Here a close up of "Deafening Silence" by Thang Ngo. I should note I didn't photograph all 22 of the arrangements in the showcase, just the ones that spoke to me.
"Circle of Renewal" by Mailani Souza, Moss Agate Floral. It feels ridiculous to admit, but I completely missed that the center S was a snake shape when I was looking at it in person. I'll blame the fact there was a guided tour group on my heels and I was distracted by the chatter.
I was also hyper focused on the circle and the materials used there.
"Portland's Noble Gentlemums" by Anna Arkhangelskaya, Floralia.a. I was having a real issue with that turquoise moss until I read the piece was inspired by Monet's "Bed of Chrysanthemums"—still I think it could have been toned down a bit.
In some of the displays you might notice lights, the big event for this showcase is the "Nights of the Golden Flower" from 5-7pm, a separate ticket event. I've never attended in the evening, I'm sure it's lovely.
"Autumn's Last Dance: a Chrysanthemum Symphony" by Kim Foren, Geranium Lake Flowers. This was my favorite of them all.
There were so many details to soak in, and it was perfectly matched to it's location in the garden.
(peonies mixed with mums, autumn and spring...)
Honestly this design had me scheming on a party in my garden where I could put together something like this. Next summer!
Looking back...
"Let Your Light Shine" by Ellen Hansen, Mindful Flowers.
At first I thought the big white mum was an odd choice, then I read the title of the piece and realized it was perfect.
I especially loved the supporting bits of berry-colored mums and the splash of the same berry color on the foliage.
"Chrysanthemum Chorus" by Annie Chen, Floral Sunshine. I felt a little awkward photographing while she was still putting together the display, then again it was after 12:30 and the garden opened at 10. 
She was nothing but friendly and welcoming, chatting with everyone who came up to watch her work.
"Seasonal Suspense" by Lauren Say, say_flwrks.
At first I wasn't sure what I thought, but the more I looked, the more I loved.
"Rhythm of Absent Love" by Ashley Ramona Preece, Glasshaus Gardens.
Another design that was really one with it's place in the garden. I think this was my second favorite.
"Home" by Emily Thompson, Hazy Daisy Floral Co.
"Smattering" by Jayme Rabenberg, Bloommonger.
As I left the garden—after an hour and a half of wandering this city-block sized space—I turned back to notice that Annie Chen was still working on her "Chrysanthemum Chorus," I can completely relate Annie!
On Friday I'll have a look at the plants in the garden that caught my eye during this visit.
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I've been tempted to try growing the "fancy" chrysanthemums that produce such spectacular flowers but the plants themselves are boring and would have to be obtained by mail order or planted from seed as they're not commonly grown locally - which I assume is because they don't like my climate in the first place. This year, the local garden center had a larger range of the potted plants and I purchased one to fill an outdoor container. It won't last long and the flowers aren't the big, splashy variety these displays show off but they offer a splash of color at a time of year that's harder to come by.
ReplyDeleteOne of the things I didn't photograph was the garden's display of potted chrysanthemum for just that reason, the plants are UGLY!
DeleteWhat a neat show for early Fall, I'd be a repeat customer, too. Both of your favorites are standouts, they feel natural somehow. The fancy mums, holy cow those are great. All loopy and dramatic, and so showy! Made me think of the National Dog Show that's coming up, a must watch on Thanksgiving. So fun.
ReplyDeleteWouldn't it be fun to take one of those big loopy dramatic blooms (the really full ones) and find its dog look alike? I don't know dog breeds but one of those guys with all the hair that covers their eyes.
DeleteHa ha ha! Yes, it would- a crown of mums on their goofy head.
DeleteThis is not something I would seek out on my own, but wow, so many things I've never seen before! I love it!
ReplyDeleteI think you'd enjoy the walk through very much.
DeleteMy favorite flowers of all the arrangements that you've shown were the sunflowers with their petals picked off. The spider mums are cool too.
ReplyDeleteYa I am a big fan of those sunflowers too.
DeleteI love that you make an annual visit to this event, even when you are more into leaf than flower. There is a lot to love here when it comes to creativity, especially the outdoors presentations: so imaginative!
ReplyDeleteI tried to grow Ajania pacifica in the past but it didn't make it.
Chavli
I love flowers! I just don't garden for them. I love the foliage of Ajania pacifica so much!
DeleteWow, I've never been big on fancy flower arrangements, but these are really amazing! I notice that several arrangements used Amaranth flowers and some very odd dried plant material along with the fresh flowers. Thank you, Loree, for posting about your visit. I'd love to visit a garden like this in person sometime!
ReplyDelete