Floral Design

Playscapes on the Green

Class 4

A Component Challenge Class as defined in the GCA Flower Show & Judging Guide, July 2020 Edition. At the time of registration, the Committee will send each of the four exhibitors seven identical components. In the final designs, the components must be visible but may be altered in any manner the exhibitors choose. Additional components, identical or different from the seven supplied by the Committee, may be incorporated with mechanics and plant material. Plant material may be fresh and/or dried. Each exhibitor is to stage and photograph the design in front of a 24” inch wide, 36” inch high background. Color and/or covering of background is at the discretion of the exhibitor.

Mary Jo Strawbridge

The Garden Workers

Statement of Intent

“Over, under, and all around

Climb, crawl or swing

Let your imagination lead the way.”

Judges' Comments

“A playful and imaginative interpretation.”

“Visual conflict is created by an over-abundance of textures.”   

List of Plants Used

  • Limonium, statice

  • Anthurium, anthurium

  • Phalaenopsis, moth orchid

  • Thuidium, moss

Julie Spear

Memphis Garden Club

Statement of Intent

“And the seasons, they go round and round

And the painted ponies go up and down

We’re captive on a carousel of time.”

-Joni Mitchell

Judges' Comments

“Up and down placement of plant material successfully implies movement of this carousel.”

“However, the two strong horizontal lines created by the red and blue bands divide the design.”

List of Plants Used

  • Triticum aestivum, common wheat

  • Pittosporum tobira, Japanese pittosporum

  • Myrtus communis, myrtle

  • Leucadendron sp., ‘Safari Sunset’

  • Dianthus caryophyllus, carnation

  • Hypericum perforatum, St. John’s wort 

  • Veronica spicata, speedwell

  • Craspedia globosa, Billy buttons

  • Rosa sp., rose

Laura Haley

The Late Bloomers Garden Club

Statement of Intent

“Slip, Sliding Away.”

Judges' Comments

“Downward palm spathes create dynamic movement. Linear contrast is achieved by the marching rings at the base.”

“The orange cap and flowers compete for focal dominance.”

List of Plants Used

  • Cymbidium King Arthur, orchid

  • Anthurium andraeanum 'Coral', anthurium

  • Anthurium andraeanum 'Midori', anthurium

  • Anthurium andraeanum 'Tropic Lime', anthurium

  • Calathea burle-marxii 'Green Ice', rattlesnake plant

  • Aspidistra elatior “Variegata’, cast iron plant

  • Dracaena ‘Limelight’, dracaena

  • Cocos nucifera, palm

Phoebe Kahl

Orinda Garden Club

Statement of Intent

"Spring is here! Let's play and discover the seven components in these colorful playscapes. Can you find them?”

Judges' Comments

“Excellent execution captures whimsical intent. Contrast of lines, colors, and forms works together to create an animated ‘play’ on components.”

List of Plants Used

  • Scabiosa, pincushion

  • Phormium, flax

  • Agapanthus 'Peter Pan', lily of the Nile 

  • Craspedia globosa, Billy buttons

  • Geranium, cranesbill

 There is a lot more to see!