Specimens were collected in the field, then coated with several layers of plaster. After drying, they were sunk into plaster molds.
Stan Blomeley photo

Using a machine called a vacuum former, clear acetate (plastic) sheets were heated and then sucked into the plaster molds. Each sheet made 100 to 150 leaves, which then needed to be cut out by hand. At left, volunteers help cut the leaves free from the acetate.
Stan Blomeley photo

A wire stem was attached to each clear acetate leaf and then painted in an airbrush booth. More than 40,000 leaves were made for the hammock forest alone.
Stan Blomeley photo

Pre-manufactured silks were used for the flowers. They were painted using an airbrush and are shown drying at left.
Stan Blomeley photo

Each plant was assembled by hand. At left, Tom Kyne uses glue and wire substructures wrapped in floral tape to create each individual specimen.
Stan Blomeley photo

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