…from the Garden Club of Darien
Interiors | photos by: BAMBI RIEGEL | riegelpictureworks.com
THERE’S NOTHING LIKE A GORGEOUS ARRANGEMENT to lift any holiday, particularly in December, and we’re thrilled to showcase here the stunning work of members of the Garden Club of Darien. May their creativity, craft and joy of bringing nature indoors inspire you this holiday season.
Juliet Cain and Cyndy Stamm
A harmony of conflict: we have mixed the raw beauty of natural twigs, moss and branches with the idealized beauty of the cultivated lily to create an intentional juxtaposition of the wild and the planned.
Betsy Becker
A winter-themed Modern Mass design using plant material arranged in groupings, with an emphasis on bold design, blocks of color, contrasting forms and textures. Included are curly willow twigs, amaryllis, white lisianthus, hypericum berries, tree fern and cryptomeria greenery.
Leslie Pennington
Blending deep burgundy, plum and blush tones with soft greenery and striking proteas, this arrangement reimagines the traditional holiday palette with a mix of textures and colors to evoke rustic elegance and the romantic warmth of the winter season.
Lisa Morrill Webb
Inspired by Old World Dutch Master still life paintings, I combined foraged greens with market blooms in a large urn to evoke depth and abundance. Designed for a holiday buffet, this arrangement aims to feel cozy yet festive—warm magnolia and coppery textures balance luminous whites and winter greens.
Iris Mix
A Victorian art of pot-et-fleur design combining potted plants with cut flowers to showcase the vitality of living foliage alongside the drama of seasonal blooms.
Diane Schlinkert
Boxwood trees can be a playful decoration at Christmas time, using different decorations and making a variety of sizes. This one has fresh Myrtle, green hypericum and white spray roses.
Maeve McGovern
A Christmas-themed Traditional Mass Design mixing plant material with an emphasis on a deep red, purple, white and green floral palette. Focused on balancing colors while adding interest with shape, size and texture. Included are eucalyptus, hearts roses, white beach roses, astrantia, burgundy ranunculus, brassica and male ring-necked pheasant tail feathers.
Allie Callan
Arrangements for celebrations in Japanese Ikebana floral designs can include special colors and Mishima (paper strings). Displayed is an example of a Sogetsu Ikebana winter holiday design.
Kathy Armstrong
Winter evergreens—I love them. I almost always use red and green for the holidays but not every table setting can handle a bright red. Why not switch it up and use the velvety colors of burgundy with a pop of light pink anemones?
Liza Smith
Bringing warmth and cheer with this festive holiday arrangement. Featuring lush evergreens, glossy magnolia leaves, bright red berries and velvety rose accented by pinecones and plaid ribbon.
Editor’s Note:The Garden Club of Darien is a longstanding nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating and stewarding the natural world through civic improvement, education and hands-on community projects. United by a love of gardening, members explore floral design, horticulture and photography. Through workshops and service, they enhance public spaces while fostering a deeper appreciation of nature. For more information, visit gcdarien.org.
