Illuminary Design

Last night was my monthly garden club meeting. We are a design group focusing on floral design, not gardening. Each month we do a program and workshop focusing on a different design style. 

Technically, I belong to two garden clubs and neither one is involved with gardening - they both are focused on floral design. I joined then specifically to strengthen and broaden my design skills.

Last night it we examined  Illuminary Design. This is a creative design incorporating light/s for special effect. The lighting MUST be an integral part of the design, and effect readily apparent. The lights must be incorporated into the design with the mechanics concealed in an artful manner. Effects of lights must be subtle, not disturbing.

Here are some of the designs presented:       
               by Judy Newman

 by Laurie Wareham

The Illuminary Design is not something that you would pick up at the grocery store or have delivered for a birthday. this style of design is used in Flower Show Competition. They are more difficult to do than you might think since the element of  lighting should be subtle but must  be considered when looking at the principals of design: rhythm, balance, dominance, contrast, proportion, and scale. 

by Esther Demerdash

Hopefully, you might make a point to view a local flower show. Besides the flower arrangements, flower shows contain a horticulture division featuring cut home grown flowers and foliage specimens and container plants. Many Flower Shows are offered at botanical gardens, museums, libraries as well as  flower and garden shows. Watch your newspapers and attend since members put on to educate the public in design and horticulture. They are always delightful!