'How To' ...
Here are the methods we use to create an array of flower arrangements from simple posies to large hanging flower spheres. We are able to offer tailor made workshops and classes covering any of the below if you wish to gain practical experience or be guided through the process.
The Basics
For long lasting arrangements, cut flowers need conditioning.
Some flowers will do much better than others after cutting. For example cornflowers, scabious and daisies will last a good week in fresh clean water, whereas sweetpeas will look their best for a few days.
- Make sure all your buckets, tools and vases are scrupulously clean.
- Cut flowers in the coolest part of the day - early morning or evening.
- Cut stems at a 45 degree angle with clean, sharp scissors to help with water absorption and put straight into a deep bucket of clean fresh water.
- As soon as possible, put buckets of flowers in a cool room, garage, or shed and leave preferably overnight to condition
- Arrange flowers as late as possible before they are needed to ensure they last in prime condition.
- Re cut each of the stems at a 45 degree angle as you use them.
- Most types of foliage will last at least a week or more in water, so if there is lots to do, arranging this the day before you add the flowers will spread the load.
- Keep all your flower arrangements well hydrated with clean water, and as much as possible in a cool place out of direct sunlight.
Some flowers will do much better than others after cutting. For example cornflowers, scabious and daisies will last a good week in fresh clean water, whereas sweetpeas will look their best for a few days.
- Make sure all your buckets, tools and vases are scrupulously clean.
- Cut flowers in the coolest part of the day - early morning or evening.
- Cut stems at a 45 degree angle with clean, sharp scissors to help with water absorption and put straight into a deep bucket of clean fresh water.
- As soon as possible, put buckets of flowers in a cool room, garage, or shed and leave preferably overnight to condition
- Arrange flowers as late as possible before they are needed to ensure they last in prime condition.
- Re cut each of the stems at a 45 degree angle as you use them.
- Most types of foliage will last at least a week or more in water, so if there is lots to do, arranging this the day before you add the flowers will spread the load.
- Keep all your flower arrangements well hydrated with clean water, and as much as possible in a cool place out of direct sunlight.
Garlands & Arches
Garlands are simple to make, they look great and can be used in so many ways. The only thing to bear in mind if you are making your own garlands is to decide where they will go and how you will attach them. It is far easier to make them in situ, than having to transport them fully made. If you do have to transport them then we suggest taking along a bucket of extra foliage and flowers to patch up any gaps that show once it has been put in place.
There are several ways to make garlands, however, if you are a DIY bride...
garlands made using an oasis base are a great way to use up all your foliage off cuts and gets lots of use from each stem. Seed heads, cones, catkins... Strong stems,
There are several ways to make garlands, however, if you are a DIY bride...
garlands made using an oasis base are a great way to use up all your foliage off cuts and gets lots of use from each stem. Seed heads, cones, catkins... Strong stems,
Flower Balls & Large Arrangements
Use long, tall stems. Spike shoe flowers work particularly well in large arrangements; foxgloves, delphinium, larkspur.
TOP TIP! Fill out your arrangement with lots of foliage.
TOP TIP! Fill out your arrangement with lots of foliage.
Jam Jar Posies
We love jam jar posies. They are an easy and super effective way to display beautiful flowers anywhere. From twenty stems in a glass jar, to a group of tall narrow bottles with just a few stems in each.... simple and very effective!
Try mixing 10 stems of foliage with 10 flowers. Arrange the foliage first, then add the flowers after. You can use a small piece of chicken wire in your jar to hold stems in place, or position each of stems so that they support the others.
Try mixing 10 stems of foliage with 10 flowers. Arrange the foliage first, then add the flowers after. You can use a small piece of chicken wire in your jar to hold stems in place, or position each of stems so that they support the others.
Bouquets & Buttonholes
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