Florist’s blooming beautiful creation
A Wellington florist has taken her artistry to the next level, creating a wedding cloak from hundreds of lily petals.
As part of a showcase for the second annual New Zealand Flowers Week, Melissa Jane Connor created a Korowai – Ma¯ori cloak – out of two varieties of lily.
‘‘Their petals look like feathers and that got me thinking about what I could make that was birdlike and then the concept quickly developed into a feather cloak.’’
While Connor initially wanted to work with all-white blooms to craft the bridal cape, they didn’t open in time but that ended up working in her favour.
‘‘It actually was better I think because the yellow ended up looking so incredible in contrast to the white dress.’’
Armed with an assistant, some strong glue and 40 lily heads, it took Connor just a few hours to put together the striking garment.
‘‘It was a bit of a challenge because you want it to last as long as possible, although I was lucky to only need it to survive a photo shoot.’’
Connor was one of five Kiwi florists chosen to take up the challenge of creating a piece of floral art with aMa¯ori twist to celebrate New Zealand Flowers Week.
The week-long event, which runs until November 26, is about celebrating locally grown flowers and highlighting the importance of the industry’s contribution to culture and the economy.
Connor, who founded Melissa Jane Flower Studio in Ngaio two years ago, says it was a joy to get the rare opportunity to work with others in her industry
‘‘They all did amazing, completely different things which was so awesome to see because you don’t often get to work with other florists.’’
Rebecca Jones, of the National Flower Promotion Group, which runs the awareness week, says the hope is to encourage growers, wholesalers, florists and Kiwis to get involved with the week and become more passionate about local and seasonal flowers.
‘‘Flowers are adored by everyone and are one of the most popular gifts ever exchanged. They instantly beautify their immediate environment and uplift people’s mood.
‘‘Internationally, the global floriculture industry and market is growing and it’s important we establish ourselves in that market,’’ Jones says.
‘‘Like other industries, the flower industry is not without its challenges; however, it’s important to note that New Zealand’s floriculture industry is a major source of production, employment and export.’’