MATERIALS

8 feature flowers such as tulips. Other suitable flowers are irises, roses and lilies.

2 Gladioli. Other suitable spike flowers are delphiniums and snapdragons.

Filler flowers such as bud wax (this is wax flower in bud). Other suitable filling flowers are heather and misty.

Tall spiky foliage is used to fill in the back such as emu grass. Other suitable types are Boston fern and privet.

Foliage such as leather fern 
(this also called leather leaf and bakers fern). Other suitable types are eucalyptus gum and box.

Large leaves such as hosta  Other suitable types are philodendron and sprays of camellia and salal.

Twisted willow.

Tall glass container,

Raffia,  

22 gauge florist wire x 45cm (18") long.

METHOD

1. Fill the container three quarters of the way with water.

2. Insert leather fern in the container crisscrossing the stems to form a domed shape in the center. This foliage should be fairly full as it is used to help hold the flower stems in place.

3. Insert the 2 gladioli in the back of the container cutting each one to the desired length (the height should be at least one and a half to twice the height of the container).

4. Tulip stems often curve after they have been arranged. To prevent this, the tulips can be wired before using them in an arrangement. To do this, insert the end of a long 22 gauge florist wire into the base of the flower head and wind the wire spirally down and around the stem three or four times.

5. Starting with the smallest flowers at the top and the largest flowers at the bottom insert the tulips in the arrangement cutting each stem to the desired length, having a space between each flower head as shown in the photograph.

6. Insert the emu grass at the back of the arrangement to form a fan shape cutting each stem to the desired length and position as shown.

7. Insert the larger leaves in the base of the arrangement to fan out to the sides. This will be the widest part of the arrangement.

8. Starting at the top and working downwards place bud wax evenly between the flowers cutting each stem to the desired length.

9. Insert some twisted willow at the back of the arrangement.

10. Take several strands of raffia. Place them together and starting at the centre form them into a figure eight shaped bow with long pieces at each end. Place the centre of a long 22 gauge wire across the centre of the bow and twist the wires tightly together at the back of the bow. Cut the wires slightly shorter and insert them down amongst the foliage in the front of the arrangement. Arrange the bow to sit attractively and cut the raffia ends to the desired length.

11. Spray lightly with water. Top up the container daily with water.

NOTE: Instead of using tulips a variety of different types of flowers can be used for a different look.  Roses, lilac and carnations can be used for a romantic look. Liliums always look elegant.  Instead of using raffia, a bow can be made of satin or sheer ribbon.

This lesson is briefly explained. In our floristry course you will learn all about the different types of flowers and foliages that are used in floristry, and the basic principles of flower arranging. Each lesson is explained step by step and is easy to follow. The exact measurements are given on how long to cut each stem and exactly where to position each one. You will learn how to make bows and to how to add finishing touches, so each design will have that professional finish.