Floral Design Mechanics – Tips for Creating Your Own Floral Design

The number one rule when creating floral designs is, hide your mechanics!   Nothing looks tackier than seeing the floral foam or sticky floral tape on your container.  A backing of greenery over the mechanics is quick, easy and will make your arrangement look professionally done.

                Keep in mind the size of your container when cutting your floral foam.  The foam should be no taller than one inch above the container and there should be ample room on the sides to hold water.  The foam must not dry out or your arrangement will die quickly.  Letting the foam soak up water naturally without forcing it underwater will insure proper saturation. Dry holes in the middle of the foam will also result in a dead arrangement of flowers. 

                Depending on the size of your arrangement, secure the foam in the container by using one or two narrow strips of green floral tape. 

Containers such as baskets or unglazed pottery, that are not plastic or glass will need a plastic liner to contain the water.  For arrangements in vases you may use white shredded foam or design the flowers in a manner in which the stems will crisscross with each other to remain in place.   Chicken wire can be placed over the top of the vase to use as a grid to help hold stems in place.  Be sure to hide the wire with greenery. 

                Certain flowers such as roses will need to be wired before arranging to keep their heavy heads upright.  Simply pierce the calyx (base of the rose) with a 22 gauge wire and wrap around the stem, being cautious not to cut into the stem, working from top to bottom.  It is helpful to have the rose thorns removed before arranging; however caution should be used to not scrap or damaged the flower stem.  Tools are available to strip thorns or a sharp knife may be used.  Tulips benefit from being wired as they will lean toward a light source.   Using a light weight wire gauge such as a 24 will allow the tulip to move.  Daffodils need to have a chenille stem inserted into the whole length their hollow stems to aid in water absorption.   Most other flowers will not need to be wired with the exception of certain delicate or exotic flowers. 

                Ribbon may be added to an arrangement by attaching it to a wired wooden pick and inserting it into the foam.  A bow may be tied around some vases for an added splash of color.  Ribbon will not stay in place on straight, cylinder shaped vases so bows may be added attaching it to a wired wooden pick and inserting it into the arrangement as if it were a flower stem.

                Other small, lightweight items may be added to your flower arrangement to give it a personal touch.  Be creative!     

About the Author

Author Ellen Skiles was twelve years experience in the floral industry including three years in a greenhouse, four years designing in a shop, and seven years as head designer and manager of a second flower shop. She provides content for www.arrangefreshflowers.com.

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