A floral design workshop with Hitomi Gilliam, world renown AIFD designer and educator, started in the planning stage more than six years ago. The results of a regional floral design effort in western Michigan — Nature’s Creative Edge — were seen in September 2011 and samples of the event brochures were brought home to Hawaii.
The Hawaii Floriculture & Nursery Association arranged for Hitomi to offer a design class to florists, professional and hobbyist, at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel Saturday, August 19, 2017 after which designers moved in teams to 16 sites in Lili`uokalani Gardens.
The designs remained in place throughout the weekend, were judged by professionals in the floral and landscape industries, and also were voted on by the public for People’s Choice Award.
site scouting at Lili`uokalani Gardens with Amy Nishiura, Hitomi Gilliam, Eric Tanouye, and Judy Schilling
At the end of the installation day, floral design judges selected their choices. First went to Phoebe Anderson and her team for a culturally significant design near the bamboo thicket. Judges noted that the three-dimensional design made good use of the surrounding features, even to having a window through which the stone lantern might be enjoyed.
Phoebe Anderson and her team had site #5 by the bamboo patch (photo by Bill F. Eger)
Second place went to Susanne Law AIFD from Vancouver, B.C. whose design made use of the zip-ties used to attach flowers to the frame.
Susanne Law’s design in the bicentennial garden
(photo by Greg Lum)
Third place went to Shelley Hanaoka in site #12 near a niwaki pruned black pine with the Oshima sister island monument in the background.
The following day, the public was able to vote for a People’s Choice award, which went to Michelle Gamble and team.
Here are a few images of the other floral designs at the balance of the 16 sites in Lili`uokalani Gardens.
In a follow up meeting, Hitomi Gilliam, the Hawaii Floraiculture and Nursery Association, and Friends of Lili`uokalani Gardens agreed to plan for a larger event to be held next year in mid-October.
To keep in touch with Friends of Lili`uokalani Gardens, please visit our page on Facebook.
Please refer to the Friends of Lili`uokalani Gardens page on Facebook for current information on centennial events and volunteer work days.
Friends of Lili`uokalani Gardens is a registered non-profit with 501(c)(3) status. The organization follows three paths: organizing volunteer maintenance, raising funds for capital improvements, and planning centennial events.
Mailing address is: Friends of Lili`uokalani Gardens, P. O. Box 5147, Hilo HI 96720.
U.S. Japanese Gardens 