MATERIALS

5 feature flowers of choice such as gerberas. Other suitable types are irises and anthuriums.

2 heliconias. Other suitable flowers are gladioli and stock.

Liliums. Other suitable flowers are tulips and roses.

Orchids. Other suitable flowers are snapdragons and freesias

3 palm leaves

Tropical leaves

1 flat basket

Florist foam (full brick)

Pot Tape or Anchor tape

22 gauge florist wire

METHOD

1. Line the basket with a piece of plastic. Soak the florist foam in water and place it lengthways in the basket having the top edge standing at least 2.5cm (1") above the edge of the rim of the basket. To hold the foam in position crisscross two or three pieces of florist pot tape over the top of the foam and down on to the sides of the container for about 2.5 cm (1").

2. Cut number one gerbera to the desired length and insert it into the back of the centre top of the foam. Insert the other gerberas in the top of the foam, cutting each one to the desired length and placing one to the left and one to the right having each one shorter and each flower head further towards you than the previous flower head.

3. Cut one heliconia stem to the desired length and insert it in the top of to foam to the left of the gerberas. Cut another heliconia to measure two thirds the length of the first stem and insert it in the foam to sit to the right of the gerberas.

4. Cut the stems of the tropical leaves to the desired length and insert them in the front and in the back of the foam having the leaves extend over the edges of the container. Fill in the centre of the foam with some tropical leaves.

5. Cut the liliums to the desired length and insert them in the foam to sit around the bottom gerbera.

6. Cut the orchids to the desired length and insert them into the left side of the foam.

7. Cut the palm leaves to the desired length and insert them in the arrangement as shown.

8. Spray with water.

This floral design lesson is briefly explained. In our Floristry Diploma Course, you will learn about the many different types of flowers and foliages that are used in floristry and the basic principles of flower arranging. Each lesson is easy to follow, and explained step by step. The exact measurements are given on how long to cut each stem and exactly where to position each one, so every design will have that professional finish.