(Morning Advanced Class, 16.9.08)

This contemporary design has been made in a round glass cake stand, with floral foam for the mechanics. Some pale green sisal has been wrapped around the foam to help disguise it. The flowers used are white roses (10), white Lissianthus (3 stems), green 'Prado' Carnations (8), and blue Eryngium (1 stem). The foliage used is Fatsia japonica 'Aurea', Bergenia, Phormium tenax purpurea, Heuchera 'Mocha', Hedera colchica 'Sulphur Heart', Hedera helix, Aspidistra and Prunus laurocerasus (Laurel). The foliage has been grouped around the outside of the foam, with the Aspidistra leaves fluted by attaching a wire along the midrib on the underside with pot tape. The leaf is then folded concertina style, and stays in position because of the wire. The Bergenia leaves were wrapped around 5 of the Roses, and kept in position with bullion wire. These were arranged upright in the centre of the foam, and staggered in height. The laurel leaves were rolled and stapled, and grouped for an interesting effect. The Lisianthus were arranged in the centre of the design to give height. The rest of the flowers were grouped around the design to give blocks of colour. Two Phormium leaves were plaited to make a rope, and looped across the design for added interest. Finally, a few strands of pale green sisal were draped over the design to add texture.