The Art of Flower Arrangement

 

The Art of Flower Arrangement: 5 Tips to Get Started

 

Flower arranging, or ikebana, has been around in the East for hundreds of years, but it’s only recently gained popularity in the West. For those who want to try their hand at flower arranging but aren’t sure where to start, here are five simple tips to get you started on your own ikebana practice. You can also visit if you’d like to learn more about learning the art of flower arrangement from experts in the field.

 

1) Pick Flowers That Are In Season

The best flowers you can use for a bouquet are ones that are in season. For example, the flowers that you would use in the spring and summer are going to be very different from the flowers you’d pick out if it were fall or winter. Choosing flowers that aren’t in season doesn’t necessarily mean they will look bad; however, they might not be as fresh as they could be. This can mean your arrangement looks a little less vibrant than it could have been otherwise. It also has implications for how long the arrangement will last. If the flowers aren’t in season, then the vase life is likely to be shorter. That means you need to get the arrangement into the water quickly after putting it together so that it stays looking good for longer. Of course, there are ways around all of these issues (such as using artificial flowers), but why take shortcuts when the real thing is right there? Plus, getting creative with what’s available can lead to some great designs!

 

2) Use Natural Props To Create Depth

Let's face it unless you're the gardener, there aren't many flowers in bloom during the winter months. Luckily, florists have been arranging flowers for hundreds of years—and they've got some great tips for making your arrangement look more natural! The first thing you should do is remove any leaves that are sticking out, and then tuck them into a flower or two. The next step is to add greenery and branches around the outside. This will give your arrangement depth and make it appear as if it's growing right out of the table instead of just sitting on top. Finally, use a few wooden blocks or twigs as part of your arrangement—it will remind people that your arrangement isn't something they could just pick up at the store. The art of flower arrangement may seem intimidating, but these simple steps can help you create an impressive display in no time.

The best way to learn the art of flower arrangement is by taking a class from your local florist. The instructor will teach you how to select the perfect flowers for each season, how to prepare the vase, and how to arrange the stems so that everything looks natural and cohesive.

 

3) Vary Sizes And Textures

Varying the sizes and textures of your flowers will add contrast and balance to your flower arrangement. Try pairing something tall like a sunflower with something small like some seeded eucalyptus. Having different heights adds visual interest and keeps everything looking fresh, even after a few days out. Plus, you can always cut off any flowers that start wilting so you’ll never have to worry about your arrangement getting sad over time. In addition, adding contrasting materials such as succulents in a terracotta pot or an ornamental figurine will help prevent the look from being too uniform or samey so that no matter how long it sits on the table, it will never look boring or dull.

 

4) Bring Clarity To Your Vase With Color

Creating harmony in a vase full of flowers is all about balance. The easiest way to bring some harmony to your arrangement is by using the color wheel. Select three or four flowers that complement each other and follow the order of color, starting with the primary colors (red, yellow, and blue) and then adding on secondary colors (orange, green, and purple). Experiment until you find an arrangement that brings some unity. Varying shapes, textures, and heights also help create balance. Make sure the sizes are proportional—having a towering bouquet will make everything else in the arrangement look small in comparison. Formal bouquets tend to be balanced; asymmetrical arrangements can be more natural-looking, but they can often be a little off-putting. You’ll have the most success if you keep the number of flowers low and vary the height. Don’t overcrowd the vase either; leave enough room for water so the stems don’t get soggy. You should also consider your own style when creating flower arrangements for special occasions such as weddings or birthdays. For example, if certain colors are associated with a person’s personality, use those colors to decorate their gift!

 

5) Play Around With Blooms And Textures

The art of flower arrangement is all about playing around with different textures and hues. It’s a bit like interior design, where you have to take in a lot at once. In flower arranging, an eye for texture is crucial because you want the stems or leaves to stand out as much as the flowers themselves. This can be achieved by grouping a variety of stems together that complement each other. Take it one step further by grouping stems together that are all varying lengths (short and long). You can also add color variation by adding white, yellow or lavender flowers or petals into your arrangement -- just make sure there’s enough color variation without overdoing it. The first step to creating a beautiful floral display is choosing the right vase. If you plan on using fresh flowers, choose a clear glass vase instead of colored glass so the water doesn't tint the blooms. If you plan on using artificial flowers, choose a colored glass vase so the artificial blooms don't look dull against the background.