AT the May meeting of Crediton Flower Club and due to the recent overnight closure of the A377, some of our members had to come to Crediton “the long way round” but their extra journey was made worthwhile by the delightful demonstration Christine Harrington did for us entitled “In an English Country Garden”.

Christine, who had travelled from Callington, passed her Demonstrations’ Test in 2015 and is extremely adept at creating her own containers and accessories.

Her first arrangement took us for a walk around her garden and, using 14” posy pad, arranged a delightful mixture of garden foliage - hostas, bergenia, viburnum etc - with lupins, clematis, red tulips, deutzia, hyacinths and bluebells, the final result then placed on a pretty garden table she had brought along with her.

A window box came next, using double oasis trays covered with moss and decorated with rainbow coloured wool.

The “box” featured stocks in beautifully ranging lilac colours, clematis, allium, yellow tulips and “zingy” lime euphorbia and was placed in front of a small, charming and very old door, apparently a relic from a public house (it seems Christine is very keen on reclaiming and re-using artefacts she finds on her travels!).

An intriguing boat-shaped base made from flexible “plumber’s tubing” covered in rope formed the base of the next arrangement which again featured garden plant material, with bright pink sweet Williams, wallflowers, London Pride, aquilegia and stems from the lovely Judas Tree.

This was cleverly displayed on wooden crates, with a garden rug full of logs to complete the scene and the finished result was delightful.

Christine then chose to do an arrangement without the use of oasis and for the purpose had covered a “hula-hoop” in soft cord which was then cleverly assembled onto a base containing three plastic flower cones, again disguised with the cord.

For her flowers she used lovely “dancing head” viburnum, apricot alstroemeria and deep blue Iris - stunning!

A coastal garden was the theme for the finale - a large and very interesting piece of driftwood placed on a hessian covered board.

Foliage of senecio and evergreen oak was used as the backdrop for beautiful blue delphiniums and white agapanthus, with the lighter touch of cow parsley. It really evoked thoughts of the sea.

In her vote of thanks Mary Tasker said what an inspiring and delightful evening we had enjoyed.

Next month the Club has its annual outing, this time combined with the celebration of its 45th birthday!

The next meeting at the Boniface Centre will be held on Thursday, July 11 at 7.15pm and will be a demonstration by Tracey Johnson “Wild about Flowers”. Visitors and new members always welcome.

For any enquiries please contact Chairman, Gay Mullins, on 01363 774791.

GM