Arranging Flowers
# 1. The best way to arrange flowers is to
appreciate them in their natural state. If the flower is tall, opens,
leans, etc., arrange it to suit that characteristic. Even if the flower is
manipulated somewhat to fit into a certain type of arrangement, it is
still best to utilize it according to its character. Let vines drape
around the base of flower arrangements, leave room for flowers to open and
close, etc.
Tip # 2. The best way to start a flower
arrangement is by making a good base. Many believe in using arranging
devices such as floral foam, frogs, chicken wire, etc. These items are
quite useful, but may create an almost unnatural bouquet as well as
shortening the vase life of the flowers.
Tip # 3. Floral foam is very useful in
flower arranging, because it holds each flower in place. However, when
stems are inserted into foam, the foam covers and clogs the ends. The
flowers will not last as long as when they are arranged in water.
Tip # 4. Arranging frogs have a similar
effect on flowers. The end of the stem is partially blocked by the prongs
inserted into the stem, inhibiting water flow to the flower.
Tip # 5a. Chicken wire wedged into the
container adds a metal material to the water that may react to the
flowers. It can also damage stems as they are being placed into the
container, thus further contaminating the water.
Tip # 5b. Chicken wire secured around
the top of the container is a better method.
Tip # 6. A more natural way of starting
a flower arrangement is to create a base with full, thick foliage. This
base will help secure flowers in place when building a flower arrangement.
Pick foliage that is similar to the flower choices for the most natural
look.
Tip # 7. When creating a base for a
flower arrangement with foliage or flowers, place a few stems into the
container and turn the container. Repeat this a few times to create a maze
of intertwining stems. This will hold the other flowers and material in
place to build the floral arrangement.
Tip # 8. When flowers are cut shorter to
use in bouquets, the best "filler," or greenery, is the flowers' own
foliage. Save the excess that is cut off for use in and around the
flowers.
Tip # 9. When arranging flowers in a
vase that is too large for the number of flowers being used, fill the vase
with the base of a branch. The branch acts as a natural maze for the
flowers to brace against. The flowers stay in place as you build the
flower arrangement, enabling you to use fewer of them.
Tip # 10. Flowers with large, curved
leaves, such as tulips, can be useful in flower arranging because leaving
the leaf intact can act as a brace for the flower, and a few can make a
nice base for other flowers to be added.
Tip # 11. Leaving the thorns on stems is
another way to create a natural base for a flower arrangement. The thorns
will hold the stems together, so other flowers added will also be held in
place.
Tip # 12. Tying a grouping of flowers
like snapdragons or carnations together with thread or twine can create a
nice base for arrangements. This method can also be used in securing
taller stems of the same type of flower when building an arrangement. This
is much easier than securing individual stems.
Tip # 13. Tall flowers can be cut short
and short flowers can be lengthened to suit the flower arrangement. See
flower arranging tip # 20.
Tip # 14. Use large-blossomed flowers
such as hydrangeas or amaryllis cut down for the base of an arrangement.
The blossoms fill the vase opening, allowing the other flowers to be
secured among and around them.
Tip # 15. Arranging Tall flowers with
several graduating blossoms, such as gladiolas and snapdragons, can be cut
at the tips to encourage the other blossoms to open more quickly. This
does alter the natural appearance of the flower, but it is helpful in
speeding the blooming process.
Tip # 16. Tightly budded flowers can be
added to flower arrangements for interesting texture and a natural look.
Place them among the fully blossomed flowers.
Tip # 17. Some flowers continue to grow
and develop in water after they are cut. These flowers are sometimes
difficult to arrange, because they change daily. Use thin green thread or
twine to tie them to a branch or sturdy flower in the arrangement, which
helps keep them in place and tidy.
Tip # 18a. Floral wires are useful in
flower arranging to secure the flowers or bending a flower a certain way
to make it fit better into a flower arrangement. Place the wire just under
the head. Insert the wire about one-eighth to one-quarter inch into the
flower.
Tip # 18b. Straighten the flower to an
upright position, or bend the flower into the desired position.
Tip # 18c. Gently fold the wire closely
around the bottom part of the stem. The stem is now secured or can be
manoeuvred.
Tip # 19. Wrapping floral tape similar
in colour to the stem around the length of the stem will hide the wire and
aid in preventing an air pocket. See flower care tip # 31e.
Tip # 20. Floral wires are useful in
lengthening the stems of flowers with short stems, or flowers that have
been cut too short for an arrangement. Simply place the wire in the bottom
of the stem about two inches, and cut the wire the desired length.
Tip # 21. There is a "rule" that a
flower arrangement should be one and one-half times the height of the
container. However, this rule does not necessarily apply. Flower stems
summered in a vase with just their heads peeking over the rim can be just
as attractive as a proportioned bouquet.
Tip # 22. The most elaborate combination
or the simplest of flower bouquets can be transformed by the container
choice. Pick a container to enhance the flowers. Arranging Flowers in
bright coloured containers displays the flowers in a more interesting way
than would a plain glass vase.