Arranging Pink Roses - Artist: DeScott Evans - 1891Fresh flower arrangements are an added joy to any home and flower arrangement is a skill worth mastering.  Floral design is both fun and rewarding and it is one of gardening’s best kept secrets in terms of true enjoyment.  Like with many things, flower arranging has more than one side to its bouquet of a story.  The first basic mindset to master is:

Considering Both Sides Of Any Floral Arrangement

Flower arrangements often dictate that they look right from different angles.  If the flowers are for the dining room table or a coffee table or perhaps in front of a mirror, the view must be equally good and pleasing from all angles.  Both sides need not be identical, but should be similar.  Knowing these facts is half the story, for the technique of “all around” (three dimensional) floral arrangements is a basic design principle guarantees success. 

Beyond that, accent and color harmony also apply to floral arrangements.  Remember it’s not just the front view that other’s will see, so consider all sides. 

Flower Choices In Floral Design

Next, it’s important to understand that choice of flowers in any floral design is the key to a pleasing arrangement.  Obviously, there are many many choices when it comes to what flowers make the most bold and dramatic statements when it comes to flower arrangement.  One basic consideration is striving for long lasting blooms, flowers with tall and erect stems.  Remember that wildflowers often do not make lasting floral designs and therefore may need to be replaced almost daily.

•  Anemones

• Ballon flowers

• Bellflowers

• Black-eyed Susans

• Calendulas

• Carnations

• Chrysanthemums

• Cornflowers

• Cosmos

• Daffodils
  

• Echinaiea

• Gaillardia

• Garden phlox

• Geranium foliage
  

• Green Viburnum

• Heather

• Hydrangeas

• Lilacs

• Lilies

• Lupines

• Magnolia leaves

• Pansies

• Pink peonies

• Poppies

• Roses

• Salvia

• Shasta Daisy

• Snap Dragons

• Spider flower

• Sunflower

• Sweet Peas

• Tropical plants
  

• Violets
  

• Zinnias

Don’t Forget About Using Foliage in Floral Designs

Finally, don’t forget about using foliage in your arrangement.  Any serious flower arranger will soon realize that foliage is often quite as important as the flowers themselves.  Foliage gives gardeners and designers better ease in the arrangement itself and make the arrangement more attractive by adding interest to the overall design.  Think of foliage as a main inspiration in your arrangement instead of a supplement or accessory.

Best Foliage To Use In Floral Arrangements

Magnolia leaves - Source: Line1 via Wikimedia CommonsBroad-leaved evergreens are excellent for flower arrangements, some of the best are leaves and sprigs from:

• Azaleas

• Citrus (especially Grapefruit)

• Kalmia

• Kumquat

• Magnolias

Additionally, don’t forget other evergreens, such as:

• Arborvitae

• Cedar

• Juniper

• Pine (with or without cones)

• Yew

If You’d Like To Know More About How To Arrange Flowers!

Save On Crafts (My favorite source of Floral Arrangement Ideas, Tutorials, and Supplies)

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