HG BOTANICA
226 | AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN
Cheery
PICKING
L
ush red cordyline foliage, frilly philodendron leaves
and a cluster of red spider orchids are splayed into
a joyous firework in this bold twist on the traditional
red and green, the work of florist Jodie McGregor.
“Big, dramatic foliage plants create a wonderful
impact and sense of presence,” says Jodie, who created
this eye-popping display for H&G’s story on her home
(see page 22). “Cordyline leaves are a gorgeous shape
and their colour is a lovely burgundy, with streaks of
pink and green. Every leaf is different.”
Philodendron leaves fill out the vase with aplomb.
“Just cut them and let them fall. Don’t make it toocontrived,” says Jodie. “You can tuck flowers in between
and those lovely big leaves will cradle them.”
Delicate, lacy Renanthera orchids are massed in
a cluster for maximum impact, like a huge splotch
in an abstract expressionist painting. “It’s best to keep
it simple when you’re working on a large-scale display,”
says Jodie, who used a ceramic urn as her vessel here.
“If you’re using large leaves, you need a heavy vessel.
But make sure that the opening of the vessel is not too
wide, otherwise it will be too daunting to fill.” #
Jodie McGregor Flowers; (02) 9566 1999
or http://www.jodie.com.au. Text by Elizabeth Wilson. Photograph by Chris Warnes.