At the prize giving session

‘His extraordinary composition is a striking Asian-influenced sculpture which uses exotic leaves of black Dracaena and velvety green Arisaema to create windswept ‘hair’ around a red mask. Suspended invisibly on a green bamboo cane, it’s unusually minimalist for today’s tastes – but it caught the judges’ eye.

‘BBC gardening online 26 May 2006′

I have always wanted to participate in the Chelsea flower show. Since I was studying in the UK I have visited the show every year in May. This is the seond time I entered the show as a competitor, and am very fortunate to have won a gold medal and the Best arrangement in my session of the show. I will share with you some of the pictures I have taken.
There were three classes for the floral arrangements exhibition, they were ‘dreamtime’, ‘the subtle alchemist’, and ‘a touch of drama’, which I entered.

My exhibit was quite a literal interpretation of the theme, inspired by the Japanese Kabuki drama’s clean lines and dramatic use of colours. Flowerwise I have used Vanda orchids, Cymbidium, and Gloriosa Lilies. Foliagewise I have used Alocasia, Black Cordyline, hypericum berries as well as some Mother-in-law’s tongue. I especially like the Alocasia leaves as they are so matt and flat, well suited for a Japanese inspired design.

*Click here for more info about Solomon’s latest whereabouts

Details of the exhibit

(From left to right) People hard at work overnight, Judging in process, A Gold medal winner in the theme ‘A touch of drama’

Other exhibits this year also displayed a very high standard and diversity, which reflected much of the current trend of flower arranging. Ones I particularly like include a high chair draped a rich tapestry of red flowers, and one that contains swirls of calla lillies. Both won gold medal. There was also an exhibit in the theme of ‘dreamtime’ which I found very interesting. It featured a bed standing up with one side showing a girl sleeping in serenity, while the other side was all colourful and wild. I loved it and found the idea very inspiring.

The High Chair and the Swirling Calla Lillies

Dreamtime Front and back
Other than the flower arrangement marquee, the Florsitry marquee was equally exciting, and so was the dispaly created by NAFAS in the Floral marquee, which was very grand. There was also the display by Bournemouth Council featuring massive fruits made up of flowers. What a banana!

Some very intricate works at the floristry marquee

(From Left) Grand display by NAFAS in schemes of apricot and cream, Hanging flowers of NAFAS, David Auestin English roses

The banana made of mums, and the crowds