Floral Arrangement How-to: Bring the Outside In
Photo by Micheile Henderson on Unsplash
Nothing brightens a room like an assortment of fresh flowers. It is the easiest and most cost-effective way to breath a little life into a space. An assemblage of blooms can ignite the senses and evoke a variety of responses from joy and bemusement to comfort and nostalgia, and the visual presentation can mentally transport you to a favorite vacation spot while a distinctive scent can have you yearning for grandma’s house. But while the simple beauty of a floral arrangement can serve so much purpose, the task of sourcing and combining its components can be a bit overwhelming for most people.
Photo by Social Cut on Unsplash
Pick Your Pieces and Play
From picking the right vase to selecting your stems, floral arrangements provide an opportunity to put your personality on display and can satisfy any mood or intention you may have. You might feel inspired to punctuate the corner of a room with a large, bright, whimsical assortment or you may long to create a lean, clean, monochromatic moment instead. But no matter your floral goals, there are a few tips and tricks that will ensure your bouquet will flourish.
Step-by-Step Guide to a Successful Arrangement
Photo by Micheile Henderson on Unsplash
Select Flowers and Foliage
The rule is, there are no rules. This may not sound helpful, but knowing that you have complete creative license to tinker should be very reassuring. Still, should you crave parameters, there are a few simple guidelines that could help steer you in the right direction. Size and color are the two biggest factors that come into play when designing your arrangement. When it comes to size, variety is key. Pair larger, fuller stems with smaller, leaner blooms to create texture in your display. As for color, pick a scheme that suits your fancy. Look for tones that compliment one another versus compete.
2. Preparation and Placement
Once your stems are selected, get them showcase ready. Give each bloom a fresh cut so it can absorb as much hydration as possible. Remove any leaves that may come in contact with the water to avoid bacterial growth. Arrange in selected vase by alternating stems, creating a baseline first with any greenery and popping in more standout, focal flowers in towards the centerline of the vessel. Use floral tape as needed to create a grid over the top of the vase to hold stems in place.
Photo by Micheile Henderson on Unsplash
3. Preservation
To ensure your arrangement lasts, be sure to provide ample water. Make sure every stem is immersed and be sure to change the water frequently to keep it fresh. Flower food mixed with your water will sustain your blooms and make them last. Keeping the arrangement out of direct light and away from heat sources will also help protect and maintain the buds.