"Aquascaping" at Conservatory of Flowers

 

Welcome to the inspirational journey of AQUASCAPES

 

 Aquascaping is "garden designing under water".   The goal of Aquascaping is to create an artful underwater landscape.  There are many technical factors that come into play for a true Aquascape .  But for now, put that aside and start brainstorming, creating and sketching.  Think of the popular tablescapes we've been doing in the floral/event industry and combine them with flowers that are being submerged (orchids, roses, callas......).  Think of  the European Landscape and Vegetative designs and turn them into Aquascapes.  Let this historical craft inspire you just like the Dutch/Flemish paintings did.  Yes, there is a Dutch Style Aquascape that was developed in the 1930's.  Many of the same characteristics that a Dutch/Flemish floral design would have with lush and multiple types of plants having diverse leaf colors, sizes, and textures.

There is also a "Nature Style" which is a Japanese style, introduced by Takashi Amano in the 1990's.  This style in contrast to the Dutch Style focuses on minimalism, with rules of placements creating miniature landscapes with a limited color pallet.  Many parallels to Oriental Floral Design.

 

 

 

 

Aquascapes are exhibited now at The Conservatory of Flowers in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco.  Also, there are so many inspiring plants and living designs being shown there.  Not to mention the beautiful grounds and architecture of the Conservatory.  This historic landmark has five galleries filled with exotic plants and flowers from around the world.  

 

So many techniques, species and floral design styles in one place. Wonderful organic materials that  illustrate the principles/elements of design. Below are just a few examples of how to use the Conservatory as an educational wonderland.

 

 

Underwater Gardening

" AQUASCAPE"
 

Lush living wreath designed around statue pond

 Exciting way to learn Line, Shape and Reversed Proportion 

 

Magical Repetition

 Gorgeous Contrast of Texture

 The Conservatory of Flowers is also a special venue to recommend to your clients.  They open their doors for private events after hours year round.

 

I hope you get a chance to see the exhibit and experiment with your own Aquascape Style of designing.  Let's start this trend together.........................................................

 

For more information on the Aquascapes and Conservatory go to:

Conservatoryof flowers.org