Say the name Gregor Lersch to anyone in the flower world and you’ll hear an intake of breath and that soft wistful Aaaah! sound that’s reserved for those we highly respect and aspire to be! And of course, he’s very easy on the eye ladies!! Gregor is German and comes from a family of gardeners. For over 140 years, five generations of the Lersch family have been dedicated to nature and its design. The Lersch nursery and florist shop are based in the small spa town of Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler (pronounced “noyner-aahviler”) in Rhineland-Palatine, close to the Rhine and approximately 45 miles from Cologne. As suggested by those in the industry, Gregor is the world’s finest Master Florist. An excellent plants man, with an encyclopaedic knowledge of his subject, Gregor works with plants and flowers in all their elements and through all phases of their existence. The recurrent message in his distinctive designs is to showcase the natural form of flora to its best advantage whilst continually striving to achieve new and ever changing forms of expression. The German word “Zeitgeist - the spirit of the time” encapsulates his philosophy. Gregor Lersch has worked in 40 countries and is one of the few creative floral design talents to have achieved such a high international profile. His work is shown, taught and copied throughout the world and his ground breaking and intuitive designs have (quite literally in some cases!) turned floral design on its head! Seminars, workshops and exhibitions are just as much a part of his extensive repertoire, as are large stage presentations and work with both television and the press. His numerous book publications are not only inspirational, but have become the “go-to” books of reference for tutors, professional florists and flower arrangers alike. In the way that in recent times, Pavarotti opened us up to Opera, Conran to Design and Hockney to Art, this pioneer of floral design has brought his unique and sophisticated talent to the world of floral design. We are extremely privileged to be able to share in his talent. If you would like to join us at this one-off opportunity to see Gregor on the Island, he will be at The Broadway Baptist Church, Douglas on Wednesday, 7 March 2012. Show starts at 7pm. You can also work alongside him at a workshop also being held at The Broadway Baptist Church, on Thursday 8 March 2012. The evening is being held in association with the Manx registered charity Hands of Hope which helps the poor and needy of Romania through practical home building projects, the distribution of aid and by befriending of families and disadvantaged people. More information can be found on their website www.handsofhope.org.im. Proceeds from the evening’s events will be presented to a Hands of Hope representative to enable this very worthwhile charity to continue its work. Tickets for the demonstration cost ?45 and ?85 for the workshop and can be obtained from Heidi Baker on 800061 at the Flower Studio or Trudi Hudson on 424155. ENDS