(Afternoon Beginner's Class, 4.11.08)

This autumn arrangement incorporating fruit has been made in a contemporary grouped style, and I've used a round basket, with floral foam for the mechanics. For the height, I've used Phormium tenax variegata, with some Montbretia seedheads on the left and Physalis franchettii (Chinese Lanterns) on the right, to add rhythm and interest. The grouped foliage used is Hedera colchica 'Sulphur Heart', Fatshedera lizei 'Anna Mieke' and Fatsia japonica 'Aurea'. I have also used the autumn tinted foliage of Cornus kousa 'Chinensis' (right), and Acer palmatum (left). The flowers used have been grouped to give more impact, and are orange Gerberas and orange Lilies. For added interest I've also used some small grouped apples, some layered clementines (skewered on a barbecue stick), and a group of bananitos. To add extra texture, I've made three small balls of lime and deep green Sisal.