Floral designers go back to the future

Betty Stewart (left) and Lynne Gray of the Wanganui Floral Art Group prepare for the Manawatu designer of the year competition in Wanganui next weekend. Photo / Bevan Conley

The past, present, and future of floral design will be explored at the Manawatu designer of the year show in Wanganui this weekend.

The best floral designers from Wanganui, Palmerston North, Feilding, Marton, Bulls, Horowhenua, Woodville, Dannevirke, and Taihape will compete in the show, which has the theme of Back To The Future.

One of the organisers, Sandy Howard from the Wanganui Floral Art Group, said there were several categories of designers. The beginners will depict old-fashioned designs; the intermediate designers, current designs; and the advanced category designers, the future of floral design.

"The history of floral art will be represented," Mrs Howard said.

The show will be opened by deputy mayor Hamish McDouall on Friday night, and the show will be open to the public from 10am-4pm on Saturday, November 21, and 10am-3pm on November 22, at Heritage House. Entry is $5 per person.

"We'd love the public to come along - we will have plant stalls, raffles and refreshments available," Mrs Howard said.