Flower Arrangements Series 2

[Music] there is a line in a poem by Robert Frost that reads I judged a single leaf unfurling add more to say than I so too with this floral composition every leaf flower and even stem has an importance on its own here cut coniferous evergreens are used as a whole thing whenever it is possible to use them evergreens make an especially good hold but all their branches laid one on top of the other the sprigs of evergreen are packed in flies into the container the flower stems can go easily amongst them and are firmly held in place if it is not possible to obtain this type of evergreen flat bundles of fern from the florist can be cut to size and used in the same way ferns have only one disadvantage they soon deteriorate in water whereas evergreens can be rinsed off in running water and used several times with this type of holder you can easily pull the flower stem art again if you're not satisfied with its position and try another without disturbing the whole orange the long stemmed darwin tulips are placed in position first on the left side of the container framed by their own clear cut foliage this is an example of an asymmetric weight balanced arranged in foliage by so arranged that the apparent weight on one side of an imaginary center line will balance that on the are they even though the two sides are entirely different this balance which is after all only a matter of apparent weight can be accomplished in several ways by placing darker flowers at the focal point or center of interest because darker colors always seem heavier or if all the flowers are the same color a few larger flowers or those of a different form will give emphasis to the arrangement this type of arrangement is in direct contrast to a symmetrical one in which both sides of an imaginary center line are exactly alike and is certainly much more pleasing and interesting [Music] the parrot rivets are placed low on the right to balance the height on the left [Music] this combination of darwin and paratroopers is interesting in this heavy beautiful job and the colors of the two varieties of tools harmonized well with the soft gray of the container [Music] an interesting old Chinese pewter canister is used here as a container for a striking arrangement of geraniums the geraniums are held straightened proud by use of chicken wire as a holder do not use too much wire just enough to roll lightly and wedge into the neck of the container evergreen could be used here but because of the shape of the canister with its narrow neck evergreen would be somewhat difficult to pack in [Music] when you cut your flowers cut at least three sprays with good long stems then the shorter stem duranium can be worked in between some of the leaves will have to be pruned out in order to show the arrangement to its best advantage for each flower stem and leaf should show to full value geranium foliage is so beautiful for such lovely color and form that it is entirely adequate in itself and needs no other foliage to complement it it is sufficient frame for its own old planing florence [Music] the geranium is a cheerful friendly flower and gives color and life to any room where it is used provided it is in harmony with its surroundings it obviously would not be suitable in a formal drawing or in ultra-modern surroundings and it is equally obvious the geraniums should not be placed in an elaborate or handsome container they look best when arranged in pottery especially black or white in old gray and blue ginger jars in American killer or hanbok Syrian copper with its color so flattering the flowers [Music] the flowers in this glass cornucopia or Hornet planting our arranged important in Flower Show language is called a free-standing arrange this is in contrast to one that is meant to be shown against a background an arrangement that is equally interesting from all sides is said to be freestanding this does not mean that the arrangement must be the same from every point of view but rather that it must be so planned that it is equally attractive from all sides no holder is used as the shape of the container with its very narrow base provide support the florence are pale blue lupins with their beautiful curving stem then compelled think begonias with dark leaves [Music] notice that the flowers of each kind are placed together not in a stilted manner but blending into each other [Music] next the dark purple and bright red anemones with their dramatic black centers [Music] the cluster of bright red begonia leaves adds a distinctive note as they point down to the bomb glass foot of the container [Music] [Music] [Music] this arrangement of fine delicate flowers would be suitable for a luncheon or informal dinner table is low enough so that it does not interfere with conversation it would also look well on any low table large enough to carry it a coffee table for example [Music] [Music] this is a formal arrangement in a very beautiful dark blue crown derby veins the flowers are Snapdragon to roses stock and fuchsia again whatever dreams are used as a whole day [Music] the arrangement is the gun by putting in the tallest fail think snapdragons first [Music] the lower leaves of the Snapdragon are stripped from the temps so that the flowers may be inserted easily without dis arranging those already in place when placing the snapdragons note the lovely curve of the tips and be sure that those on the right side all follow in the same direction once again we see the fitness of placing flowers of the same color together in an arrangement in this way the colors build a pattern instead of confusion a vase is to a flower as a hand two o'clock one of the most important points in flower arrangement is the relationship between container and blooms this arrangement is a good example of complete harmony between container and flowers a heavy container whether the weight is actual or apparent because of strong collar value should not be used for delicate fine light colored flowers on the other hand a vaise of dainty fragile appearance such as fine glass not suitable for large flowers and course leads the texture of flowers inch into the container must also be considered an exotic flower must be combined with a container of unusual design whereas most of our garden flowers bulbs perennials and annuals are more at home in pottery or metal [Music] the darker or fuller blooms are placed low in the arrangement this is another of our rules its purpose is to ensure a center of interest and a stable base for the arrangement [Music] the futures are placed so that they will hang over the edge of the container and balance the height of the pale pink snapdragons [Music] and last of all the three sprays of purple stock are placed at the focal point of the arrangement you can see how they intensify and dramatize the whole design [Music] [Applause] you here is another economy arrangement this time a modified line design the container is a rectangle soft pale green box the round pinpoint Barack quite heavy and not needing to the egg [Music] the foliage consists of the so-called lemon leaves which you can obtain from any florist and a branch of the lovely shining familiarly made more lovely and more shiny by the application of olive oil and to complete the design several shorter branches [Music] so liat has been prepared by being immersed leaves and all in deep warm water for several hours this can be done in a deep sink or bathtub and seems to be the only way in which foliage can absorb enough water to make it last for any length of time if you use foliage growing outdoors such as rhododendron or andromeda pieces you will probably have to actually want it in soap and warm water but be sure and rinse well for any soap left on will dull the league this year branches careful a little natural curve can be intensified with a little gentle very gentle manipulation between your thumb and middle finger now add your flour access here three large red carnations are used camellias would look as well or a few Azalea as a rule it is easier to arrange and only the number of flowers or spreads and here the pre blossoms are most effective [Music] the position of the holder is of particular importance in this type of arrangement it should be well in one corner toward the back with the branches curving into the pic [Music] the expanse of clear water gives them added interest [Music] flowers that grow in confusion in the wilderness and with precision in the garden can be turned with taste and thought in farming in dollar range [Music]