DO decide
where you will place your flower arrangement before you make it so
you can determine if the finished piece should be tall or wide or
round and full.
DON'T use
tall arrangements for dinner table centerpieces-and expect your
guests to be able to see each other across the table!
DO select
a container that is appropriate for the decor and/or theme of the
arrangement. Consider the material the container is made of-brass,
silver, glass, pottery, plastic; the shape-square, round, tall and
slim, short and stout; and the style-sleek and modern, ornate and
nostalgic, tailored and conservative, or free formed and artistic.
DO choose
a vase that is in proportion to the flowers. Often the vase should
make up one half to one-third the size of the total arrangement (for
example, three-foot tall gladiolus needs a 12 - 18" vase).
DO make
sure the container has appropriate water-holding capacity in
proportion to the quantity and size of the flowers (sunflowers don't
fit in a bud vase, for example).
DO use
tall, cylindrical vases for arrangements that incorporate line
flowers, such as gladiolus, Liatris (gayfeather), Delphinium,
snapdragons, and bells of Ireland.
DO use
vases with a belly (such as urns or ginger jars) for mass and filler
flowers. Mass flowers include roses, carnations, sunflowers, lilies,
tulips, daffodils, and chrysanthemums. Filler flowers include
statice, baby's breath, waxflower, Queen Anne's lace, and Saponaria.
DON'T combine
flowers which do not naturally blend well. Consider the morphology,
texture, as well as the color. For example, bold, angular, shiny
tropical flowers such as bird of paradise do not blend well with
softer, delicate, ruffled flowers such as sweet peas.
DO condition
the flowers by cutting the stems diagonally under water. This
prevents air bubbles from forming that can block water from being
drawn up into the flowers. The diagonal cut allows a wider surface
from which flowers can drink. Remove the foliage from stems which
will be under water. This discourages life-shortening bacteria from
forming due to decaying foliage in the vase water. Add the right
amount of floral preservative to the vase water (see instructions on
preservative package).
DO recut
the flower stems every two to three days and change the vase water.
DON'T set
flowers in a drafty or warm place, such as in an open, sunny window
or on top of the TV. The drafts and heat will cause the water to
rapidly evaporate out of the flowers-and the vase-and leave you with
a wilted bouquet.
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