Exploring The Silk Yarn Exhibit At Chelsea Flower Show 2025

This year, our exceptionally talented Ikebana tutor, Mariusz Cwik, has been shortlisted by the judges at Chelsea Flower Show for his Silk Yarn exhibition design.

A captivating biosculpture, the floral creation depicts the silk production cycle in an exploration of how man can work with, but also against, nature. Silk has always been revered for its lustrous texture; but so often desirable commodities come at a cost.

Mariusz's design has been created to encourage discussion about humanity’s complex relationship with nature, and inspire reflection on ways we can embrace more sustainable processes in the race to protect our natural world.

You can visit the design at Chelsea Flower Show 2025. 

 

How Is 'The Yarn' Constructed?

The arrangements sit on a vertical plinth within the booth, the base of the design being the same size as the plinth itself, widening slightly as it rises. There were no props required.

The floral elements have been inserted either into agra wool blocks (held in recycled plastic trays), or glass laboratory tubes. The main construction is made of Ivy/Pussy Willow while the three circles have different bases:

The butterfly circle base is made of Rafia Hookeri with White Anemone, Lily of the Valley, White Cyclamen, Craspedia Globosa, Ranunculus, Pittosporum, Galax.

The cocoon circle base of Pussy Willow with Gloriosa, Helleborus Niger, Ornitogalum, Ranunculus, Pittosporum, Hpericum, Galax, Stipa, Cyclamen.

The yarn circle base of Muehlenbeckia with Gloriosa, Tillandsia, Lily of the Valley, Stipa, Santpaulia, Ceropegia.

If you are interested in learning the art of floristry from Mariusz, or any of our other talented tutors at McQueens Flower School, book into any of our flower arranging workshops or floristry courses.