English Garden Style Arrangement For Searcy AR Wedding

History: English-garden designs are inspired by early English gardens which people had at their homes to produce vegetables, flowers, herbs and fruit trees. These items were grown for their fragrance, cosmetic and/or medicinal purposes.

English gardens went by many names at the time including “kitchen gardens,” “cottage gardens,” and “cuttings gardens.” Among those credited with developing the modern English garden floral style are Constance Spry, Julia Clements, and Gertrude Jekyll.

Style: Loosely structured oval or round arrangements of a variety of garden flowers (or flowers that can be easily grown in a garden). No particular style (form, filler, line, mass) of bloom is used. No particular amount is selected. This style is based on the availability of flowers grown in a home’s garden and therefore represent a less defined but very “full” look.

Flowers Used: Popular flowers in modern English Garden style designs are spike flowers including larkspur, delphinium, foxglove, hollyhock, and snapdragon. Popular mass flowers used include tulips, snowballs, marigolds, sweet peas, geraniums, stock, aster, daisies, lilies, poppies, cornflowers, all kinds of roses and carnations, lavendar, dahlias, ranunculus, anemones, and agapanthus.

All flowers used must bloom in the same season. Compatibility of the flowers is very important as this style reflects what home gardens would have had at a particular time, far before worldwide delivery was readily available.

The use of fragrant flowers and herbs is appropriate.

Basic Characteristics: Features more foliage than many other styles. The use of evergreens and woody-stemmed, leafy foliage is popular. Examples of these are Euonymus, Pittosporum, Camellia, huckleberry, boxwood and blackberry.) Weeping or trailing ivies or materials are popular with this style. Plumed grasses are appropriate as well.

Full, large arrangements that are usually round or oval. They are characterized mostly by their use of a wide variety of flowers and keen use of foliage.

Usually seen in bright, complementary colors. However, monochromatic or analogous color harmonies have become appropriate choices for modern renditions of this style.

Containers Used: While vases are often used in English Garden styles, most floral arrangements in this style are featured in an urn or similar container with durability, strength and a unique appearance.

Flemish Style Inspired Flower Arrangement

History: Flemish designs are inspired by the Flemish paintings of artists during the medieval period between the 15th, 16th and early 17th centuries. “Flemish” refers to people from the medieval country of Flanders which is now covers parts of Belgium, France and Holland. Flemish painters depicted a wide variety of flowers that were gathered by British and Dutch merchants during their travels.

Typically, Flemish paintings depicted many different types of flowers and placed the most important blooms at the top of the arrangement. Paintings were done from models as Flemish arrangements disregarded seasonal availability and compatibility.

Style: Flemish style flower arrangements are almost always created in an oval shape. These arrangements feature a wide variety of different, mismatched flowers. Flemish designs are regarded for the excellent use of many different shapes, colors and textures.

Flowers Used: It is common to see only one or two stems of a particular flower in a Flemish flower arrangement. Though anything is permissible now, flowers commonly seen in Flemish paintings (the inspiration for these designs) are tulips, peonies, roses, marigolds, snowballs (Viburnum), iris and crown imperials (Fritillaria).

Foliage plays a smaller role (used only sparingly) in Flemish designs but soft, “weeping” grasses and other foliage are seen in Flemish designs. Bulb flowers are mandatory in a Flemish flower arrangement. Tropical flowers, wild flowers, fruit and accessories are also encouraged. Examples of popularly used accessories are birds’ nests, insects, reptiles, and shells. Also jewelry, rich fabrics and other things denoting wealth are seen in many Flemish arrangements.

Basic Characteristics: Flemish style flower designs are very lavish, full, and unique. Since any flower can be used, the flower vary widely.

Prominent flowers are placed in positions within the arrangement where they would receive the most attention. Slight breaks from the general oval shape draw the eye’s attention quickly, so Flemish flower design features prominent flowers at the tops and sides of the arrangement. Flowers may face all directions because Flemish painters wanted to show that many flowers also have beautiful profiles.

Depth is important in Flemish flower arrangements. Flowers can cascade over the edges of the container. This also adds to the dimension of the arrangement by playing an interesting contrast to the height of these arrangements.

Though this would not be done now, Flemish depictions of flowers showed imperfections because no perfections were found in nature. Leaves and flowers often featured bug holes, spots, and even the bugs themselves.

These designs are generally considered formal because of their mass and elaborate composition. They may considered informal as well when created in smaller arrangements.

Colors: Flowers in Flemish style arrangements typically feature warm hues such as yellow, orange and red. White, pale pink, and other pastels are also seen but less often. These are added to create contrast where needed. Flemish designs should feature touches of blue, especially pure Dutch Delft blue, wherever possible.

Containers Used: Flemish style flower arrangements commonly feature urns and containers with the same shape or appearance.

Victorian Style Flower Arrangement

History: The Victorian era was when arranging flowers was first recognized as an art form.

The Victorian era in American history marked a period of floral design we often see in elaborate, full designs. The Victorian era is named for Queen Victoria who rules England from 1837 to 1901. During this era, enthusiasm abounded for gardening, flowers and plants. The people were more strict, formal and prudish though decorations (including floral designs) were opulent, lavish and showy.

Upper-class members of society showed their wealth with large, excessive, opulent and often overdone flower arrangements created weekly by cultured ladies in the home and their daughters. This was also the time when tussie-mussie bouquets and nosegay bouquets made their mark in society. Lovers would exchange them as signs of affection. Proper women of Victorian society carried these bouquets at most social gatherings.

Style: Lavish, Full, Massive, Full of Seasonal Flowers, Opulent

Flowers Used: Primarily only MASS, FORM, and FILLER flowers are used. Fruits may also be incorporated with the flowers.

Seasonal flowers are appropriate for Victorian flower designs because during the era arrangements were typically made from flowers cut from the garden.

Roses are almost always required for a Victorian flower arrangement as they were very popular during the era. Other appropriate flowers are tulips, carnations, daisies, China asters, lilies, cockscomb, peonies, bleeding hearts, freesias, dahlias and baby’s breath.

Basic Design Characteristics: Keep in mind that this style of flowers is very full and focuses on the opulence associated with an abundance of fresh flowers.Tightly massed flowers are characteristic of the style and time period.

Victorian style arrangements are typically round or oval in form. Flowers are typically kept to a lower height, only one to one-and-a-half times the container’s height.

Strong color contrasts and flowers with brilliant hues are preferred. Usually a full range of colors is used. However, monochromatic and analogous tones may also be used.

Lots of foliage is associated with Victorian style flower arrangements. They are used to soften the appearance of tightly massed flowers. Ferns and ivies are popular inclusions.

Containers Used: Containers used in Victorian style flower arrangements are typically ornate and decorative. They should be showy but not outshine the flowers. A wide variety of containers can be used, ranging from China vases to baskets, urns, round bowls and other containers. Materials also vary. Two and three-tiered epergnes and stands are appropriate for this style.

If you have any comments or pictures of a Victorian style flower arrangement, please log in and comment below.

"Fiery Red Topiary" Closed Form Flowers

To florists and floral designers, “form” is the word used synonymously with “shape” and refers to either the outline or three-dimensional shape of a flower arrangement. There are two key forms in floral design terms. These are “closed forms” and “open forms.” Both are key elements of floral design and are essential to creating beautiful flower arrangements appropriate for any space or occasion.

Closed form flower designs can best be described as “dense” because these forms lack negative space. That is to say, the floral materials used to create the designs are tightly packed allowing little to no room for light to pass through, thus it is one seemingly continuous piece and consistent shape throughout.

An example of commonly used flowers with closed form designs are Beidermeyer style bouquets and centerpieces. These are very compact rings that together form a small dome shaped arrangement. Because there is little negative space (none) in a Beidermeyer style flower arrangement, these and other flower arrangements with similar styles are referred to as closed form flower designs.

"Tropical Flair" Open Form Flowers

Open form flower designs are the opposite. These are considered light and airy. They have more negative space which may prevent the outline from being fully defined. Not defining the outline allows the design to merely imply a geometric shape.

An example of commonly used flowers with open form flower designs are contemporary arrangements. While there are many closed form contemporary flower arrangements, most contemporary styles focus on the idea of the shape. Rather than present a shape, they present lines (linear flowers) that form unique angles, shapes, and appearances.

Consider placing a light behind both designs and looking at their shadow on the wall. Like mass flowers, closed form flower designs will reveal an easily defined shape. Open form flower designs will produce a shadow that looks like no particular shape, but rather a series of overlapping lines and patterns.

Ask the Expert: hydrangea in foam arrangement
Hydrangea does better in water but there is a time when you need to use foam for a design, I have been  putting them in tubes and then in foam should i be putting them directly into the foam, the few times that we used them in my design school they were put in tubes. Did a wedding shower very pretty hat box design nice brown and blue grogain ribbon on a inverted clear cylinder bride loved them look great for the  occassion but I am worried about them when the guest took them home please advise me
thank you jeanne

Expert Reply:

On the whole it is best not to use hydrangeas in floral foam.  However if you have no other choice, initial preparation of the hydrangea is essential.

Since hydrangeas are susceptible to water deprivation, you want to make sure you prep them carefully when they arrive.  Most commercial growers will send hydrangeas with a water source.  Carefully remove the water source.  Submerge the hydrangea heads under tepid water for 2 minutes and gently shake before you cut them.  Cut them about 2″ from the tip at a 45degree angle - because of the thickness of the stem you may need to make two cut on opposite sides.  You will now have a end that looks like an arrow.  Take your knife and gently make a cut up the center of this arrow -  this will create more area for hydration.  Now dip the stem in quick dip and then place in a vase with warm water and flower food.  You can also spray the heads with crown and glory. This will give the hydrangeas the best start for any type of design use.

For foam go through the same process of dipping the head in water, dipping the stem in quick dip and then you can place them in the floral foam.  FYI: you can soak your floral foam in a water and flower food solution - this will help extend the life of the flowers.  Try not to move the hydrangea stem once you have placed it in the foam.  If the hydrangea is not properly placed, take it out of the foam and repeat the process before you reinsert the stem into the foam.

Be sure to you send packets of flower food with the arrangements and encourage the recipients to use it when adding water to the arrangements.

Please keep me posted and let me know how these suggestion work for you.

Most florists are naturally in tune with the shades and hues that make flowers complement each other properly. It’s something simply understood. We’ve already discussed the color use. In addition to this element of floral design, there are floral design principles surrounding what are often referred to as “warm colors” and “cool colors”.

"Colorful Harvest" Warm Colored Flowers

Warm colors are all of the shades of red, orange and yellow (red through yellow-green on the color wheel). These are called warm colors because of their association with sunlight. Most people associate with warm colors with sunshine, fire and energy. Warm colored flowers are often used to express a very energetic emotion such as passionate love, excitement and enthusiasm. When included in a mixed flower arrangement, warm colors often stand out and gather the most attention. Because they seem to “project” from the rest of the design, warm colors are often called advancing colors or aggressive colors.

Cool colors are all shades of green, blue and violet (green through red-violet on the color wheel). Flowers in these colors are refered to as having “cool colors” because of their association with water, sky, grass and trees. These more earthy tones are used to express calm, relaxing emotions. Because these colors lack the energy of warm colors, they are also often associated with sadness and melancholy emotions. Because cool colors often sit back and let the warm colored flowers take the lead, they are often referred to as receding colors.

"For All You Do" Cool Colored Flowers

It is important to note with both that flowers in both color groups unconsciously enhance certain emotions in individuals. For example, red roses automatically remind recipients of love and romantic occasions. Therefore, red roses would be great for an anniversary but are less appropriate for funeral flowers.

In the same way, cool colored flowers would be less appropriate for exciting occasions that merit indulgence and excessive emotion. There are exceptions (like new baby flowers for boys), but cool colored flowers should typically be used to enhance warm colored flowers, express a less enthusiastic emotion or encourage relaxation.

Learn more about the color wheel used by florists.

It’s the time of the year when tropical flower arrangements are hot, hot items in the flower shop. Birds of paradise, orchids, protea, anthuriums, dendrobium and other exotic tropical flowers are big ticket flowers used in a wide variety of tropical arrangements. One of my favorite tropical flowers is the bird of paradise. It’s a stunning beauty that brings so much to any tropical arrangement. For this reason, I recently asked Regina Berryman (AIFD, AAF) to show me some of her design techniques for creating beautiful tropical flower arrangements using bird of paradise. Here is her technique for opening bird of paradise to reveal its finest qualities.

Bird of Paradise Tropical Flowers Arrangement

Opening Bird of Paradise To Reveal High Quality

Regina has worked with tropical flowers for many years now. Being less experienced with tropical flowers, Regina decided to show me how to open bird of paradise in a way that reveals its best quality and eliminates any flaws from shipping or packaging. First, place the stem of the bird of paradise firmly between your legs. Place both thumbs on the crease (the opening) and gently pry the crease open. Next place your thumbs together under the “heart” and raise your thumbs at the same time. This allows you to raise the beautiful part of the flower out of its shell and strip it of the lower quality flowers.

Next, oddly enough, strip the lower quality flowers. These are the light orange to white colored flowers that are next to or against the more brightly colored orange/red flowers. Since the vibrantly colored flowers give bird of paradise its appeal, strip the less colorful ones by taking a firm hold, gently pulling straight back toward the stem, then pulling the flower straight out once you have loosened it enough to be removed all at once. If you do not pull toward the stem, you run the risk of ripping the flower toward the tightly clustered base instead of removing it.

To open bird of paradise, place both thumbs on the crease (opening).

Place thumbs together under the flowers and pull up.

Unfold and separate each piece.

Loosen and strip by pulling toward stem then straight out.

Now you're ready to create a beautiful tropical flower arrangement!

Whether a budget-oriented bride or not, being able to use wedding decorations in many areas is always a big perk. Many florists are starting to use bouquets (bridesmaids or bridal) as centerpieces on the main table at the wedding. This is a way to keep the bridesmaids bouquets and wedding bouquets fresh before and after the ceremony. Plus, the bridesmaids are able to just snatch the bouquets out of the water and take them home as a wedding favor!

Using unique vases and containers takes this technique to the next level. Showcase the floral bouquets just a little better with a beautiful vase. Creative containers simultaneously keep the flowers fresh and bring to life all of the effort put into creating the beautiful bouquets.

This idea also works for parties such as bachelorette parties. These bouquets liven up the party decorations and also make great party favors! It’s a win-win for hostesses and guests.

This design technique has become a very popular trend in wedding flowers and is seeing an increase at parties. Florists are happy to showcase their prized creations for a little longer. Brides and hostesses are glad to save a few bucks but still have an elegant, beautiful wedding or party. If you’re looking for a quick centerpiece idea, try this trendy new design technique!

Bouquet Centerpieces from The Flower Patch in Gypsum, CO

Short Vase Bouquet Centerpieces from The Flower Patch in Gypsum, CO

Everyone has heard of the traditional Easter basket. It’s popular enough to be sent every Easter. What many haven’t seen yet is that unique baskets can make a huge difference for other holidays. Creative baskets, just like unique vases, are excellent for making the gift of flowers stand out. Want to truly grab attention? Send the same arrangement in a colorful basket.

Don’t get stuck using your baskets just for gift baskets! Here are some ways that baskets can be used by both florists and gift givers to add spice to the traditional gift of flowers.

Liven It Up With A Solid Color Basket

Add color to the mix with a solid colored basket! Green baskets help celebrate the luck o’ the Irish on St. Patty’s Day. Pastel baskets are simple for spring and summer gift ideas. Decorating for a wedding? How about a nautical reception or “bon voyage” party? White baskets work here also. Whatever the theme of the event, solid colored baskets add just enough color to be fun.

Make It About The Gift, Not Just One Component

A plain glass vase can be boring and actually detract from the flowers by showing the stems. One single color (regardless of its brilliance) does not detract from the many colors of the flowers. Even a multicolored basket draws attention back to the arrangement itself.  Liven up the gift with a colorful basket and redirect the attention to the arrangement as a whole and not just the container.

Create A Talking Piece

It’s easy to discuss how beautiful a basket is once it has been woven with a complementing color of ribbon. It’s easy to note how much beauty the unique basket brings to the arrangement. It’s not so easy to chat up a plain Jane vase.

(Just For Florists) Talk About Baskets With Your Customers & Employees

These aren’t just selling points for designing flower baskets. These are the things that your customers want to see when they come to your flower shop in search of a gift idea. In essence, they want unique and fun. They want simple and easy. They want creative and likeable. They want the gift to be loved. Unique basket flower arrangements are all of these things. You can’t make them love flower baskets, but you can sure know why they do when they see unique baskets of flowers in your shop.

You see it all of the time in books and magazines, so why aren’t more people decorating their mantlepieces with flowers? The truth is that many people don’t consider it or put other items there. There is nothing wrong with family photos and mementos on the mantlepiece. However, decorating a mantlepiece with flowers is a great idea for those needing a flower decorating tip for spring and summer months.

Photo Credit: Petals A Florist in Atlanta Georgia

I know that it seems odd to think about the mantlepiece during the spring and summer. After all, it’s definitely a winter fixture in the home. But you know, who wants to look at a boring empty mantlepiece all spring? Spice it up!! Add flare to it with flowers from your local florist. From a home decor perspective, here are two reasons why you will be glad that you chose flowers to enhance your mantlepiece.

Decorating the mantlepiece with flowers adds color to the room. Colorful flower arrangements are eye-catching no matter where they are placed. Setting them on the mantle surrounded by votive candles, family portraits or unique mementos will quickly draw the eye in this direction.

Flowers help draw attention to the fireplace and that side of the room. If the theme of the room centers around that fireplace, why not play it up all year round? Decorating it with flowers will help during the spring and summer months.

You can’t go wrong when you decorate with flowers. The beauty of decorating your mantlepiece with flowers is that you get to enjoy their beauty while giving life to the fireplace for more than just three or four months out of the year. When it’s time to put out the fire, light up the room with flowers from your local florist.