NZPF Floral News & Inspiration - 2022 Summer Issue - New Zealand Professional Florists

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NZPF Floral News & Inspiration - 2022 Summer Issue - New Zealand Professional Florists
NZPF
Issue 09 / December 2022

                                       Floral News & Inspiration

                                                2022 Summer Issue
                                             AGM & Conference Round-Up
                                               Christchurch Workshop
                           NZPF News          Taranaki Garden Festival   1
NZPF Floral News & Inspiration - 2022 Summer Issue - New Zealand Professional Florists
2   NZPF News
NZPF Floral News & Inspiration - 2022 Summer Issue - New Zealand Professional Florists
Contents
                              5
                 President’s Message
                              7
                Christchurch Workshop
                    It’s great to be back!

                              9
             AGM & Conference Round-Up
            with Mark Pampling, guest designer

                             13
                    Congratulations
                Design Competition winners
               & Ethel Black award recipient

                             14
                  Jennie Alexander
                 Executive Member Profile

                             15
                   Highlights of 2022
                             17
                      Out & About
                 Taranaki Garden Festival

                             23
            Constructing a Tribute Wreath
                   by Jennie Alexander

                             24
                   It’s Peony Season
                  Every florist’s favourite

                             26
            How to make a Peony Bouquet
                             28
              Welcome to our new Patron
                Malcolm Angus NZPF Dip.MF

                             28
                       Thank You
     to outgoing Patron & Life Member Kate Jacobsen

                             29
             2023 NZPF Assessment Dates
                             30
                   NZPF Information

NZPF News                                             3
NZPF Floral News & Inspiration - 2022 Summer Issue - New Zealand Professional Florists
Grow your skills

              FLORISTRY
                                                                         The New Zealand Certificate
                                                                         in Floristry (Level 2)
                                                             This certificate will give you the skills and knowledge to
                                                             gain a qualification that provides entry into training and a
                                                             career pathway in the floristry industry.
                                                             This qualification will prepare you for a career as a
                                                             beginner florist working in floristry retail outlets. With
                                                             further work experience and study, you could move into
                                                             roles such as intermediate florists in floristry retail outlets.

Fee Free*
Qualification Structure
This programme is made up of three compulsory courses.If you are studying this programme you are only able to enrol in
one course at a time.

Introduction to Floristry Design        Introduction to Floristry Stock           Introduction to Retail Floristry
This course will provide you with       This course will provide you with         This course will provide entry
entry level skills and knowledge in     knowledge of introductory plant           level skills and knowledge in retail
the principles of design and            physiology and plant classification       floristry to enable you to gain initial
fundamental practical techniques        required to work in the floristry         employment in the floristry industry
and is ideal for new entrants into      industry for the selection,               with specific focus on health and
the floristry industry.                 classification, storage, and care         safety, customer service and
                                        of flowers.                               communication skills.

*The New Zealand Certificate in Floristry (Level 2) is available to study fees free if you are a domestic
               student who is living in New Zealand. Terms and conditions apply.

          If you would like to find out more on how to enrol in this free, online programme you can visit
                           openpolytechnic.ac.nz or freephone us on 0508 650 200

   4                                                                                                           NZPF News
NZPF Floral News & Inspiration - 2022 Summer Issue - New Zealand Professional Florists
President's
 Message
Here we are back in my favourite month of the year,      We also had two winners from the design
Christmas. Time for sunshine, laughter, food and lots    competitions held at our AGM. Nimmi and Dax are
of fun.                                                  from Black Rose, Porirua. They will travel with me to
                                                         the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show
This year has been a mammoth one for NZPF
                                                         in 2023 and will be participating on a stand. See these
members and the Executive – we have run three
                                                         ladies on page 13.
roadshows, Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
Attendance, although smaller in some areas, was          NZPF continues to update our print material with our
celebrated and those that attended gained a lot of       newly released colour wheel. You will find details of
specialised time and interaction with their assessors.   this on page 30.
Thank you to each and every one of you who attended.
                                                         Finally this year, we are thrilled to celebrate the love of
We invited Julie Rose from Australia for an              flowers and design by producing a revolving calendar.
extraordinary weekend of design held at Gail’s of        Please accept this gorgeous gift with our compliments.
Tamahere, which was fabulous, and to finish off the      We do have extra copies if you wish to purchase them.
year we were delighted and entertained by Master         They are $10.00 each plus postage. Further details are
Florist Mark Pampling, also from Australia. Mark’s       on page 15.
contribution to NZPF’s 48th AGM was more than we
                                                         Ngā mihi o te tau hou (Happy new year, greetings for
could have imagined. His design techniques were
                                                         the new year).
perfection all the way, and the information shared in
his classes and demonstration was unbelievable and       Wishing you all a beautiful Christmas.
so very inspiring.

This year saw the Ethel Black award presented to
                                                         Megan
Jessica Cooper for Level 3. Jess works for Floral
Collaborative, Palmerston North.

NZPF News                                                                                                          5
NZPF Floral News & Inspiration - 2022 Summer Issue - New Zealand Professional Florists
Christchurch
                         Workshop
                          Garden City - it’s great to be back!

                           Thank you to the fabulous group of participants who came to The Rydges at Latimer
                           Square in Christchurch for an enriched day of flower play.

                           Sheryl Watkin and Colleen Ryan created designs that inspired a day of learning, sharing
                           and encouraging for all. So wonderful to hear everyone’s stories and their journeys into
                           floristry.

                           Don’t miss the next event in your area!

    Thank you
    Thank you so much for your time on
    Saturday.

    I apologise for holding everyone up. I just
    thought Level 3 - 4 was way above my head
    and nearly chickened out. I’m so pleased
    that I didn’t. I had a great time.

    I went back into the garden today and made
    a hand-tied bouquet and a posy.

    Cheers, Iona

6                                                                                                         NZPF News
NZPF Floral News & Inspiration - 2022 Summer Issue - New Zealand Professional Florists
Thank you
                                                         I wanted to take the opportunity to thank you for
                                                         organising, sharing your knowledge and answering
                                                         my silly questions at the roadshow on Saturday.

                                                         I learnt a lot about scale and balance in bouquet,
                                                         posies and wreath design. I learned many other tips
                                                         such as using leaves to help with the mechanics,
                                                         using bold magnolia leaves to help increase the
                                                         visual weight and seeing those triangles!

                                                         Thank you for your patience.

                                                         I cannot express how precious this roadshow was to
                                                         me. There is nothing like someone knowledgeable
                                                         taking the time to show and explain what to aim for
                                                         when designing a bouquet, posie or wreath.

                                                         I am very grateful that roadshows exist and that I
                                                         was able to attend.
  Colleen Ryan - Assessment Mentor works with students
                                                         Kind regards and best wishes,
                                                         Christine

NZPF News                                                                                                     7
NZPF Floral News & Inspiration - 2022 Summer Issue - New Zealand Professional Florists
AGM & Conference
             Round-Up
                  Megan’s round up of our 48th AGM held 7-9 October
                   at Silverstream Retreat, Silverstream, Hutt Valley.

Mark Pampling, guest designer
Mark Pampling, our guest designer was a true
inspiration. It was such an honour to welcome Mark
to our 48th Conference weekend.

The three day weekend of learning began on Friday
7 October with Mark running a Master Class. The
class was a great size, limited to 20 attendees. Our
imaginations were certainly stretched, we were
all taken out of our comfort zones, but that is why
we were there - to learn and evolve. Materials used
were certainly different from the norm - we had fine
rods of bamboo blinds, 16 gauge stub wire, wooden
repurposed pallets, structured flowers and foliage...
wow, what were we going to create?
                                                        whilst admiring the imaginations of all designers.
Friday evening saw us out on the town, our carriage     The lighting, choreography, stage setting and digital
arrived and we travelled in comfort to WOW. An          technology that was used was truly amazing and took
incredible show that certainly took our breath away,    the show to a new level of WOW.

8                                                                                                    NZPF News
NZPF Floral News & Inspiration - 2022 Summer Issue - New Zealand Professional Florists
Modern Hair Fascinator competition entries

                             Winner

 Wrist Spray competition entries

                                                                                                       Winner

Competition winners                                       NZPF Overview
Saturday morning there were two competitions held;        Our AGM gave an overview of our Society and how
Modern Hair Fascinator and Wrist Spray.                   we are moving forward. We also heard from Neil
                                                          O’Carroll, formerly Deputy Chief Executive Officer
Congratulations to our winners and to all who
                                                          (now Executive Director) of The Open Polytechnic,
competed. Our judges were delighted to mark a
                                                          which recently had a name change as of 1st October to
high calibre of work and were truly impressed with
                                                          Te Pukenga - The Open Polytechnic. Neil spoke of our
the work created and presented. Our winners are
                                                          continued relationship with the training organisation
now off to the Melbourne International Flower and
                                                          and that the student numbers have far exceeded
Garden Show in March 2023. They will be travelling
                                                          their expectations. Open Polytechnic students can
with me, creating a display on behalf of New Zealand
                                                          choose to become an NZPF member for one year on
Professional Florists and present on stage in the Great
                                                          enrolment.
Hall as part of a demonstration.

Our winners are Nimmi Collins and Dax Taite, both         Awards & Patronage
from Black Rose Florist in Porirua. Nimmi Collins is      At our AGM I was also delighted to present Jessica
the owner of Black Rose and is super proud of Dax and     Cooper (from Floral Collaborative, Palmerston North)
her achievement.                                          with the Ethel Black award. Ethel Black is a prestigious

NZPF News                                                                                                        9
NZPF Floral News & Inspiration - 2022 Summer Issue - New Zealand Professional Florists
award, there are two cups, one for Level 3 and one for     Mark Pampling demonstration
Level 4. These were first presented in 1970.
                                                           On Saturday afternoon Mark’s demonstration
The Ethel Black award is awarded to the top scoring        delighted florists, floral designers and industry
student of all practical and written components for        representatives as he created 9 magnificent designs
both level 3 and level 4. The practical and written        which were later auctioned, with one design going to
components must be completed within a year.                a lucky ticket holder. Mark created a relaxed and open
The winner of each award, receives a scholarship           forum, where he thoroughly explained why and how
for a practical and written paper for the next level.      he created his pieces. Conversations shared like this
Congratulations to Jessica, this is truly an outstanding   amongst a group of people is invaluable as this is how
achievement and well deserved for her commitment           we all learn.
and passion to our industry.

Malcolm Angus NZPF Dip.MF was announced as our
new Patron and outgoing Patron Kate Jacobsen NZPF
Dip.MF was made a Life Member. We are so grateful to
have these two long-standing Master Florists as part of
our Society. Malcolm has been a major foundation of
NZPF and was one of my mentors when I first started
in floristry 38 years ago. Malcolm wrote a large volume
of content for the NZPF handbook, which still remains
current.

10                                                                                                       NZPF News
NZPF News   11
Dinner with Mark Pampling                                We are always amazed by what people can create. We
                                                         all come with different ideas and it is great to be able
Onto the next event of our weekend, we shared a
                                                         to share with everyone.
divine dinner with Mark and 18 other attendees, it was
such a relaxed and fun evening, talking flowers and      Thank you
enjoying each other’s company.
                                                         Weekends like this do not come cheap for any group,
One of the highlights of our gathering was celebrating   however getting together and spending time is
two birthdays. Two little cupcakes were produced         invaluable. Computers are wonderful, I know I work
as we drunk bubbles and sung happy birthday to           every day in my real job online, but there is nothing
Mark Pampling and Jenny Alexander. The venue             like touching and feeling the product in our industry.
was decorated (with an overhead floral design) and       It is what we need for our soul. Without the generosity
the table was set in a way only florists know how to     of those that sponsored portions of the weekend the
with flowers and candles to welcome what felt like       costs would escalate more. A huge massive thanks to
the Kings and Queens for dinner. Truly a wonderful       Geerling Cut Flowers, Oceans Floral Supply, Jewelflora,
occasion.                                                Eric Lander (Hawera), Wilflora and SmitherOasis
                                                         Australia.
Sunday workshop
                                                         Finally thank you Mark. We are truly grateful you
Mark’s Sunday workshop was full of excitement with
                                                         were able to visit this year, and especially when it
students, florists, floral designers and friends who
                                                         was your birthday. We were so thrilled with what you
wanted to try something different. Who would ever
                                                         shared and the journey of design you took us through,
have thought that cat scratches could be turned into
                                                         indeed you are a true Master.
something amazing?
                                                         - Megan Parker

12                                                                                                      NZPF News
Congratulations
Design Competitions                                     Ethel Black Award
Nimrekha Collins, winner of our Hair Fascinator         At our AGM I was also delighted to present Jessica
Design competition, was awarded the Level 4 Malcolm     Cooper (from Floral Collaborative, Palmerston North)
Angus Cup, and Dax Taite, winner of the Wristspray      with the Ethel Black award for Level 3. Ethel Black is
competition, won the Level 3 Malcolm Angus Cup at       a prestigious award, and there are two cups, one for
our Conference weekend in October.                      Level 3 and one for Level 4. These were first presented
                                                        in 1970.
Nimrekha and Dax each also won return flights to
Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show          The Ethel Black award is awarded to the top scoring
(MIFGS) in March 2023, 5 nights accommodation,          student of all practical and written components for
airport transfers and entry to the show.                both Level 3 and Level 4. These practical and written
                                                        components must be completed within a year. The
They will also be part of a team that will create a
                                                        winner receives a scholarship for a practical and
display piece at MIFGS, on behalf of New Zealand
                                                        written paper for the next level.
Professional Florists. This piece will not be judged.
                                                        Congratulations to Jessica, this is truly an outstanding
Also congratulations to Sheryl Watkin, winner of one
                                                        achievement and well-deserved for her commitment
of Mark Pampling’s online courses with a value of
                                                        and passion for our industry.
AUD$500-700.

NZPF News                                                                                                        13
Executive Member Profile

             Jennie Alexander
Hi, my name is Jennie and I have been asked to write a     waterboxes, taking orders and serving customers and
bit about myself.                                          sometimes even writing a card.

I have been asked to join the Board of NZ Professional     Next year I’m hoping (so is Megan Parker) that I will
Florists as the Industry Rep.                              complete my senior exams and then get myself sorted
                                                           to do my Diploma.
I have been around for a little while, since I was 20
years old when I started my floristry career at Mignon     I truly believe that our beautiful industry does need
Florist on Manners St, Wellington. After four years        florists with standards so our customers see value in
and having had my first child Isobel, I started working    what they are sending and receiving. We need to be
along with my mum in a florist that we then owned          united in our knowledge and love for what we do. This
called ButterCup Patch. We sold this business after        is an industry that has been hit hard with the Covid 19
a couple of years as Mum wanted to move back to            pandemic.
Hamilton to be closer to her family after the sudden
                                                           As the industry rep for NZPF I am wanting to hear your
passing of my father. I was then employed at Bunches
                                                           views on how we can grow as an industry that works
Florist in Wellington.
                                                           together whether you're a florist, flower lover or even
In 2008, after the birth of my second daughter             a grower - we are stronger working together, sharing
Meghan, my husband Darren and I, with our two              and supporting each other. I also believe that NZPF is
girls, moved to Waikato and I gained employment at         a good supportive starter for those new to the industry
Gail’s Floral Studio. With Gail working alongside and      and just as a simple keep me up-to-date with Floristry
mentoring me, I decided it was time for me to start my     news. We are building a great network of like-minded
NZPF exams. Gail pushed and encouraged me with my          people…
designs and learning, the principles and elements of
design and the Colour Wheel.                                 “Positive thinking is a habit, like any other; we
Unfortunately, in 2013 after a year of not being well        can practice it every day until it becomes second
and being diagnosed as a Type 1 Diabetic, I gave up          nature to us - and along the way, transform our
my floristry career with Gail to try and recover. At the     lives.” - Washington L. Crowley
end of that year Darren and I relocated to Ohakune
for a quieter life, but the floristry bug never left my    Yours in the beauty of flowers - Jennie
soul. While there I did a few local events and helped      edelweissflowers@gmail.com
the kids out at the College with a few corsages. When
we moved into Feilding in 2016 this is where I decided
that I wanted to open my own studio.

We opened Edelweiss Flowers in the same year and
were given Interflora membership. We are a family
business with me making the bunches, Darren doing
our deliveries during the weekends and after school
along with the busy times of the year and the book-
work, Meghan (now 14) helping behind the scene
cutting and processing flowers, washing buckets
and vases, filling up wraps and ribbons, making

14                                                                                                        NZPF News
Highlights of 2022
NZPF has been busy this year promoting the love of
flowers with its members. There was a free workshop
held in each region, Auckland, Wellington and
Christchurch.

All roadshow attendees loved their day, many of the
learners on these days were Level 2 students who were
excited about learning more.

Then a workshop was held in Tamahere, at Gail’s Event
Centre. Julia Rose was the guest designer, creating a
fun and exciting vibe for all that attended. Day one was
stand alone pieces, with day two being a team session.
A photographer, make up artist and model were
brought in, adding to the excitement of the day.

NZPF received many thank yous from those that
attended, this one says it all:

“Thank you so much for such a wonderful day. I loved
                                                             The flower finale was Mark Pampling, guest
learning new techniques from the fabulous Julia Rose,
                                                             demonstrator at NZPF Conference in October. His
her passion and flair for wild florals was contagious!
                                                             ability to connect with the audience, share his
Will definitely be attending if she manages to come back
                                                             knowledge and skills was invaluable.
to NZ! The whole day was so well organised by Julie and
Megan - thanks so much for creating such a brilliant day     Life in the flower world is exciting, it is not without
for us all! My cup is so full after such a lovely creative   changes, like all industries. We are moving along,
day with wonderful people.”                                  striving for new and exciting ideas, whilst ensuring
- Caitlin van der Voorn (pictured wearing her design)        standards are kept in check.

                                                                     Revolving
                                                                      Calendar
     January
      1                          9
      2                          10
                                                             Revolving calendars are simple and easy to use.
      3                          11                          They are a great way to remember special dates,
      4                          12
                                                             on a calendar that lasts forever.
      5                          13
      6                          14
                                                             To purchase yours:
      7                          15
      8                          16                          Email: secretary@nzprofessionalflorists.co.nz
                                                    © NZPF

                     Find inspiration in life
                                                             Cost: $10.00 plus postage

NZPF News                                                                                                              15
Oak Valley

16         NZPF News
Out & About
                                       al
                 Taranaki Garden Festiv
                                             Megan Parker

Taranaki Garden Festival has been on my to do list            the Te Henui Cemetery. The cemetery is a beautiful
for a number of years. This year pre-planning was             haven of generous plantings amongst the headstones.
organised so I was in New Plymouth for the opening            Rambling roses, forget-me-nots, euphorbia, bearded
day of Friday 28th October. The weather for the               iris, honey wart, Queen Anne’s lace, foxgloves - just
weekend was looking dubious, Saturday looked                  to name a few. This vast cemetery is the work of
like I would be swimming all day. Fortunately the             some very dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly,
mountain did its magic and the weather pattern                planting, pruning and caring for this sacred location,
changed, allowing for a fairly dry day. My final hour         steeped in history with some headstones dating back
on Sunday was when the heavens opened! I was at               to 1865.

                                        Bountiful plantings at Te Henui Cemetery

NZPF News                                                                                                              17
Friday 28th October 2023

Oak Valley
Oak Valley was my first visit. This property has been
developed over the last 22 years. Driving into the
property, you gain a sense of wonderment of what you
may discover.

As you drive down a steep meandering driveway, you
come across a lake with a jetty, as you pass the lake
you drive up around the house, maneuver past the
huge man sheds, filled with classic cars to finally stop
in a large open paddock, looking at the side view of a
stunning church that has been lovingly restored to its
former glory.

Whilst there walking through the gardens, it is hard to
imagine you are close to the road. This venue is used
for weddings and garden events and is full of character
and tranquility.

       Restored church at Oak Valley, an ideal wedding venue >

                                  Green and white helps create a tranquil setting at Oak Valley.

18                                                                                                 NZPF News
Tikorangi – The Jury Garden
The house and gardens on this property date back to
1950 and feature original stonework that was styled
to English Manor house garden style. This is one of a
few inter-generational gardens and has been actively
gardened for over 70 years, however the oldest tree
dates back to the 1870s. The size of the trees on this
property are magnificent and the epiphytes that grow
on them seem to be in heaven.

The walk takes you from the original gardens by
the house, down through zigzag lanes, masses of
bright colour, with pops of clivias, massive azaleas      Beautiful bearded iris on display at Tikorangi
are everywhere, everything is so large. Past a stream
running through the property and back up into the
new summer gardens, which are all designed in a
contemporary style with lots of hostas and lilies, to
name but a few.

It is incredible to think how many hands are required
daily to maintain properties of this size, come rain or
shine the work does not stop.

NZPF News                                                                                                  19
Waiongana Gardens
This was an absolute delight, being greeted by family
at the gate with big welcomes and directions of where
everything was. Waiongana has certainly been a
labour of love and creative ideas, where nothing goes
to waste, and everything has its place. One of the real
stand-outs for me was the use of cut tree trunks to
create sturdy but textural fences.

                                                          the most scrumptious cakes, savouries, tea, coffee and
                                                          cold drinks were available for purchase.

                                                          This garden was not pretentious in any way, it was so
                                                          inviting you felt you could lay on the vast lawns and
                                                          read a book all day. Pop this on your list for next year,
                                                          you will not be disappointed.

Massive wisterias cascade over purpose-made metal
frames, almost the size of a mini gazebo. There are
beautiful and inviting walkways and a sunken garden,
through to the Pavilion towards the end of this four
hectare garden, with mass plantings of peonies,
forget-me-nots, pink sedum, roses, poppies, iris and
so much more.

The venue is also ulitised for weddings and I can see
why. Towards the end of the property in the Pavilion,

20                                                                                                        NZPF News
Other properties
Over the three days I visited 18 properties and        The hospitality and kindness shown by everyone over
attended one activity, which was the Japanese tea      the weekend was superb. Here is a small selection of
ceremony.                                              photos from other properties.

The festival runs for 10 days, and there is a huge
selection of properties to visit, so if you are
planning your time out for next year, I would highly
recommend this event.

NZPF News                                                                                                     21
It’s Peony
                                                  Season!
There are three types of peonies                           How to plant your peonies
Herbaceous peonies are the most common flower              •   A good amount of sun; 6-8 hours a day.
found in gardens everywhere. They die back in the          •   They love well-draining soil, not clay-like soil.
autumn and re-emerge in the spring.
                                                           •   Plant bare root peonies (where the soil has been
Tree peonies are a woody shrub native to China which           removed from the tuber) no deeper than 2” below
stay above the ground all year around with just the            the soil line. Peonies that come in pots can be
leaves falling to the ground.                                  planted with the soil of the pot within the soil line.

Intersectional peonies are a hybrid of the two varieties   •   Peonies that are planted too deep will not bloom.
which produce flowers and leaves similar to tree               Be careful with putting too much mulch around
peonies, but have the perennial characteristics of a           the base of the plants, because this can trick them
herbaceous peony.                                              into thinking they are deeper than they are.
                                                           •   If planting more than one plant, space them 3-4
When to plant peonies                                          feet apart to allow for future growth and adequate
Peony bushes are brought in gallon containers from             air flow between the plants.
nurseries and local growers, or they can have bare
roots stored in wood shavings. If buying bare roots,       When is the peony season?
make sure the tuberous roots have a minimum of             In New Zealand, our season is from late October to
three eyes on them.                                        approx early December. They bloom once a year.

Peonies are best planted in the autumn though can be       Top 3 reasons your peony won’t bloom
planted as late as spring, but do need the frost.          •   Young plants are not established and may take up
                                                               to three years to bloom…be patient!
Do peonies need full sun or shade?
Your best position is where your peonies can get           •   Not enough sun. They love the sun and need a
a minimum of 6-8 hours of sun, but if you are in a             minimum of six hours a day.
warmer climate your peonies will love some afternoon       •   If planted too deep, your peony will go dormant, so
shade.                                                         raise your plant up a bit.

22                                                                                                         NZPF News
How to cut peonies for a vase
Peonies can be cut at any stage. Cut them as they are
starting to bloom or when they are in tight bud, and
watch them bloom.

Stages of peony blooms
(See image at bottom of opposite page.)
•   Marble-like stage (hard and tight)
•   Marshmallow stage (soft and squishy)
•   Early blooming stage (just starting to bloom)
A bud can be cut before it opens up, once it’s in the
“marshmallow” stage (still in the shape of a bud, but is
soft and squishy like a marshmallow). If the buds are
too hard and tight (like a marble) they will not open
once cut.

Watering peonies
When you have planted your new plant, water it every
couple of days around the base but try to keep the
leaves dry as they are prone to mildew. Water early in
the day so leaves can dry out before evening.

Once they are a well established plant, water every 10-
14 days if it hasn’t rained recently. Peonies don’t need
a lot of water but if they are droopy this is a sign they
need water.

A layer of mulch around your plants helps them to
retain moisture.

Peony care tips
When leaves turn brown and fall off in the autumn,
cut your peonies to the ground. Peonies can be
susceptible to foliage disease, so cutting back in the
autumn means the plant has less possibility of foliage
disease.
                                                            Fun facts
Note: this only applies to herbaceous peonies – if you      •   In 2013 at FloralHolland, the largest flower auction
have tree peonies they should not be cut down.                  in the world, the peony was ranked 12th in the
                                                                world’s most sold flower, with 72 million sold units.
When to transplant peonies
                                                            •   Currently the peony variety Sarah Bernhardt
If you ever want to divide or transplant your peony, do
                                                                dominates the cut flower market.
this in the autumn months. They are dormant at this
time so it’s less stressful to your plant.                  •   Peony cut flower production in New Zealand is
                                                                over 75 hectares and increasing.
•   Cut foliage down to the ground level.
•   Dig around the plant, pull it out of the ground and     References
    divide with a sharp spade.                              https://www.houseofhawthornes.com/how-to-grow-
                                                            peonies/
•   Make sure you have three or more eyes in each
    section to have a healthy plant.                        https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/
•   Replant in your chosen location.                        S2214317315300214

                                                            https://aiph.org/floraculture/news/cut-flowers/

NZPF News                                                                                                         23
24   NZPF News
how to make
        a peony bouquet
                             Celeste Shotter

Step One                                                                      1
Prepare your flowers and foliage - viburnum snowball, hydrangea
foliage and peonies. Ensure they are ready to use by removing all lower
leaves, foliage should be under the water line.

Step Two
Start with a central stem of viburnum snowball, this will be the centre
vertical stem (no image supplied).

Step Three
Using a piece of hydrangea, place the stem in front of the viburnum
snowball foliage. The top of the foliage is to the left and the end of the
stem is to the right, hold on the centre of all stems (this is your axis)
where your hand will hold the bouquet. Now add another stem of
hydrangea foliage, this time at the back of the viburnum snowball. The
                                                                              3
stem is at the back, the head of the foliage is to the right and the end of
the stem is to the left. Continue to add your flower and foliage around
the initial vertical stem in the same manner. By this time you should
end up with an egg timer looking shape or two arrows pointing at one
another tip to tip. Continue until you have your desired base.

Step Four
Start adding in your peony flowers, threading them through the design.
If your spiral is correct they should slot in nicely down through the axis
and out to the opposite side on an angle. Make sure there are peonies
at the back of your design. You may need to adjust the heights of your
flowers and foliage to gain the desired effect. The foliage and the
blooms in the front are generally slightly lower down but still above the     4
foliage. Do not cross your stems or put them on an opposite angle as
this will cause damage to the stalks.

Step Five
Once you’ve finished placing all of your flowers and foliage in your
handheld spiral, tie your axis securely, looping your string around twice
and pulling tight. Be careful not to damage stalks and cut your string off
(no image supplied).

Step Six
Fold your papers and wrap your bouquet using a larger paper at the
back and a smaller in the front of the design, or simply place the design
into a vase.
                                                                              6

NZPF News                                                                         25
Construc ting a Tribute Wreath
                               in Australian Colours and Foliage
                                    Jennie Alexander
                                      NZPF Industry Representative

 Step 1                             Step 2                                 Step 3
 Start with a well-watered oasis    Create a simple base with conifer,     Add sunflowers for the bright
 frame.                             hebe and moss in and out of the        gold tone.
                                    oasis frame.

 Step 4: Green orchids, chrysanthemums, and lemon       Step 5: Final outcome includes a well-balanced tone
 statice continue the Australian theme.                 of golds and greens for the best effect.

26                                                                                                NZPF News
Thank You
We were honoured and privileged to have Kate
Jacobsen NZPF Dip.MF as our Patron since 2008.
We will miss reading “Kate’s Garden Gossip” in our
quarterly magazine, but we wish Kate all the best. It
was also an honour to be able to present her with the
New Zealand Professional Florists’ Life Membership pin.

Kate grew up with her family in the Waikato in a
country town of Ohaupo. This background triggered
Kate’s love of the outdoors and nature. After leaving
school she went to work at Mason’s Nurseries where
she gained her Diploma in Horticulture. Her love of
flowers sent her on a pathway to train as a florist under
Dennis Fairbrother at Petals Florist in Hamilton.               Denise Wilson NZPF Dip.MF, Kate Jacobsen NZPF Dip.MF,
                                                                            Malcolm Angus NZPF Dip.MF
Dennis was a leader in the industry, being NZPF
President from 1958 to 1959, and he demanded                 After her stint at Wintec, Kate concentrated on her
excellent workmanship from his staff. The shop had           gardens. As the years passed the property became
an upstairs workroom and a test of your workmanship          harder to keep up, so it was sold and their retirement
at senior level was when a wreath was dropped and            home was built behind the original house. The
nothing fell out! Oasis was not heard of, so all wreath      gardens and hot houses they developed on this land
work was into wire/moss and later a styrofoam base.          were remarkable again.
Posy bowls were worked into moss under a wire-
                                                             The purchase of a mobile home gave them some relief
netting top and larger designs into wire-netting. Oasis
                                                             from gardening as they visited gardens and nurseries
became the miracle material and changed floristry
                                                             throughout New Zealand. Kate belonged to garden
in the workroom. Training in the basic floristry skills
                                                             groups whereever she was living.
were drummed in to all trainees, and Kate went
through all her training and passed her Professional         Kate and Graeme moved back to Hamilton when their
Florists Association (PFA) Diploma in Floristry prior        circumstances changed and purchased a retirement
to the organisation changing its name to New Zealand         home in Leamington close to her son. Guess what? Yes
Professional Florists Inc. and gained her NZPF Master        another garden was developed around her home and
Florist certificate.                                         featured in each copy of the NZPF Newsletter.

Kate purchased Petals and operated it for many years         Kate was involved with both flower by wire
while she brought up her family of four children at the      organisations, Interflora and Teleflora, working to
same time. Petals was sold to Chris Barnes, but Kate         train florists and examining/assessing at assessments
was not finished with floristry and started a business       and competitions. Kate was a wonderful woman to
called Fleur and joined the Teleflora flowers by wire        know and work with in the floral world and in the
organisation. Kate’s time with Fleur was cut short after     educational fields. Kate has been the NZPF Patron for
a health scare and the business was sold.                    many years.

Kate and her husband Graeme moved from Hamilton              - Denise Wilson NZPF Dip.MF
to a property in Coromandel, working tirelessly to
convert the grounds into a recognised New Zealand
noteable garden with bus tours visiting their gardens.
Kate’s love of plants led her to join Denise Wilson to co-     Welcome
tutor at Wintec on the Certificate in Floristry Practice,
                                                               It is with great pleasure that
where she taught Plant Indentification across the
                                                               we welcome Malcolm Angus
programmes as well as Floristry in the Certificate of
                                                               NZPF Dip.MF as our Patron.
Floristry Practice Level 3, travelling from Coromandel
each week to teach.

NZPF News                                                                                                               27
How do I start my exams with
      New Zealand Professional Florists Inc. (NZPF)

We are often asked the questions regarding exams and            with experienced designers who can help develop your
how it all works. Please read the following guidelines to       understanding of the Principles and Elements of Design
help you plan.                                                  and how they relate to the practical aspect of your work.
                                                                Their help will ensure you cover the marking criteria in
Important things to know before you start the exam
                                                                the exams. Also working in a flower shop/flower outlet
process
                                                                helps develop a better understanding of what maybe
NZPF offers assessing and certificates for levels; Level 3,
                                                                covered in the written paper.
Level 4, Diploma, Accredited Assessor and Master Florist.
These are to be completed sequentially.                         If you do not work in a flower shop or the floral industry,
                                                                you can sit your exams, but it can be difficult if you do not
NZPF exams are marked to an extremely high standard
                                                                have good advice from experienced designers. You can
by qualified examiners who have undergone rigorous
                                                                attend workshops or have private training with mentors
training, often over a period of several years and levels.
                                                                (pricing for this varies).
NZPF qualifications are held in high regard overseas.
                                                                Workshops and Training Weekends are advertised
The certificates produced by New Zealand Professional
                                                                in the NZPF News & Inspiration and New Zealand
Florists, with endorsement from the Royal New Zealand
                                                                Professional Florists website:
Institute of Horticulture.
                                                                www.nzprofessionalflorists.co.nz
Purchase of units
                                                                Attending Pre-Assessment is vital to attain the
There are number of units in level 3, 4 and Diploma that
                                                                best results for your exam. When you attend a Pre-
can be purchased, these have an expiry date of 5 years
                                                                Assessment, you work with Assessors who work
from the initial purchase date.
                                                                alongside you critiquing what you have produced,
Level 3 Starter pack has a five year expiry date (except        providing beneficial guidelines of what to work on before
Unit 054 is two years). This pack is a great way to start you   your exam in 6 weeks’ time.
entry into NZPF exams.
                                                                When do I attend Pre-Assessments and my Exam?
In the pack you receive:                                        When you feel you are ready. If you wish to have
•    4 practical papers 044 – 047                               clarification, create a couple of examples from the
•    Assignment (written) paper 054 (this unit must be          questions in the exam and send the pictures to the
     completed in two years)                                    secretary. These will then be passed onto the Assessment
                                                                Co-ordinator too check, and once you hear back, you can
•    NZPF Handbook
                                                                plan when/where to attend the exam. Dates and regions
•    NZPF Wiring Illustrations
                                                                are advertised in the NZPF News & Inspiration and on the
•    NZPF Colour Wheel.                                         New Zealand Professional Florists website:
The starter pack allows students time to practice               www.nzprofessionalflorists.co.nz

the practical questions they sit, read and gain an              Practice Certificate of Commercial Floristry is another
understanding of what is required from the marking              certificate you can apply for once you have completed
schedule, answer and complete the assignment (written)          a certain amount of hours within the industry for
paper (054) in their own time (within two years of              both Level 3 and Level 4, these are called a Practicing
purchase), study the handbook thoroughly to understand          Certificate of Commercial Floristry. This is issued from
the terminology of the design techniques (which are             New Zealand Professional Florists when students submit
required in the practical questions), thoroughly study the      signed confirmation of 1000 hours for Level 3 or 2000
colour wheel and wiring notes.                                  hours for Level 4 from their employer confirming this
Once a student becomes comfortable with these, they can         has been completed. You must apply to the secretary for
purchase the level 3 units and plan when to sit them.           appropriate paper work.

How do you learn?                                               Happy Planning!
It is best to be working in a flower shop/flower outlet,        Contact the secretary if you have other questions:
                                                                secretary@nzprofessionalflorists.co.nz

28                                                                                                                NZPF News
Levels 3 & 4 and Diploma Enrolment Form                                                         REGISTRATION NO:

Pre-Assessment and Assessment Dates 2023

Name:

Address:

Mobile:                                       Email:

Workplace:                                                            Work Ph:

            PLEASE TICK PRE-ASSESSMENT AND/OR ASSESSMENT VENUE YOU ARE TO ATTEND
                                     Cut-off date is 28 days prior for all practical units

          Levels                Venue                    Pre-Assessment                         Assessment
           3&4                Hamilton                        1 July 2023                      12 August 2023
  3 & 4 & Diploma             Wellington             8 July 2023 (All Levels)                  19 August 2023
           3&4              Christchurch                    15 July 2023                       26 August 2023
           3&4                Auckland                     22 July 2023                       2 September 2023
           3&4                 Dunedin                     29 July 2023                       9 September 2023

             PURCHASING UNITS REQUIRES A PURCHASE SCHEDULE FROM THE SECRETARY
                                           Pre-Assessment Day Costs: $95.00
                     Level 3 Assignments Full Folio - Hand-in Dates: 31 January 2023 and 31 July 2023
                    Level 4 Folio and Diploma Portfolio - Hand-in Dates: 31 January 2023 & 31 July 2023

                                    PLEASE INDICATE UNITS TO BE ASSESSED:
   Level 3           Cost                   Level 4             Cost                     Diploma            Cost     
 NZPF 044            $95.00                NZPF 048              $95.00                  NZPF 0006           $255.00
 NZPF 045            $95.00                NZPF 049              $95.00                  NZPF 0007           $255.00
 NZPF 046            $95.00                NZPF 050              $95.00                  NZPF 0008           $255.00
 NZPF 047            $95.00                NZPF 051              $95.00                  NZPF 0009           $255.00
 NZPF 054           $150.00                NZPF 052              $95.00                  NZPF 0010           $160.00
If you have purchased your unit            NZPF 053              $95.00                  NZPF 0011           $160.00
please tick box                           NZPF 058             $125.00
                                           NZPF 004             $111.00

     PLEASE NOTE: You are required to bring all your own flowers, foliage, accessories (wires, beads, ribbon etc.)
             and your tool kit for the unit(s) you wish to work with at Pre-assessment and Assessment.
        All materials supplied for Diploma Assessment (Diploma tool kit may contain decorative wires etc.).

Name:                                            Signature:                                          Date:

                               PAYMENT FOR PRE-ASSESSMENT AND/OR UNITS
     Pay directly to NZPF, ANZ Bank A/C No. 01-0226-0135434-00 (Quote “Name Pre & Assessment Enrolment”)
                          Scan and email this form to: secretary@nzprofessionalflorists.co.nz
                                                Julie mobile: 027 210 1699

NZPF News                                                                                                                  29
NZPF Executive & Secretary

                                                                                                                     PRESIDENT
                                                                                                                     Megan Parker NZPF Dip.MF
                                                                                                                     Mobile: 027 589 4453
                                                                                                                     megan@wildaboutflowers.co.nz
     We are a non-profit organisation
     who promote and maintain the
      highest standards of Floristry.
                                                                                                                     VICE PRESIDENT
•    We encourage our members to have a
                                                                                                                     Celeste Shotter Dip.NZPF
     commitment and passion for their profession                                                                     Ph. (04) 296 1455
     and work with us to achieve higher standards in                                                                 copsefordflowers@xtra.co.nz
     floristry designs and business practices.
•    We work with The Open Polytechnic providing
     Level 2 training in the workplace or off-site
     location.                                                                                                       INTERFLORA
•    We provide assessments and qualifications for                                                                   Sheryl Watkin Dip.NZPF
     Level 3, Level 4, Diploma and Masters.                                                                          Ph. (04) 233 2140
                                                                                                                     info@wellington-florist.co.nz
•    We provide weekend and educational workshops.
•    We are affiliated to the Royal New Zealand
     Institute of Horticulture with our certificates
     being endorsed by RNZIH.
                                                                                                                    ASSESSMENT CO-ORDINATOR
•    New Zealand Professional Florists is recognised                                                                Colleen Ryan Dip.NZPF
     by a major flower sending organisation (with                                                                   Ph. 027 454 8399
     Interflora holding an Executive position                                                                       colleflowers@hotmail.com
     providing current industry knowledge).
•    We can provide a suitable contact for private
     tuition (cost to be negotiated direct with tutor).
                                                                                                                    DIPLOMA HOLDER
                                                                                                                    Iain Stephens NZPF Dip.MF

     From the Office                                                                                                Ph. 021 388 902
                                                                                                                    hello@heybud.nz
     NZPF Handbook (A4)                                                     $25.00*
     NZPF Colour Wheel                                                     $20.00*
     NZPF Wiring Illustrations                                              $25.00*
                                                                                                                    SECRETARY/TREASURER
                                                  * plus postage of $5
                                                                                                                    Julie Ainsworth
     Level 3 Starter Pack                                               $140.00**                                   160 Eskdale Road, Papakowhai,
                                               ** plus postage of $10                                               Porirua 5024
                       This includes one year student membership                                                    Mobile 027 210 1699
                                                                                                                    secretary@nzprofessionalflorists.co.nz

           New Zealand Professional Florists      New Zealand Professional Florists

         COLOUR WHEEL                                   WIRING
                                               Illustration Guidelines                                              INDUSTRY REPRESENTATIVE
                                                                                                                    Jennifer Alexander
                                                                                                                    Ph. 06 323 6983
                                                                                                                    edelweissfeilding@gmail.com

                                                                                      Photo References: Cover - Mark Pampling. Flower graphics - freepik.com
                                                                                      (photographeeasia, kotkoa). p31 photo - Pexels.com

30                                                                                                                                         NZPF News
Patron, Life & Affiliated Members
PATRON                                      AFFILIATED MEMBERS
Mr Malcolm Angus NZPF Dip.MF                Interflora Pacific Unit Ltd
                                            P.O.Box 1048
LIFE MEMBERS                                Christchurch 8140

Mr Malcolm Angus NZPF Dip.MF                Open Polytechnic of New Zealand
Mrs Pamela Jenkins-Lane NZPF Dip.MF         3 Cleary St
                                            Waterloo, Lower Hutt 5011
Mrs Carol King NZPF Dip.MF
Mrs Colleen Murphy Dip.NZPF                 Daphne Studio of Design PTY Ltd
                                            Suite 4, 15 Airdrie Rd
Ms Ann Stewart Dip.NZPF
                                            Swanson, Auckland
Mrs Denise Wilson NZPF Dip.MF
                                            Oceans Floral Ltd
Mrs Coral Macdonald NZPF Dip.MF
                                            P.O.Box 58808
Mrs Megan Parker NZPF Dip.MF
                                            Botany, Auckland 2163
Mrs Kate Jacobsen NZPF Dip.MF

AREA CHIEF ASSESSORS
Wellington/Taranaki Region                South Island
Megan Parker NZPF Dip.MF                  Helen Hebberd NZPF Dip.MF
Paraparaumu                               Nelson
Ph 027 589 4453                           Ph 03 547 8136 or 021 046 505

Waikato/ Bay of Plenty Region             Auckland Region
Denise Wilson NZPF Dip.MF                 Iain Stephens NZPF Dip.NZPF
Te Awamutu                                Auckland
Ph 07 871 5464 or 021 168 0229            Ph 021 388 902

  Dates for 2023 Magazines
  •   1 March – Autumn Issue
  •   1 May – Winter Issue
  •   1 September – Spring Issue
  •   1 December – Summer Issue
  All articles must be emailed to Secretary one month prior to Issue date.

                  LIKE OUR FACEBOOK PAGE
             www.facebook.com/NZPFNewZealandProfessionalFloristsInc

NZPF News                                                                     31
The Open Polytechnic is the
     nation’s leading distance and online
               learning provider.

What’s our distance learning difference? It’s the almost 30,000 students who join us each year to
                       study and achieve their career and personal goals.
From Accounting to Construction and Floristry to Pharmacy we offer a wide range of qualifications
               and courses that you can study by distance and online learning.

                  Make your move at openpolytechnic.ac.nz

32                                                                                      NZPF News
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