Blooming success

Whitireia floristry tutor Megan Parker won silver for her exhibition in the Floral Art Individual category at the recent Ellerslie International Flower Show in Christchurch.  Up against 13 competitors in her category, Megan took away the highest award.

Whatever the weather, the theme given to the Floral Art Individual category, formed the basis of Megan’s exhibit.  She drew her inspiration from My Fair Lady, beautiful hats, tight bodices, full sumptuous skirts and the parasol.  She titled her work Whatever the weather, flowers inspire and always shine and started planning it in November last year and by January this year was pulling it altogether.

Not only was Megan inspired by her My Fair Lady vision, she wanted to include a cultural feel.  I have worked at Whitireia for ten years now and it was important that a bit of what Whitireia is about was evident it my exhibit said Megan.  “It is a multi-cultural institution and I wanted this to be part of it too.”  A range of materials including: feathers, paua shells, grasses, tillandsia, phalaenopsis orchids, callas, hydrangeas, lupin seed pods, decorative wires, wire hearts, fairy lights, jewels, ribbon and skeleton leaves were used to pull her vision together. 

Megan took seven hours to create her master piece.  I have not worked so hard in seven hours for a very long time said Megan.  “Despite the pressure, I loved being part of this event and showcasing my floristry talents.  I have always wanted to enter this show - it’s the most prestigious flower show in New Zealand, it is marked under the same criteria as the Chelsea Flower Show in London.”   Megan was also part of the demonstration team at the flower show where she showcased her floristry talents.

Having worked with flowers since she was 14, Megan derives her creative flare from the most amazing flower books.  They are expensive but well worth it said Parker.  “New Zealand is so limited in terms of talent to learn from, if international designers come here I always jump at the chance to attend demonstrations and workshops.”  Colour and texture are the two elements that grab her attention. 

Having worked in a retail florist and after owing her own business, Megan is now passing on her creative floristry talents to the students at Whitireia.

The Whitireia floristry programme is run from the most divine place in Porirua according to Megan.  “We have a private secluded area on top of a hill over- looking the Porirua harbour, surrounded by the beautiful sounds of native birds and a garden full of wonderful flora and fauna.”

Megan has just completed a two year tenure as President of the New Zealand Professional Florists Inc and is currently a National Assessor for them.