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Flower Exhibit

© Howard Deutch

    Somehow, even an artificial display of flowers gives satisfaction to most gardeners. Out of their element and mixed with alien objects, they are presentations of combinations of paintings and sculpture, There can even be a whiff of Bonsai. It takes more than just gardening skills to successfully accomplish the effect. These formal representations, far removed from their natural habitat, add an additional dimension to the joy of gardening. Every year at the New York State Fair there are extensive displays of flowers in many different settings. The following represent but a fraction of one type of display, taking skills in gathering and construction in addition to gardening. The following photos were taken prior to the judging so I do not know what the judges favored, but these got my vote. Most flower arrangements done at home are somewhat less formal. These, however, may be a guide to arrangements as centerpieces for special events. Imagination should be unfettered. Save and dry seed pods of Papaver somniferum and other garden oddballs for possible inclusion in a display. Don't be restricted to just your garden. Kay makes use of nearby wetlands (not state land) to collect cattails and flowering grasses as well as our own many varieties of Miscanthus sinensus when they are in flower.

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Kay has to have flower displays in the house over the entire year. Summers are easy as they are gathered from our garden. During winter, unfortunately, they have to be obtained commercially. While I do admire her results, she does not attempt to configure them as formally as these shown here. With winter rapidly approaching, our garden is soon to be barren. I will then have to endure the bleak time of year for gardeners in northern climes.

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    These illustrations give you some examples of the possibilities of works of art that just happen to contain flowers and flora. The actual flowers, if indeed there are any, may make but a minor contribution to the assemblage.

    I really like these two. The dramatic lighting with dark overtones provides a touch of mystery. A bit more exciting then the others. I guess I sometimes go for things that are more vivid and exciting.