The Chelmsford Cathedral Flower Guild dreamt up a tropical Jungle at Night for the National Flower Show at Hylands House last weekend
A large gorilla took centre-stage in the creative design, which members of the Guild spent months devising, says secretary Lesley Worboys. “It began back in January when we discovered the theme for the show would be Safari,” she explains. “We were then told our space within the venue would be the small dining room, given our jungle theme and a budget to work with. Our technical advisor Suzanne Gaywood MBE led the way, coming up with the big vision of how we could create the Jungle at Night with plant materials.”
Suzanne's past experience designing garden exhibits for the Chelsea Flower Show and transporting them from her home country of Grenada, gave her the vision, ideas and practical knowledge for how the scheme would come to life in situ. Large-scale light screens created the effect of nighttime, a huge piece of driftwood was used for a tree trunk – transported by Suzanne's neighbour in a trailer - with arrangements of Anthurium, Gingers, Protea and Heliconia, as well as tropical flowers and foliage and pot plants to create a three-dimensional effect.
“We had a big island with light screens and cables around the back,” explains Lesley. “Hylands House is a historic building with fire doors and other practicalities to consider, so plastic was needed to protect the flooring from the watering and then covered to disguise it, the logistics were a massive part and we've been grateful for Suzanne's expertise.”
Members gathered together in advance to create jungle creatures of tree frogs and mice, lizards, snakes and bats from moss. “It's amazing how creative the members of the Guild are,” she adds. “We showed them a technique and they were able to create some really interesting designs to bring the display to life.”
With past designs including The Great Hall at Hogwarts, Dr Dolittle’s Tea Party, Continents of the World and Riverbanks, the Guild has added another fantastic success to its repertoire.
“Many congratulations to the Flower Guild for their “Jungle at Night” exhibit which showcases their imagination and talent,” adds Dean of Chelmsford, Jessica Martin. “We are always so grateful to the Guild for all their work at the Cathedral and for filling it with beautiful blooms for our visitors to enjoy.”
Beautiful photos by Nick Robinson and the Flower Guild.
