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Our ideas
Our flower arrangements are meant to give you ideas and maybe inspire you to try your own creations. Flowers and greens can always be substituted with another kind.
Measurements
The length of the stems mentioned in our instructions never includes the flower bulbs. If your vase or container is taller or shorter than the one we used you should adjust the length of the stems accordingly.
Vases and containers
Vases or flower containers are just as important as the flowers they contain. They are part of the overall look. When you buy vases make sure they all are of different sizes and shapes. Many households contain a large vase collection but they all are pretty much of the same size.
For starters a small, a medium and a slightly larger vase will do. Every household has many containers that may not be designed to contain flowers but can be used for such purpose. Just use your imagination.
Vases change in design as much as any decorative item. You will find trendy vases to very affordable prices at stores such as IKEA and larger grocery stores.
At the florist
Flowers can be very expensive. Therefore it is important to have an idea of what you want to buy. You may want to decide ahead of time which container you will be using. Or maybe you are looking for a certain color. Whatever it is, write a shopping list. It is very frustrating to come home with a bunch of flowers that do not make you happy in the end.
If you arrange your flowers yourself, there is no need to buy the materials at an expensive florist. Your local grocery store may sell the desired flowers and greens as singles or by the bunch.
When you buy fresh cut flowers, make sure the flowers look fresh, are unblemished, and are free of disease and insects. Make sure they don't droop and drop their petals. And select buds showing color to be sure they will eventually open.
If you have your own garden, cut the flowers in the cool of early morning. Immerse the stems in cool water, and let the flowers drink for about an hour before arranging them.
Mise-en-place
Before you start arranging your bouquet, get all your tools and flowers ready.
It is very important to only use clean vases. Flowers need to be in clean containers; free from bacteria that clogs the stems and prevents circulation of water and nutrients.
To trim the stems you need either a sharp knife or floral shears and have them stand in a bucket of water before they will be arranged.
Select a vase, fill it with water that is room temperature, and add the preservative. Lay out all your flowers. Once you decide on how you will arrange the flowers, cut the stems to your desired length. Remove all leaves that otherwise would be submerged in water. Treat your flowers with the utmost care as they are very delicate.
Fresh flower care
Every two days or so exchange the water, clean the vase, and add some flower food. Remove the wilted flowers. Give all stems a fresh cut.
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