The Nora Lancaster November 2017 meeting was held at the Farmville-Prince Edward Library. The program was “Holiday Design Throughout the House.” Speakers were Becky Kelly, Jane Clark, and Brenda Puryear. Kelly illustrated how to make a contemporary mass arrangement — the key, she explained, is to use groups of like plant/floral materials that emphasize strong colors, textures and contrasting shapes. Instructions to make an elegant holiday wreath were demonstrated by Jane Clark. She said that the trick is to use sturdy floral pins to attach assorted greens and berries to a covered wreath form. The project is relatively quick and the result is stunning. And, to refresh the wreath, you can easily replace the greenery as needed. Brenda Puryear demonstrated how to use a flower frog, a clear container, and a sprig of holly to make an arrangement submersed in water. One tip to delay bacteria growth is to wash the container and frog in bleach water. The greenery or flowers are eye-catching because they are magnified with little bits of air that are attached to them.

Ribbons for arrangements were awarded as follows: blue — Lazelle Jackson, Brenda Puryear, Helen Smith; red — Becky Kelly and July O’Steen; yellow — Becky Kelly. Horticulture ribbons awarded were: blue — Becky Kelly (2), July O’Steen, Brenda Puryear, and Helen Smith; red — Brenda Puryear; yellow — Helen Smith. Hostesses were Lazelle Jackson and Helen Smith.