11th world flower show

PLANTS have always lent themselves to interpretation and never more so than at Christmas. At other times, and in different lands, people have always taken pleasure to see the rendition in floral displays and to attribute qualities to their character. Many flowers have ‘secret’ meanings, from daffodils which stand for regard and chivalry, to campanulas for gratitude. ! Plants and flowers even in this 21st century still carry meaning and where best perhaps to see some ultra modern interpretations than at the forthcoming 11th World Flower Show which is being held here in Ireland during the period 2011 to 2014.! The Association of Irish Floral Artists (AOIFA) is delighted to have been elected as the WAFA (World Association of Flower Arrangers) host country for the period 2011 — 2014 and the WAFA Ireland Management Committee has pleasure in announcing that the 11th World Flower Show will take place in the Royal Dublin Society in Ballsbridge, Dublin from June 18 to June 22, 2014. But long before then, many flower arrangers will visit the country for seminars, workshops and related events.

The first meeting will commence with a pre-seminar tour on May 8 next at Kinsale, Co Cork. The seminar proper will commence on May 10 at the Fota Island Hotel Cork, with delegates visiting Cork city and county before leaving for Killarney. The entourage will then continue on to Limerick and Clare where delegates will follow in the footsteps of botanists and geologists on a special visit to the important limestone landscape of the Burren. Throughout these nine days the delegates will attend demonstrations by AOIFA demonstrators and take part in workshops by some of their most talented tutors. Garden visits have also been arranged throughout the tour. The seminar will culminate with the post-seminar tour around Co Galway on May 21, 2012.