Flower Arranging Tips
- on 10.04.09
- Flowers
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The art of flower arranging is a popular and creative hobby for many people, and it is not just for ladies! Some of the most successful gardeners and award-winning florists are men. Some people are naturally artistically gifted and can immediately see how to place flowers; others need to learn the skills, but floral arranging is something that absolutely anyone can learn and enjoy.
Use these flower arranging tips to ensure your flower arrangement is long-lasting and is a pleasure to see. The most important tip is to start with the right equipment. Professionals use oasis foam secured with florist’s tape or a ‘frog’ to the chosen dish or container, and you will need to do the same to achieve good results. Floral products are available at low cost from any florist’s shop. A good pair of secateurs is also essential for making a clean cut on the flower stems.
Preparation is the second key. Plunge the cut piece of oasis into a deep bucket of water until bubbles no longer rise to the surface. You will be surprised how heavy the oasis becomes once it has absorbed the maximum amount of water! Flowers and greenery also need to be freshly cut, or have their stems recut, then given a good drink for several hours in a bucket of water so they are in prime condition. Choose colours that look good together in nature, or choose a single colour scheme for maximum effect.
Consider the shape you require your arrangement to be. There are many flower arranging tips and ideas in magazines and books to give new ideas. A coffee table arrangement should be long and low, whilst a dining table floral arrangement should preferably be raised above the food on a candelabra, for example. A focal point in a window or recess should reflect the shape of the space and be tall and narrow, or full.
Once the shape has been decided and the container prepared, the foundations can begin. Mark the height and width of the arrangement with points of greenery then begin to fill in the shape with more greenery. One good flower arranging tip is to make the height of the arrangement 1 ½ times the height of the stand if it is a pedestal such as a candlestick.
Lighter or variegated leaves will attract the eye so position them in the centre of the arrangement rather than on the outer edges.
Next add the main flowers as a focal point in the low centre of the arrangement. These should be the largest and showiest flowers such as lilies, gerbera, open rose blooms or carnations. Build out, distributing the colour as you go with the smallest flower buds at the extremities of the arrangement and the larger ones towards the centre.
Finally fill in the gaps with ‘filler’ material such as tiny gypsophila sprigs, short conifer clumps and spray carnations buds. Turn the arrangement from time to time to ensure it looks good from all angles. Stand back and check that there are no gaps or areas lacking colour and give yourself a pat on the back.
To make sure your arrangement lasts a long time, display it in a cool room if possible, well away from central heating radiators and draughts. Water the dish daily and the oasis will continue to soak it up. With good care your floral masterpiece will last up to 2 weeks.
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