Bobbie-Gene is a floral artist specializing in wood flowers (sola flowers). They look like real flowers and last a lifetime. Sola, or wood, flowers may be stronger than real flowers, but they are still fragile, so a delicate touch is required.

Bobbie-Gene was drawn to sola wood flowers ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aeschynomene_aspera ) because they are a natural and sustainable alternative to cut flowers, and they are available year-round. Natural sola wood is shaped into petals and formed into blossoms. These flowers are made from wood so knots and veining will be visible on the petals. This adds to the uniqueness of this natural product. With each arrangement uniquely designed, no two pieces will ever be the same.

With many different flower varieties, the colour possibilities are endless. She hand-paints each flower drawing inspiration for her pieces from the natural beauty that surrounds us on Cortes Island.

Welcome Bobbie-Gene in the Museum's Heritage Garden on Tuesday, August 23, from noon to 3 p.m.