I am delighted in this post, to share the super talented Luisa Brimble’s images. I find it near impossible to capture pics on event days as there’s just always so much else to do (and I can’t equal Luisa’s by any measure anyway!).  But at last Saturday’s Autumn Flower Workshop with Jardine Hansen, we were absolutely spoiled in that Luisa was here all day, and even photographed each participant’s arrangement.  How lucky they are to have a memento of what was an absolutely heavenly day!  

And this is how it all began….with Jardine carting load after load of foliage and blooms into the Dairy.

Until it resembled a quite wonderful flower shop of delights from which participants could choose their material later in the day.

But first there was a garden wander….all around, collecting a sprig here, a bloom there….in the Barn Garden, the Borders, Mrs R’s….bullrush from the Front Courtyard, lotus pods from the Garden Courtyard, ending in the Kitchen Garden, by which time we had a lovely basket of garden material for Jardine to make an exquisite, spontaneous arrangement.

That grew and grew….in her deft, capable manner….

and then Luisa photographed it and it resembled a fine, early Still Life painting.  

But back to the class that followed, where there was deep concentration on everyone’s brow…..with Jardine gently coaxing, explaining, encouraging and aiding….

as each selection of stem or foliage was made, before making a beautiful bouquet to take home at the end of the day.  I have to say – every single one of them was stunning (in a class littered with beginners to professionals).

Here is one in the early stages….

Then everyone was well underway….

The table was set for a seasonal lunch: Sorrel Soup and just out-of-the-oven bread; bowls of tiny Wild Sweetie tomatoes from the garden; Zucchini & Prosciutto Pastry with a perky Leaf & Petal Salad, and Cumquat Ice Cream.

And while everyone ate lunch, Luisa continued to click image after image…..of all that was left behind.

A joyous day was had by all.  We plan to do it again in the spring.

With a HUGE thank you to Jardine for giving our participants such an inspiring day.  And to Luisa for her generous spirit and capturing the day for each of our participants.  And if you’d like to see even more, Luisa brought Hannah McCowatt along with her and she made a little video of the day too, that you can view here.  I hope you enjoy it.  I can’t wait ’til the next flower workshop!