INTERPRETATIVE DESIGNING:

by Margaret Wilkin, Former National President, FASNZ

F A N T A S Y

Margaret created this design for the Floral Theatre, “Rivers Deep, Mountains High” in New Plymouth, at the end of October 2005. The design represented the snowy slopes and trees leading up to Mt Fuji.

It could also represent Fantasy Trees. You choose the number to make to create your own Interpretation of this Fantasy Design.

[Click the photos for a closeup view of the design]

REQUIREMENTS:

Mechanics:

• Aluminium ‘Lazy S’ Tubes (13 x 2 metres long)
• Full strength white Paint
• Small glass tubes
• Metal spikes to hold ‘Lazy S’ tubes
• Twinkle fairy Lights
• Blue tulle (or similar) to create the base

Plant Material:

• Muehlenbeckia astonii (or Pohuehue) (an indigenous NZ lowland shrub)
• Bright multi coloured small flowers (mixed varieties) e.g. roses, clematis, and azaleas
• Cream sisal

METHOD:

1. Dry Muehlenbeckia and twist and tie into ‘nest’ forms (approx 36)
2. Dunk ‘nests’ into full strength white paint to create a skin, (take care when removing not to splatter paint). Dry
3. Wrap aluminium tubes in cream sisal
4. Attach Muehlenbeckia forms to aluminium tubes (trees)
5. Place flowers into water filled tubes and insert within Muehlenbeckia forms
6. Insert aluminium rods into metal spikes placed within a cloud of blue fabric
7. Fairy lights may be placed within the fabric or tied up through the design to complete the fantasy