Fresh flowers are undoubtedly an instant mood lifter! We all use flowers to celebrate so many occasions and to decorate many mile stones and events, from saying Happy Birthday to a lovely gesture to let someone know you’re thinking of them.
So many of us enjoy having fresh blooms in our home to brighten up a rainy day or to bring the lovely floral scent inside. Whether you grow your own or buy a bouquet from a supermarket or local florist, here are Kirsty's top tips for flower arranging for beginners, and extending vase life of any cut flower.
An introduction to Flower Arranging
Flower arranging follows simple steps and principles of design. These key 5 principles of design are needed to create beautiful arrangements with any flower materials.
- Proportion
- Scale
- Harmony
- Rhythm
- Balance- actual and visual
Proportion is the size relationship between individual elements of the design such as flowers, foliage, container or vase and accessories.
Scale is the size of the design in relation to its environment and setting. For example a pedestal arrangements size in relation to the room or setting it is placed in.
Harmony refers to how pleasing the flower material combination is, how well the elements blend to create an overall design.
Rhythm is the visual flow of the design, is your eye led throughout the design easily from the focal point to the outer lines and back again. Rhythm is created using colour, form, texture and space.
Balance refers to visual and actual/physical balance. Visual balance is important so as we look at the floral design one area is not too visually heavy and another area too visually sparse. Actual or physical balance is important for the design to stand/sit well in its environment. This means ensuring the weight distribution in the arrangement is correct and doesn't cause the design to tip or fall.
Flower arranging top tips
- Cut your stem on an angle to leave a larger surface area to draw water in.
- Change vase water every 2-3 days to ensure the water is clean, resulting in longer flower life.
- Remove any lower foliage from the stem (clean stems only below water line.)
- Leave space for the Butterfly's! If you leave a little room between the blooms so that air can circulate, it will help avoid rotting or mould.
- Include texture! Texture adds interest to every design, I like to use 3-4 contrasting textures in each arrangement.
- Get yourself a good pair of floristry scissors! Strong, sharp scissors will be your best friend with woody stems.
- Appreciate natural seasons! Flowers are naturally best in their own seasons, use the blooms at their best.
- Keep your vases and containers clean. Clean containers means less bacteria in the vase water, resulting in longer stem life.
- Always let your creativity shine through!