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Blooming Together
Canada Hosts International Design Summit |
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Written by Anja Sonnenberg
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 Canada Hosts International Design Summit
The rainy and unusually cool weather in Gatineau, Quebec
and Ottawa, Ontario this past May didn’t squash the enthusiasm of the
international attendees during the 23rd World Flower Council Summit
(WFC). The four days of festivities celebrating ‘Flowers out of this
World,’ offered a unique global perspective on floral design from the
17 countries represented.
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Dream Catchers
The Theme Design followed the Canadian influence by having designers create dream catchers to showcase Canada’s aboriginal culture. Singers, dancers, and models in native costumes were also on stage during the show to delight the audience with traditional performances including songs, chants, and dances. |
The WFC was founded by Juzaburo Sekiye in Gifu, Japan in 1983. The organization has since dedicated itself to furthering the cause of world peace through the beauty of flowers and the sharing of knowledge among those who have chosen the floral industry as their profession. Since the first WFC summit in Japan in 1983, meetings have been held in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Thailand, the United States, the Philippines, Latvia, and Indonesia.
I’ve had the opportunity to witness talented designers from across Canada
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| Designing for October was Deborah Franklin CAFA. |
and the U.S.A., as well as the occasional international designer, but I had never had the privilege to marvel at the talent of so many floral designers from around the world. Language and cultural barriers quickly became obsolete as the WFC members joined together to celebrate their chosen profession. Whether you are a florist in Canada, Russia, Phillippines, New Zealand or wherever you call home, you are all united by your love of flowers and you’re ability to bring a smile to your customers’ face.
As I watched first hand the various design shows throughout the summit, the designers’ creativity never ceased to amaze me. The arrangements were constantly evolving to include each designers unique design methods, as well as incorporating their cultural influences into the pieces. The collective talent in the room was very remarkable, but it was the willingness to share techniques and tricks of the trade that really impressed me. On more than one occasion, I witnessed WFC members huddled over an arrangement, while the designer explained how it had been done; gestures and demonstrations easily replaced words if a language barrier was an issue.
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U.S.A.’s Tana Avery creating her version of Northern Lights.
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| Dream Catcher designed by Nikki Chatto from the Philippines. |
Northern Lights
‘Northern Lights’ was the theme for the Country Designer Presentation’s Day, and although some designers were unsure of what the Northern Lights actually were, each individual created an arrangement that represented their own unique interpretation of this incredible phenomenon found in nature.
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The summit truly was an educational and inspiring event, but it wasn’t all work and no play. The various cocktail parties, sightseeing tours, shopping excursions, museum and art galleries, and formal gala provided venues for members to network, socialize, and have fun with their peers from around the world. It was very exciting from my perspective to have the opportunity to speak with some many international florists. I learnt that the challenges and dilemmas facing florists in Canada were the same issues being faced around the globe. It gave me a great deal of insight into the floral industry from a global perspective, not just North America.
For more information on the WFC and future Summits, visit www.worldflowercouncil.org.
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