGS 

I recently had the pleasure of attending the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show as a guest of Koch & Co. It was refreshing to once again see the show through the wide eyes of an enthusiast, rather than the bleary eyes of an exhibitor whose very heart and soul have been immersed in their display for the many preceding months.

Christie McIntosh & The Gordon’s ‘Live it Dream it Do it'

Christie McIntosh & The Gordon’s ‘Live it Dream it Do it’

Of course, the main attraction was the Great Hall of Flowers and once again this year’s displays were full of imagination and inspiration.

The grand opulence of Flowers Vasette and the charming storyscape of Bloom College were certainly among my highlights this year, however I really found myself drawn towards the displays which created an air of lightness and simplicity.

Flower Vasette. Photography by Greg Sullavan, on behalf of Canon Australia

Flower Vasette. Photography by Greg Sullavan, on behalf of Canon Australia

Bloom College Flower School

Bloom College Flower School

My two favourite displays both had their similarities; each evoking a sense of space but both with an attitude entirely of their own; one, a meditative stillness and the other a passionate dance.

The rich autumn tones and structure of Ikebana International Melbourne featured a seasonal statement roseberry and nandina, backed up by chrysanthemum and striking golden oncidium orchids. Each living sculpture offered a peaceful retreat for the eyes, an opportunity to withdraw from the buzz of the crowds and quieten the mind.

The Gordon’s energetic statement of ‘Live it Dream it Do it’ was punctuated by three woven figures dancing gracefully above a floating pathway of delicate pink peppercorns, anthurium, carnations and sedum, accented by the bolder tones of exotic gloriosa lily and red ‘spider’ orchids. The invigorating passion and movement of this display was a sheer delight to my senses.

Most of all, I was impressed that both of these thoughtful displays were created without the use of floral foam, hopefully inspiring the next wave of floral designers to continue exploring alternate techniques well into the future.

Christie McIntosh.

Christie won a double pass to the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show on the Koch Facebook page. Christie owns and runs Floriography in Melbourne, www.floriography.com.au.

MFIGS Gallery

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