The 5 basics of flower arranging
£290,000 was the eye-watering flower bill revealed by Sir Elton John a few years ago! The question asked at the time was “Why would anyone spend that on flowers?” His answer was simply “I like flowers.”
What is not to like? A simple, beautiful and inexpensive flower arrangement can liven up the dullest of days, turn your room into a little bit of luxury and give your dinner party a hint of decadence.
Whilst none of us will be spending this amount on flowers, we can all enjoy the beauty, happiness and relaxation that they bring through flower arranging.
In this article we delve into the basics of flower arranging and we promise you won’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy the results!
Choose a great container
All too often when you have some nice flowers you get the dusty old vase down from the shelves and think that will do. Part of an eye-catching flower arrangement is the container that you display the flowers in.
You are only limited by your imagination as to what you can use. So think of watering cans, terracotta pots, vintage jars and glasses, buckets and more.
Select your flowers and foliage
In-season flowers are less expensive so are worth considering for your arrangement. Think about where the arrangement will sit in your house or what event you will use it for. Once you have this in mind you can start to think about which colour and variety to choose.
Don’t forget the foliage! Adding foliage from your garden or a nature walk will add texture, fullness and further colour to your design.
Prepare your flowers
First measure up the length of your flowers against the container you are going to be placing them in so you know where to cut them. Then cut your stem at a 45-degree angle with secateurs or scissors, this helps to carry water and nutrients up the stem.
Once you have cut the stem, remove excess leaves that will sit below the water, this will make your display more attractive and prevent bacteria. Also remove dead petals from your flowers, again to enhance the look of your arrangement.
Use fresh water
Hydration is key. Use fresh water to fill the vase a quarter full. Add in the packet flower food supplied but if you don’t have this then a ¼ of bleach to a 1/of water does the same job. Ensure that you mix in the food with the water.
Change the water and food every two to three days to keep the flowers healthy. This will keep them looking good and they will last longer. You should cut the stems again every two to three days, another inch or so to prevent bacteria.
Arranging your flowers
Start with your arrangement fillers, pretty green foliage with the leaves trimmed from the stem. Then start adding the largest flowers around the edge of your container stem by stem. Work from the outside in, with even spacing and going from large, to medium and then small.
Turn your container as you place the flowers and step back, to give you an idea of what the flower arrangement looks like from each angle.
Follow these flower arranging basics and you will have eye-catching displays that are long-lasting and beautiful. So don’t be afraid, grab those secateurs and a colourful bunch of flowers and get started today.
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Melina - Assistant Editor
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