Veggie Cleopatra impressive

DEDICATED WORKERS: The Vege People team who made the Cleopatra display, from left: Gabrielle Ryburn, Tony Clarke, Julena Moors, Dave Farley and Lee Ann Clarke.

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The behind-the-scenes work of an award-winning Auckland Flower Show display doesn’t even scratch the surface.

The Vege People team of nor-west residents swept up plenty of accolades for their intricate work on their display, which used vegetables to create a depiction of Cleopatra, the ancient Egyptian queen.

The team of Gabrielle Ryburn, Tony and Lee Ann Clarke, Julena Moors and Dave Farley put months of work and preparation into the exhibit.

And their hard work paid off – their exhibit was one of the most popular at the flower show.

It earned a gold award in the horticulture avenue, best in show for horticultural exhibit of the year and best designer of the year and a close second in the people’s choice.

And The Garden Lighting Company of Taupaki whose work featured in the display also received a silver
award.

"Doing the flower show really takes all of your heart, soul and mind.

"Particularly in the last weeks of it," says Gabrielle, a Taupaki interior designer and artist, whose painted backdrop put the royal lady into a historical context.

The members of the team all share a passion for gardening.

"The one thing that unites all of us is a real love of fruit and vegetables – not just for eating.

"We absolutely love the colours and textures of them."

Every member contributed their creative skills from Jelena’s in-depth knowledge as a fennel grower and floral designer and Dave’s design of the potato mosaic to Tony’s plumbing background and Leanne’s patience in putting the adzuki beans on Cleopatra’s Nubian slave.

Meanwhile, proceeds from the new Auckland Vegetable Growers Society calendar will go towards getting another display ready for next year’s show.

- © Fairfax NZ News