The Art of Flower Arranging: Tips and Tricks from a Professional Florist

Flower arranging is an art form of creating pleasing arrangements of flowers in vases, baskets, bouquets, and other compositions that you can create using cut flowers, scented herbs, and ornamental grass. Even though we all dabble a bit in flower arranging art, it takes a little more patience and planning to cultivate an arrangement that is both pleasing to the eye and partial to the flower’s color and freshness. 

The Japanese have named this art form ‘Ikebana,’ which roughly translates to ‘arranging flowers’ or ‘making flowers alive.’ With its Buddhist roots, this centuries-old art embodies all flower art arrangements: harmony, peace, and beauty. Here are some well-established rules of the art of flower arranging:

Decide On the Arrangement and Flowers:

Deciding on the flowers based on the event for which it is required is important. The floral arranging art depends greatly on the different colors, shapes, sizes, and patterns. For example, if the arrangement is for a bridesmaid bouquet, the colors should match the ceremony’s theme and the bridesmaids’ dress.

Monochromatic arrangements look very cohesive, but a mild background with a pop of color is also an ingenious way of arranging flowers. The flower arranging art can also be of various shapes, usually triangular, vertical or horizontal, or even a wreath. The main categories to decide upon are the line, form, mass, and filler of the flowers and arrangements.

Always Trim Flowers At An Angle:

The first step to the flower arranging art is to ensure the arrangements last longer. You should remove any damaged petals and the leaves from the stem. Also, cut the unwanted buds. Once the flowers and the other decorations are prepped, the flower stems need to be cut. 

The flower should be cut at an angle, preferably at approximately 45°. The cutting tool used should be sharp. Otherwise, they can damage the stem, hindering the water uptake of the flowers. This will cause premature wilting. As soon as the flower is cut, it is good practice to put it directly in the water to prevent the formation of scabs.

Choose a Vessel (wisely):

While considering which vessel to use, the flower picked should be kept in mind. A tall vase should be used if the flower has thin, long stems. Also, using woven baskets lined with plastic adds to the romantic texture of the flowers.

Besides the vase shape, remember that the vase should be thoroughly washed. This is to prevent any lingering bacteria from the prior arrangement from drooping the fresh flowers and ensure that the flowers are one and a half or two times the vessel’s height, even if the vessel is horizontal in structure. This is to snugly adjust the foliage to enhance the art of floral arranging.

Pick Out Fresh, Local, Seasonal Flowers:

The most vital task in this flower arranging art is to pick the right flowers. Contemplate the types of flowers you would want for the three elements that effectively constitute a flower arrangement: the base, the thriller, and the filler.

The best flowers to get are the ones that are most abundantly available. Fresh, local flowers can be swapped out regularly or adjusted a bit after looking up similar floral art arrangement ideas. Even though there is no preference for flowers, very tall flowers like gladiolus or heavy flowers like sunflowers should be shied away.

Unanticipated Elements:

A fun way to amp up the flower arranging art you create is by using non-traditional botanical elements. Fruit branches or flowers are beautiful and can be added to the arrangement. Anything that grows and matches the theme in mind can be added.

This will give a unique twist on the traditional floral arrangement art and leave the place smelling of fresh fruits – a major win! Some untraditional options to consider can be pomegranates and artichokes. Even blueberries or blueberry branches can be used and experimented with.

Place A Chicken Wire Or Grid:

A proper foundation is necessary for the flower arrangement to stay in shape. An unsteady foundation can prevent the design from falling apart. If the vase or vessel has a wide mouth, using chicken wire or a tape grid is effective. A little help in the flower arranging art is a success stone to a gorgeous project. Deciding between whether to use grids or wires?

The best solution is to use tapes on transparent and semi-transparent vessels. A chicken wire is preferred in an opaque vase. The structure given to the arrangement also helps in the needs of individual flowers as the ornament remains decluttered.

Using The Right Tools:

Sharp and crisp tools are decisive elements in flower arranging art. Some basic tools for all arrangements are flower pruners and thick-stem pruners. They are life savers in all situations, whether a delicate stem to cut without tearing it or a thick stem.

Flower food is also an important ingredient to keep at hand. They provide the essential nutrients to the plants and keep them fresher for a longer time. Floral tape and chicken wire are also basic for all your flower arrangement art. 

Choosing An Effective Centerpiece:

The arrangement’s centerpiece can make or break the look of the entire flower-arranging art. Choosing the base flower and arranging it is a big task unto itself. There are two ways that you can go about your arrangement.

You can start with the greenery and then add the focal points, or if your piece is heavy on the flora, add the base to adjust them around it. It is important to note the balance in the arrangement and the color scheme. 

In Case Of Doubt, Follow The Rules Of Ikebana:

Zen in the art of flower arrangement is Ikebana, as they are both the appreciation and oneness we feel with nature. Ikebana is an introductory guide to flower art arrangements for a beginner. The Ikebana rules range from the very basic moribana style to the more complex contemporary Ikebana style.

The Moribana style has three fundamental parts of flower arranging art. The three parts are shin (heaven), Tai (human), and soe (earth). The shin is in the middle and the longest branch, the tail is on the right and the shortest. The Soe, representing the earth, is on the left side, and its height is somewhere between the tai and the shin. 

Don’t Be Afraid To Experiment:

While there are numerous rules to follow and keep in mind, do not forget to have fun! The flower arranging art is, after all, an expression of creativity. Experimenting with different colors, shapes, and sizes, with various types of flowers, and even using wildflowers. Using Baby’s Breath as the filler, rose buds as a thriller, or Fruits as the base of the art- the possibilities are endless. Keeping room for the unexpected is a good practice, to imbibe. 

Conclusion 

Flowers can spruce up anywhere, and well-made arrangements can liven it up. Whether it be a performance requiring a wreath, a wedding ceremony, or even a simple arrangement for the guests, flower arranging art is a versatile and handy skill. This centuries-old art form is much less known but more widely required. This art and craft form is a dream fulfilled for many adults and a way to vent their creativity.