The World Language of Flowers

As one of the editors of tarvinonline I have often had the pleasure of posting the news and pictures from the Tarvin Flower Class, whose floral arrangements have brought much pleasure to our readership. On a recent holiday in Suva, Fiji, Sue and I were attracted by the notice of a Flower Show in the Civic Hall. What we found was the annual exhibition of a similar group of dedicated enthusiasts whose love of all things floral is just the same as the Tarvin group.

The interest in flower arranging was started in colonial times but has lasted and flourished in the decades following independence in 1970. The ladies – yes it is largely ladies – meet once a month and their Annual Show is the highlight of their year.

Among the themes beautifully illustrated this year were the success of the gold medal winning Rugby 7's team at the Rio Olympics, Diwali, and, the multi-cultural mix that is modern Fiji.

The ambition of the group, which has travelled to shows in Australia and New Zealand is to visit and exhibit at the Chelsea Flower Show!

Ashton Hayes & Tarvin Flower Club members would have felt very much at home!