Florist’s ‘bloom towards hope’
A Wellington florist drew on her experiences with depression to create a design as an ambassador for New Zealand Flowers Week.
Given the emotion ‘‘sorrow’’ as inspiration, Murphy wanted to convey something less obvious than death.
Three decreasing circles of more than 400 tightly woven flowers rest over a textured background of green foliage.
A sea of white petals spill down from the circles onto the floor.
Florist Kerri Murphy, the owner of Twisted Willow in Tawa, is the only ambassador from Wellington.
The arrangement depicted Murphy’s own experience with depression.
The circles showed different mindsets; black for depression, grey for hope, and white for the light in the distance.
Five florists met in Auckland on October 9 and created large-scale installations which were then photographed for display.
This year’s theme is ‘‘the power of flowers’’, and each florist was given an emotion for inspiration.
Flowers could represent dark times, but could be made beautiful in a different way.
The six hours spent on her design over two days were an ‘‘emotional but passionate’’ experience.
Murphy hoped people would realise there was always light. ‘‘It’s a bloom towards hope.’’
In her 30 years as a florist, Murphy learned it was easier to create an arrangement with a person or ‘‘vibe’’ in mind. ‘‘It’s always easier when you meet the person,’’ she said. ‘‘It’s hard when people ring and say: Make me something.’’ People often didn’t realise how much work went into a floral arrangement, but she loved the work. ‘‘It’s your happy place. You go into your zone.’’
All the flowers used for the week were grown in New Zealand and supported local businesses.
The team at Floriade has taken over the
Roxy Cinema and adorned Gandalf with a bright floral crown, installed floral seating, and some new blooms in the garden.
Flowers Rediscovered has redecorated the rainbow umbrella in Cuba St, lining the inside of the umbrella with fresh blooms.
People in the city can enjoy lunch under flowers and foliage in Midland Park. The team at Scent Floral has transformed the park into a flower hot spot, and will be giving away bouquets around Wellington city for the public to find.
At Queensgate mall, shoppers can see, touch and take a cheeky selfie with an arrangement in the bottom floor car park.
Check out all the designs at nzflowersweek.co. nz or on instagram.com/feelgoodwithflowers.