Flower Arranging 101 was a means to an end. It fit in my schedule and I needed the elective credits to graduate. Along with Urban Survival, it has proven more useful in real life than other college classes. There’s rarely a reason to trot out Anthropological study results on the eating habits of New Guinea natives. As they are cannibals, it’s just not good dinner conversation. But flower arrangements are always a lovely addition to my table and lift my spirits in every room.
Here are some tips for bringing in those summer blooms from your garden.
- Use garden shears for a clean cut. Rinse between uses to avoid transferring disease from one plant to another.
- When gathering decide on style.
1. Go monochromatic and choose different flowers that are all shades the same color.
2. Pick flowers that are the same but different colors.
3. Go wild with complimentary or contrasting colors and different flower shapes and sizes.
- The supermarket, florist or produce stand can offer affordable additions to your homegrown bouquet. Consider incorporating twigs, fruits and veggies. Anything unexpected adds interest and visual appeal.
- Pair one strongly scented flower with one that lacks fragrance. For example, Hydrangeas and Lilacs make a nice combo.
- Check for insects.
- Pick your vessel. Think outside the vase or put a vase inside another interesting choice such as decorative boxes, a hollowed out pineapple, watering can, etc. If needed, floral foam is available at craft stores. Just be sure to purchase the foam intended for fresh flowers. Floral picks and tape can also be useful for creating a sturdy base.
- Cut your blooms at varying heights keeping the proportion of the vessel in mind. Do you want a loose look or a tight compact bundle? If you’re lacking in design skill, just try to duplicate an arrangement from a magazine or online photo.
- Strip off leaves that fall below the water line to prevent rotting. Also, some swear by a little Sprite in the water.
- Place bigger, sturdier blooms in first and then fill in the blanks with more fragile stems.
- Change the water every three days to prolong the life of flowers.
If you enjoy art but are afraid you lack skill, consider taking a non-credit flower-arranging course at your local college. It’s low pressure and very relaxing. However, I don’t recommend New Guinea cooking classes.
About Susan Matthews
