After two months of hard work and long hours of preparation, Ashburton florist Ella Woodbury put in a top performance at the Young Florist and Flower Grower of the Year competition.
The 21-year-old, who works at Samantha Rose Flowers, made the finals of the two-day event held recently in Christchurch, before placing second.
It was not a surprise to her employer Samantha Trott, who said she knew Woodbury would do well.
‘‘I absolutely supported her the whole way through and I am very proud of her,’’ Trott said.
Woodbury said she had chosen to enter as it offered a good platform for competing with others and testing one’s skills.
The Florists and Flower Growers Inc competition comprised six areas.
Prior to the event she had to present on the topic of exploring sustainable practices in the floral industry.
‘‘The three-minute speech in front of a large audience and judges was daunting. Our speeches were on the importance education plays in sustainability in the floral industry. I am proud of how I did as I won this area of the competition,’’ Woodbury said.
A design section saw competitors have three hours to produce a self portrait in flowers.
‘‘We didn’t know what we would be asked to create. It was a bit like Master Chef with an open pantry. We had access to a huge range of flowers. They were all New Zealand grown.
“It was great to have some peonie roses from Ashburton’s Keith and Carol Gunn among those we could choose from.’’
She was happy with the blue-tone arrangement she created for her image.
‘‘I chose the delphiniums as they represent the challenges I have overcome. The changes from soft pinks and whites to the mauve colours represent my everchanging life. The flowers were in various stages of being open, which symbolised my growth.’’
A leadership component involved competitors pairing with someone they didn’t know. They had to create in front of the judges an arrangement based on the theme ‘‘growth and renewal’’.
‘‘This really tested my creative skills, but it was fun,’’ Woodbury said.
Other categories included computer skills and plant knowledge.
The competition had a focus on sustainable practices.
‘‘As a young person it is a great opportunity to have our voices heard in the industry especially in regard to sustainability. The younger florists and growers are going to be very focused on sustainability,’’ Woodbury said.
Woodbury’s favourite flower is the protea, as they last for a long time and still retain a beauty when dried. Others include banksia and willow.
When it comes to creating arrangements Woodbury’s favourite is the winter bouquet. She believes it has a structured textural elegance, inspired by the season’s richness and depth.
