Apr 10, 20182 min read

Garden Gathered Workshop Spring 2017 at Riverdale Farm Albany

Updated: Aug 17, 2022

Riverdale Farm #riverdalefarmalbany hosted its first Garden Gathered Workshop #gardengatheredworkshop in mid November 2017. Helen and Abbey Leighton collaborated with two experienced Floral Designers from Perth Jane McGlynn and Steph Wall. It was held at the peak of the spring rose flush and together with a variety of other farm grown spring flowers the participants were spoilt for choice. Florists and Floral enthusiasts from the Great Southern and Perth enjoyed a perfect spring day at the farm.

The farm is 100 acres in size located on the south coast of Western Austraila on the banks of the Kalgan River near Albany. A large country style garden with many rose varieties, garden and native flowers, kitchen garden, orchard and a small pinot noir vineyard keeps Jim and I very busy. In addition the property plays host to several beehives. I use our home grown blooms in my Wedding and Event Floral Design. I have become a Farmer/Florist #farmerflorist and love the changing palette of materials that I can access from the gardens with the seasonal shift. A most rewarding way to design. My daughter Abbey uses our product for her design work as her time allows.

The day began with a tour of the garden here after a welcome morning cuppa. Table centrepiece design and bridal bouquets were covered.

Our centrepieces were made in custom made pottery compotes by the talented Julia Foulsham of Lua Leuca Floral. The demonstration was led by Steph Wall of Wallflower Studio before everyone made their own unique centrepiece to take home.

A home cooked lunch was enjoyed with Jim Leighton and Jacqui Grieve on hand to serve our guests on the deck overlooking the gardens. Participants centrepieces provided colour and scent to the tablescape.

Following lunch, Jane McGlynn of Ivy Flowers demonstrated her bridal bouquet making skills before participants produced their own bouquets. These were finished with hand dyed silk ribbons by Helen Leighton.

Our model for the day, Georgie Bertola ensured that participants went home with beautiful images for their portfolio. Georgie wore a stunning gown by Harriette Gordon with her hair and makeup done by the lovely duo of Kate Samiotis and Carissa Robinson.

Katie Grant was our gorgeous photographer for the day taking beautiful photos of everyones' work.