2016 Melbourne Flower Show Competition
The 2016 Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show continued to live up to the reputation that proceeds it as the biggest flower and garden show in Australia. I had the pleasure of attending as a guest of Koch & Co and as a florist with my own business. I was inspired by the talented exhibitors and impressed by the way in which the industry continues to push the envelope!
New to the MIFGS for 2016 was the competition aptly named “So you think you can arch?” sponsored in part by Koch & Co. The competition proved to be extremely popular as visitors took it upon themselves to capture a moment under the beautifully adorned arches and I was certainly one of those guests. The new floral and installation-based competition pushed floral designers to use their imagination to bring their arches to life in the theme of an outdoor wedding and the results were truly breathtaking.
1st Place: Ruby Koomen, Ruby Soho Flowers
2nd Place: Verity Tantau, Woodland Weaver
3rd Place: Camilo Undurrata, Petal to the Metal Floral Design
A true stand out at this year’s MIFGS was the ‘Chrysco Ballroom’, placed in the center of the Great Hall of Flowers as it added a sense of flare and theatrics to the event. The display was embellished with a gigantic chrysanthemum chandelier, dynamic floral dresses designed by a Melbourne couture brand synonymous with pure luxury – Jason Gretch, and an interactive display of contemporary dancers.
The performances “Bringing Colour to Life” captivated audiences and drew a lot of attention to the display. An opulent spectacle that certainly had panache and ensured that the use of Chrysco Chrysanthemums would be remembered by visitors well and truly after the event had concluded.
Another highlight of the Great Hall of Flowers was the exhibit “Growers Walk of Art”. Flowers Victoria partnered with the Art Series Hotel Group to celebrate Australian grown flowers and well-known Australian art. To view the modern art works paired with visually interpreted botanical displays was simply stunning.
In a flurry of spinning gum foliage and bunches of native blooms it was exciting to witness participants learning the basics of working with floral tools and equipment at the My Flowerhouse hands on sessions. The participants were engaged as the enthusiastic and talented teacher Natasha from My Flowerhouse lead sessions each day held inside the Royal Exhibition Building.
The results were outstanding and as you walked around the MIFGS you could see participants adorned in their flower crowns or toting their wildflower posies. It added a hands on experience to this year’s show and it was amazing to see the smiles on the partaker’s faces.
Written by Tiffany Kumnick, Certain Bloom.
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