WHAT a treat! - In the midst of life’s current problems Barbara Clatworthy travelled all the way from Combe Martin to delight Crediton Flower Club members with her demonstration, “Sticks, Stones and Dulcet Tones” at the March meeting.

Barbara, herself a member of Ilfracombe Flower Club, used to be the florist at the Saunton Sands Hotel and her skills were plain to see.

Her first “all round” design was created in a tall design was created in a tall rustic container covered in bark and featured variegated foliage, agapanthus seed heads, red spray carnations, yellow roses, purple lizianthus and beautiful lime green “Shamrock” bloom chrysanths.

The finished result was placed on a mirror base alongside pebbles and brightly coloured “pretend” toadstools to complete the picture.

Next came a downsized wrought iron bicycle with two basket placements featuring white lizianthus and beautiful soft lilac carnations called “Moonlight”.

Barbara created movement with the use of medolino sticks on to which she had threaded artificial “stones” - she certainly had some very innovative ideas!

Kindling sticks had been used next to create two wooden towers, painted in green and brightened with sparkling lights. Two placements of beautiful yellow roses and purple lizianthus were skilfully arranged to complete the picture.

Barbara had covered a large round container with “stone effect” Fablon which she used as a base for a modern design next with aspidestra leaved, delighted pink bouvardia, white gerbera and lizianthus. 

A polystyrene ball had been covered with sheet music to reflect the idea of “dulcet tones”.

For her finale, two white rustic baskets formed the base for lovely “Golden Wave” phormium, white gerbera, white lizzies and the “Shamrock” chrysanths once again.

She had made a black and white musical “stave” to weave through the design and the two placements were “joined” with artificial brambles.

A totally unexpected and delightful addition to Barbara’s demonstration was that she accompanied each design with lovely music ranging from Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World” to Emeli Sandé’s “Imagine”. But that was not all! - while she worked she captivated her audience with a little tale of a certain lady called “Phoebe” who opened a flower show in the West Country - she had a rather difficult time but, as all good stories, it ended “happily ever after”.

Mary Tasker thanked Barbara on behalf of the members for the delightful evening enjoyed by everyone, really lifting their spirits in such gloomy times.

Sadly, due to current circumstances it has been necessary to cancel the next meeting of the Flower Club scheduled for April 9.

GM