NAILSWORTH and District Flower Arrangement Society met on the evening of March 6.

Following the society's Annual General Meeting Pam Lewis (NAFAS National Demonstrator) gave a demonstration aptly entitled "The world awakes to the sound of spring".

Pam Lewis is a talented gardener and each design used at least one element from Pam's extensive garden.

forsythia, blue hyacinths and Choisya 'Sundance' were used in an arrangement with mimosa and daffodils, pink catkins on a stem of Contorted Purple Hazel and delicate Prunus blossom complemented a design with purple/pink carnations, gerbera and a spray of orchids and the coloured stems of Cornus 'Midwinter Fire' were used as a backdrop for orange lilies, roses and gerbera.

NAFAS is keen to promote the use of sustainable and reusable structures in floral arrangements; something Pam is well used to doing as, until recently, she created supports and stands in her own forge.

Daffodils placed in jam jars covered in cane lawn edging and white lilies supported by stems of 'Pussy' Willow were used to demonstrate how easy it is to create attractive flower arrangements without the use of floral foam, multi coloured tulips, purchased from the local supermarket, were used to make a 'hand tied' style of bouquet; a simple wire frame work made this design one that even a novice arranger could attempt.

When absolutely necessary Pam used the new brown coloured oasis floral foam which breaks down in the compost more quickly than the traditional green oasis.

By the end of the evening the stage at Nailsworth Town Hall, dressed with all the beautiful arrangements, was a riot of colour; truly heralding the start of spring.

The next meeting is a demonstration by Katherine Kear (national demonstrator) entitled 'Little Green Orchard'.

It takes place on Wednesday, April 3, at The Town Hall, Nailsworth; starting at 7.30pm.

Visitors welcome.

Alice Burr

Chair, Nailsworth and District Flower Arrangement Society