Taking time to catch up on some blog posts to share some of the beautiful imagery sitting on my computer....whilst staying at home during the current world wide pandemic.
Late October 2018, Riverdale Farm #riverdalefarmalbany , home to Helen Leighton a farmer/florist #farmerflorist #albanyflorist and her husband Jim located on the south coast of Western Australia hosted its third Garden Gathered Workshop #gardengatheredspring2018 #gardengatheredworkshop in conjunction with Wildwood Floral and Wallflower Design Studio. We enjoyed the company of 9 delightful florists all at different stages in their floral journey. The 2 day event was planned to be a beautiful experience for participants with our farm grown fragrant spring blooms, delicious food and friendly conversation.
Over winter, much preparation was carried out sowing seeds, pruning roses and generally mulching the extensive gardens so that there would be an abundance of beautiful home grown product for everyone to delight in. #seedtovase #gardentovase #grownnotflown
Roses were flowering in all their glory supported by a lovely array of other beautiful seasonal blooms. The beautiful snapdragons were provided by Jess of Millbrook Flower Farm in Albany.
The beautiful white corn cockle in the photo above were grown by Jane of Wildwood Floral in her Perth suburban garden.
Helen took guests on a garden walk discussing the different flowers in the garden and offering explanations of the process of growing flowers. This was to encourage everyone to give growing a go even on a very limited scale as some easy to grow blooms not readily available from the markets can be used to elevate design work through the addition of delicate details. #farmerflorist #slowflowers #gardengathered #homegrown
Jane of Wildwood Floral and Steph of Wallflower Studio in Perth came as guest presenters. They guided participants through the creation of beautiful garden style bridal bouquets, centrepieces and the safe installation of foam free hanging florals.
Delicious home baked goodies and flowers for morning tea by Abbey Leighton.
The delightful Tess McKenna modelled the bouquets beautifully. Michelle Van Buerle offered her expertise for Tess’s hair and makeup.
Helen's wonderful friends Carmen and Penni looked after guests with the perfect amount of attention! Helen’s daughter Abbey also a florist provided a delicious array of baked treats for morning and afternoon tea.
The glorious images captured on film by the very talented Jemma Keech are a wonderful record of the 2 day event focussing on seasonal sustainable floristry.
Farmer/Floral Designer Helen Leighton @riverdalefarmalbany
Floral Designer Jane McGlynn @wildwoodfloralperth
Floral Designer Steph Wall @wallflower_studio_perth
Photography Jemma Keech @jemmakeech
Model Tess McKenna @_tamckenna_
Dress @throughthewhitedoor
Hair/Makeup Michelle Van Buerle @mishmishvanbuerle
Extra flowers Jess Guilfoyle @millbrook_flower_farm
Baking Abbey @abbeylouflowersalbany
Helpers on day Carmen @carmenbreidahlflowers
Penni @pennijhe
Riverdale Farm is offering florists and floral enthusiasts the opportunity for 1:1 or small group workshops focussed on areas of floral design that they would like to delve into using our beautiful blooms. Contact helen@riverdalefarm.com.au for further information. Alternatively you may enjoy a lovely creative break in our delightful original cottage ‘Riverdale 1898’. It is available to book on Airbnb (once the current pandemic is finished). I can arrange for fresh farm grown blooms to be delivered down there for you to create your own floral arrangement. This is ideally located on our property within 400 metres of the Kalgan River on the outskirts of Albany. It is furnished with lovely vintage finds and has botanical touches throughout. Bookings for accommodation can be made through www.riverdalefarm.com.au