Pat’s the pick of the bunch at floral show

A Hampshire woman clinched the top award at the Wessex and Jersey area of the National Association of Arrangement Societies Area Show which had 65 exhibits at the Crosfield Hall last Friday and Saturday.

All of the displays were made on site.

Pat Maple who lives at Hamble-le-Rice and is a member of the Otterbourne Flower and Gardening Club, was awarded Best in Show for her portrayal of a North American Red Indian in the Avant Garde class of the show.

“It looks like a North American Indian with wood, string and a bow and arrow,” said Pat.

“I love working with wood and I used some New Zealand bogwood which is thousands of years old for this. I needed to bring something modern into it so I used concrete for the base and added plant material,”

Pat said she loved competitions and her first big event was Chelsea Flower Shower in 1979 when she won a gold medal.

“I’ve done Chelsea seven times with Heather Veal from Otterbourne Flower Club and had four golds there,” she said. “I am just an old fashioned flower arranger. It’s an art and my hobby.”

Patricia and Heather, who lives at Netley Abbey, scooped second prize with their interpretation on Glastonbury Festival 2005 in the ‘A Vintage Year’ category.

Their exhibit included Wellington boots and bits of rubbish left by festival-goers.

Romsey Flower Club members Sue O’Brien and Sue Perdue came second in the Show Time class with their take on Modern Milli.

Maureen Lawes treasurer with Romsey Flower Club said: “They have been planning for the show for three months and have put in a lot of work and they spent eight hours constructing it and are delighted with the outcome.” Denise Bright from Braishfield Flower Club also picked up an award, second place in the Magic Moments Category.

Chairman of the Wessex and Jersey area of NAFAS, Mala Williams, said: “We are blessed to have such talented people in our area.

“We focus on the creative side and all forms of floral art. Exhibits were of a very high standard.”