Frequently Asked Questions

What are the traditional flower arrangements?
Vertical designs are easily assembled in tall, narrow containers. The dominant thrust of the plant material is vertical with few lines leading in other directions. Cattails, delphinium, anthurium, gladiolus, iris or ting-ting are naturally tall and straight.

A crescent is a segment of a circle that resembles a new moon. Insert the focal flowers fairly low on the curve to achieve balance and depth.

Horizontal arrangements are often used for centerpieces, long tables, windowsills... anywhere an extended arrangement is suitable. Use a shallow container and position the sprays of line flowers to establish the length of the design.

Taller horizontal arrangements make interesting viewing when the flowers and foliage are stacked by height from back to front. Use a rectangular basket or vase. Insert the line flowers along the back of the container, the filler floral in the middle and the focal flowers at the bottom.

Triangular arrangements may be equally balanced on each side or asymmetrical with one point of the triangle extending further than the other. The stems radiate from a central area with paler and smaller flowers and leaves extending to the outer edges.

The asymmetrical triangle is a very popular line or line-mass design. The design may be either right or left handed, meaning the tallest line will either be right or left of the axis. Some bare branches, a few flowers and some leaves will suffice to make a beautiful design.

Oval arrangements are designed to look good from all sides. They can be constructed with larger blooms centrally placed and smaller ones echoing around the edges.

An oblique design depends upon dynamic balance. The main line is on an incline, slanting somewhere between the perpendicular and the horizontal. Stabilize the design by placing the visually heavier material near the axis.

What are the non-traditional flower designs?
Assemblage
An assemblage is an abstract, three-dimensional form that sits on a table or pedestal as a piece of sculpture. It can be a two dimensional collage which hangs on a wall, a design that fits in a niche, a sculptural design to be shown in front of a hanging collage, or you can create a framed sculpture.

Free Style Designs
Tree branches, bamboo or palm leaves are good materials for a free style design. Glue or wire together a minimum amount of elements.