..This is advice on the care and arranging of flowers only, so I'll post it in its own thread. I hope it's not too complicated. I tried to keep things as simple as possible on a really vast subject. If I left anything obvious out just let me know. Hope it helps
....chuck
Many of the rules in flower design are similar to those in painting...Use your artist's eye and knowledge of color, form and composition.
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Selection...Single blooms are great, but for mixed arrangements first choose a primary or focal flower, then the supporting cast...greens and fillers. Think of color harmonies (monochromatic, complimentary etc). Mixing shapes and sizes adds interest. Having a picture in your mind of what you want to do before hand helps. Remember that greens ( ferns and leaves) can be an inexpensive and interesting addition. If you are doing a large all-around vase arrangement they are essential to hold the flowers in place. Greens come in many shapes and textures..these may not always be on display. Don't be afraid to ask the florist if you can see what they have in the backroom. Filler flowers are the light airy varieties that take up space between the focal blossoms, such as Babie's Breath, Status or Sea Lavender ( Limonium ).
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Care... Get the flowers into water fast or keep them there if you can. The longer they stay out of water, the more likely it is they won't be able to revive. For the car ride home I put my loose cut flowers in an old vase with a few inches of water on the bottom. When you get home cut at least an inch off the stem with a good sharp knife or scissors and place immediatley into warm water. Be sure to first remove any leaves from the part of the stem that will be in the water. Let them drink for an hour or so...Then arrange them, recutting as you place each blossom into the vase. All this insures a steady flow of water to the flower head and a longer life. For single flower type arrangements..such as a bunch of tulips, one cut and drop is all you really need to do. Keep them as cool as possible. 45 to 60 degrees fahrenheit is ideal, though not always practical. In the winter I sometimes keep the flowers on my attic steps until I'm ready to arrange them.The basement is a good spot in the summer. or near the A.C. Do not place in fridge with food, though, natural gasses from fruit and veggies will harm the flowers.
3.
Arranging in a Vase...If you are using greens, place them in the vase first to form a web that will hold your flowers in place. The wider the vase opening, the more challenging it is to hold your flowers in place. To do a simple one sided arrangement picture a triangle or diamond shape. Cut and place fern or other greens then add the focal flowers ( largest blooms). Place the tallest flower first. It should be the same distance from top of vase as the vase is tall. Add next flower to halfway point between top bloom and vase, Depending on number, stagger each bloom in between, filling the space to form your shape. Use odd numbers for focal flowers..3, 5, 7 etc. Flowers should not "kiss" or be side by side...give each bloom its own space. These same rules apply to all-around arrangements, only first picture in your mind an umbrella or fountain shape. Begin with tallest flower and work your way down, marking out widest spots first and then filling in. To get that flared effect place the side flowers into the vase at as sharp an angel as possible, stems may not make it all the way to the bottom of vase, that's OK. Having a mass of fern ( about 8 or 9 pieces) already in place makes this fairly easy. Once the outline is in place with the larger bloom you can use filler flowers and smaller blooms to complete the shape. Place some flowers at different heights within the shape of a round arrangement ( some in & some out)...this adds interest and dimension. Step back periodically while you are designing to asses the shape and the composition of the flowers. If something looks wrong it is usually in the placement of first few flowers.
4.
Extending the Flowers Life...Remember to add fresh water as needed. I replace water after a few days, depending on the flower type. Misting them with water can help also. Excessive heat shortens the life of cut flowers faster then anything. Keep them cool and out of direct sunlight if possible. As they age, take larger arrangements and cut them shorter ( removing greens and dead bits) to prolong the life of the flowers. When I know I'm going to paint them I usually cut the blooms rather short to start ( 8 inches or less) because they will last and hold their shape far longer...especially roses.
5.
More Tips on Selection...So many flowers have different cut life-spans. Freshness is the one key to a long life that is not always evident. Look for buds.. Ask how old they are if you can. Sometimes a florist may not be aware of age or problems when they receive the flowers from the wholesaler. If you get them home and they die overnight do not hesitate to take them back or call for a replacement. When you buy from open markets or grocers you take a chance with quality but the price can be far better! Look at the flowers up close.. if the petals are wrinkled or transparent on the edges beware! Fuzzy pollen on Gerber Daisies or Lilies indicates age. Often the cheaper varieties last the longest, like carnations and daisy mums. Tropical flowers like Birds of Paradise or Orchids are more expensive, but can last a really long time. Dutch flowers such as Lilies, Tulips & Iris can die pretty quick...especially if its warm. Roses can vary greatly. When you are picking a prepackaged bunch of roses out from a market.. a good way to test for freshness is to give the flower head a squeeze at the base where the petals meet between your thumb and forefinger. You want it to be firm or solid, if the rose is soft or squishy it's already old.
6.
A Few More Ideas...These are just some basic guidelines on arranging flowers in vases. They are not set rules. Experiment and have fun. Try copying a style from a magazine. Flowers are beautiful even when they're just plopped in a jelly jar. When I'm having a bad day and all else fails I toss the greens, cut the stems really short and create a solid mound of blooms...this always looks pretty and professional. I use many different containers for vases. Smaller antique bottles are my personal favorite. Inkwells for single blooms are wonderful. A grouping of old bottles with a single flower in each ( at different heights) makes a great still life set up. I also like to "float" hydrangeas or lilacs in a basin. Countless other containers can be used, especially with the addition of floral foam, but that's another lesson
I'll reiterate one more time the most important point. For a good long life when using flowers as a still life. Cut them and place into Fresh Warm Water immediately. When there are signs of wilting or other problems a simple recut may save the day! A flower's beauty is fleeting, but a good painting can capture it forever
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Good Luck!
......Chuck
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