Whisper of the Secret Garden

“This floral installation greets visitors at the entrance to the Secret Garden. At its heart are three magnolia stems — once vibrant blooms and buds — now transformed in shimmering silver. Magnolias are not native to England, but over centuries they became beloved in English gardens. In fact, they trace their origins back to East and Southeast Asia as well as the Americas, making them a truly global flower. For me, the magnolia also carries personal meaning: I once had a magnolia tree in my front yard, a reminder of the passing of time and life’s many changes.

To complement the silver magnolias, I added three golden gum nuts — bold, sculptural forms that root the arrangement in Australian nature. Two stems of dried lotus seed pods, deep brown, bring an Asian touch, a nod to Chatswood’s vibrant multicultural community. Shorter banksia stems echo the gum nuts, further weaving in Australia’s landscape.

White statice provides a soft filler, while silver-green eucalyptus leaves balance and unify the arrangement. The palette of silver, gold, white, and earthy brown feels both timeless and whimsical — a fitting welcome to our Alice-in-Wonderland-inspired Secret Garden.”

What flowers best represent you and your heritage and why?