A PORT Alfred floral art enthusiast, Daphne Wilson, recently completed the National Design Diploma (NDD) and has obtained 94%, the highest aggregate for the exam in the country.
Next on the horizon is NDD practical exam which she will write in May.
Wilson has been doing floral art since 2008 and competed in her first Bathurst show in 2009 and has since then being growing her talent and her eye for green leaf creations.
In 2013 Wilson was asked to do the demonstrations at the South African Flower Union (SAFU) congress held at Cape St Francis. Daphne and Jean Page, a long standing floral artist in Port Alfred, did 25 designs and received three standing ovations.
Wilson used to be a member of the Port Alfred Floral Art Group, then joined the Algoa Floral and Garden Club in 2015. A resident at Settlers Park retirement village, every third Friday of the month, at 6am, Wilson drives through to Port Elizabeth to be on time for her designs to be judged.
Competition is extremely high with competitors coming from all over the Eastern Cape, including Jefferys Bay, Humansdorp, St Francis Bay and surrounds.
Last year Wilson received the trophy for the most innovative designer. In all she has averaged 80% (Gold Ribbon) for her competitions also receiving best on show at the Bathurst Agricultural Show.
Wilson said she loves doing floral art as it relaxes and stimulates her creativity at the same time. She is also a keen bowler but floral art is still her number one priority. She prefers more modern techniques and styles which she incorporates with her designs.
“Daphne Wilson is a local modest housewife who makes time to learn and create beautiful floral designs,” said Jenni Louw, a fellow resident at Settlers Park.
