ow. That was our initial reaction when we saw what our floral friend Joseph Massie created with the Clematis Amazing® Tokyo. This 80 cm long, pink clematis with 6 flowers per stem was sent to Joseph for his opinion. He didn’t just share his thoughts but also crafted a stunning design. What we received exceeded all our expectations. In his recognisable style, he created a clean, minimal design with a significant wow factor.
Return of the amazing Tokyo
Clematis Amazing® Tokyo was introduced in 2018, but after three years, demand outstripped supply. We decided to temporarily remove the flower from our range to propagate it. With clematis, you need the whole plant for propagation. The process took longer than expected (three years!), but at Marginpar, we love challenges. We are especially thrilled that this remarkable Clematis is back.
Showstopper
To celebrate, below is a special step-by-step guide from Joseph Massie, demonstrating how to create this showstopper. The transparent materials and flower placement remind us that this design would look perfect in a gallery, at a floral event, or in the lobby of a luxury hotel. It would also look stunning in a flower shop display. Joseph:
”It’s truly an exceptional flower; you get 6 blooms on each stem, and they all open beautifully over the vase life. The entire Clematis Amazing® range has a 10-day vase life, Tokyo even 14 days.
P.S. Prefer reading to watching? Below the video, the design is explained step-by-step in text.
Clematis Amazing® Tokyo tablescape step-by-step
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Step-by-step
Materials needed:
- 20 stems of Clematis Amazing® Tokyo
- 3 clear Perspex trays (40x40 cm)
- Filament line (aka Fishing line)
- 3 square Perspex frames
1.
Place the trays spaced out over the table, in a centred line from the middle. This table is 180 cm long, the trays 40x40 cm.
2.
Take a metre of fishing line, thread it through the middle of the Perspex squares and hang them from the ceiling. Each square should hang directly above a tray, in a straight line.
3.
Fill the trays with fresh, clean water.
”This will create a magical and slightly spooky kind of centrepiece for our Clematis to wind through as we build our arrangement together.
4.
Take two stems, remove a handful of leaves to create a beautiful line. Cut the stems at a 45-degree angle.
5.
Carefully drape the Clematis through the Perspex and into the water. Ensure each stem touches the water and that there is enough water to last 14 days.
6.
Repeat this technique: take one stem at a time, remove the leaves, cut it, weave it through the squares, and let the end rest in the water.
7.
For an added touch, let the beautiful flowers of the Tokyo float in the water. Cut the stem to one or two centimetres below the flower head and place them gently in the water.
Voila.
”You’re done. It feels timeless, interesting, dynamic, and full of energy. It doesn’t feel too artificial. With Clematis as the star of the show, you bring botanical power to the design.
Tips & tricks:
- You can also make this design in other Perspex sizes or with entirely different materials.
- Other flowers can be used, but the flexible stems of Clematis are ideal for threading.
- The concept of ‘hanging’ used here for a table design can also be applied to other designs.
- For the best results, create this design at its intended location. It’s not easily transportable.
- Note that Clematis is a heavy drinker. Regularly top up the trays with clean water.
I hope you like it.
Best, Joseph
Learn more at www.josephmassie.com
