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.
