Flower Arranging

I collect flower vases so that I have a variety of options for my floral

arrangements. Also, different containers look better in particular areas of my
home. There are plenty of eco-friendly choices you can make when selecting a
flower container:
• Antique or second-hand containers
• Earthenware containers
• Glass containers, especially recycled
• Containers made out of stone
• Recycled metal containers

Any container that holds water can hold flowers—be creative and look around your
home for possibilities. You can cover empty cans from your cupboard with fabric,
for example. Or, put a bunch of flowers in a watering can. If they are watertight,
clay pots can hold flowers.

When you entertain, it is nice to have flowers on the table—but not if they
obstruct your guests’ views of one another. Low containers are perfect for the
dining room table. To keep flowers upright, it might be necessary to use what
florists use, floral foam. Oasis® brand is most common; just make sure the package
indicates that the foam is for wet floral arrangements. Floral foam is available
in craft stores.

The key to using floral foam is to allow it to absorb water at its own rate, in a
sink or a container filled with water. If you forcefully submerge it, the inside
of the foam will not get wet. The foam is ready to use when it has sunk to the
bottom of the water-filled container. Floral foam is easily cut with a knife; cut
whatever size you require, wet it, and place in a container.

You will want to cover the floral foam completely. In addition to flowers, you
will need green filler—either from the florist or cut some from a bush or tree in
your yard. You can cover the foam first and then place the flowers, or arrange
flowers and then fill in spaces with greens.

The container in which you put your flowers is almost as important as the
arrangement itself. Factors to keep in mind:

Proportion: Size and amount of flowers in relation to container

The flowers should fill the container selected so that they are neither crammed
into the vessel nor too sparse. The size of the flowers should be proportional to
the vase. Cut the stems to achieve the look you desire.

How the colors of the flowers work with the vessel

Colorful flowers with a very busy vase end up competing with each other. I prefer
vases to be a single color, allowing the flowers to really stand out. My
collection of vases includes an assortment of pleasing shapes and a variety of
sizes to compliment all kinds of arrangements. But, the color of the vase still
has an impact: a light green vessel with pastel flowers looks very different from
a deep blue vase with hot colors, for example.

Cut stems to fit long-stemmed flowers into a small container

Do not be afraid to drastically cut the length of the stem. Take gerbers, for
example; their stems are often several feet long, their heads are approximately
three inches wide and they come in a wide variety of colors. The look of the
arrangement will totally change depending on the length you decide to keep them.
At full length, they are dramatic in a tall, slender vase. Cut the stem to a half
foot and they look beautiful in a rounded vessel. Take one to three gerbers and
place them into a still smaller container. Finally, cut all but a half inch of the
stem and let them float singly or in groups in a dish. Fabulous!

How the arrangement looks in the intended space

If you are making an arrangement for a specific area, select the right size
container and flowers, based on that space. A tiny arrangement will look out of
proportion in the center of a huge foyer with vaulted ceilings. Conversely,
placing tall gladiolas under a dining room chandelier would look crowded.

Finally, relax and enjoy the process of arranging flowers! Experiment with
different flowers and vases, and allow yourself to create. Most importantly, honor
yourself with fresh flowers on a regular basis!

This is an excerpt from Harmonious Environment: Beautify, Detoxify & Energize Your
Life, Your Home & Your Planet, copyright 2007.