Photograph Courtesy of Professor Marcel Jaspars - Marine Biodiscovery Centre

University of Aberdeen

THE NAFAS CHELSEA 2013 EXHIBIT
staged by SAFAS - the Scottish Area of NAFAS

 'Far Below the Sea Blooms'
Percy Bysshe Shelley 1792-1822

The emotive quotation from Shelley’s poem “Ode to the West Wind” provided the initial inspiration for the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies (NAFAS) Chelsea exhibit which will this year be created by floral designers from the Scottish Area of Flower Arrangement Societies (SAFAS).    

Our title offers an opportunity to install a uniquely creative, vibrant presentation. Further inspiration evolved from the ground breaking work of marine biologist, Jacques Cousteau, who first raised awareness of the beauty; but fragility of life on our planet. In creating an artistic, innovative design, the focal areas will replicate underwater cathedrals and coral reefs, where "Far Below the Sea Blooms."

The exhibit will take its cue from nature, where vibrant, bold, rainbow colours will juxtapose with subtle tones and tints as well as highlighting the iridescence of marine life.

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Logan Botanic Garden, and Threave Estate Castle Douglas (NTS) are partnering us in this project and much of the plant material used will come from these beautiful Scottish gardens, some of which are unusual. Threave Head Gardener is cultivating special material with his students for us as part of a community project.  Chelsea Gold Medal winners, Dibley’s Nurseries are also supplying some speciality plant material. The vastly exciting forms, textural and colour contrasts witnessed in marine life resembles much of the plant material the team will utilise in the exhibit. Sustainable, harvested, Orkney sea weed fertiliser has been used to propagate and grow on some of the plants being used.

The floral designers are particularly excited to be working in partnership with the Marine Biodiscovery Centre, University of Aberdeen. The chemists there are researching marine life which is yielding new drugs to combat diseases, particularly cancer. The investigative dives are on pristine coral reefs which are being carefully controlled and maintained for the future.

Nature conveys a strong, environmental message and the exhibit underlines that sustainable harmony is key to our survival. We will promote the fact that everyone has a responsibility to maintain this through NAFAS aims and objectives. The exhibit will feature many sustainable materials, such as Bamboo, Seacell (seaweed) Prawn/Crab, Flax and Mulberry Bark fibres. Colouring of these fibres will be achieved by using vegetable dyes.

 In Partnership with the Scottish Area of NAFAS at Chelsea 2013

Follow the SAFAS Team's progress on their Facebook page -

http://www.facebook.com/#!/SafasChelsea2013?fref=ts.