Flower Arranging 101

Over the past few years, I've become one of those people who likes to have flowers somewhere in the house at all times. I love the punch of color flowers provide, and I love having a little natural element in a room or two around the house. At my house, you'll usually find flowers on my dining room table, on my built-ins in the living room, and in the two upstairs bathrooms. Love flowers in a bathroom, y'all. 

I used to be the person who would pick up a mixed bouquet at Publix, cut the stems down, plop the whole thing in a vase and call it a day. However, a few years ago I took at floral arranging class with Lindsay, and it really opened my eyes to flower arranging as a whole. Then, two weeks ago, I took another class with C Wayman Designs in Auburn, and it's like my basic knowledge exploded. 

Truly, there are so many things to consider when arranging flowers, and I am definitely not an expert, but I thought I'd share a few of the tips that I've learned over the years to help you with your own home arrangements. Enjoy! 

Lay all of your flowers out in groups. Like a good wine, your flowers need to breathe. Take them out of the packaging, gently separate the stems, and lay like among like. If you're arranging immediately, you don't have to keep them in water, but if you're arranging later, make sure they have plenty to drink. 

Remove the leaves. I know you love the leaves, and I know you've been told that leaves help give plants water. But here's the deal: the flowers are already dead, so if you remove the leaves, you're not hurting them. In fact, you're actually allowing the water to flow up the stem to the buds/petals instead of getting lost in the leaves. 

Ditch the ugly. If you do opt for a premade bouquet (nothing wrong with that!), ditch the flowers that are broken or are obviously filler flowers. This applies especially to excess greenery. Keep the flowers that not only look the best (no brown petals or stems) but that seem to fit in your color scheme.

Arrange in your hand. This is a tip I picked up from Catherine at the workshop a few weeks ago. Arranging in your hand allows the flowers to form a natural circular bouquet. Basically, hold out your palm, and place the first stem in your hand, held by your thumb. Next, place the next stem at an angle across the first stem. Rinse and repeat. 

Tie your bouquet. My life changed when I realized the secret to keeping my flowers sturdy in a rose vase (or any other clear vase) was tying them together. For best results, use floral wire. Amazingly, you don't even notice it!