Welcome to “Blooming Beauty,” a blog dedicated to the art of flower arranging for small-scale farmers!
Whether you’re cultivating flowers as a hobby or looking to add a touch of elegance to your farm’s offerings, this blog will provide you with invaluable tips and tricks to create stunning floral arrangements. Join us as we explore the world of colors, textures, and design principles that will make your flower arrangements blossom with natural beauty.
Selecting the Perfect Blooms:
Know your flowers: Learn about the different types of flowers you grow, including their unique characteristics, growth patterns, and vase life. This knowledge will help you choose the perfect blooms for your arrangements. In my experience, if vase water is changed every couple of days, most blooms will last anywhere from 7 to 10 days. One of my favorite flowers when it comes to longevity are Zinnias, these are also super hardy annuals, holding up well against wind and sun exposure and they grow so fast! (PS; stay tuned for updates about a Zinnia plant sale at the Chelan Valley Farms!) My favorite summer bloom is sunflowers because they’re huge and gorgeous and when the petals fall away, they’re still beautiful.
Mix and match: Combine flowers of varying heights, colors, and shapes to create visually appealing arrangements. Experiment with different combinations to discover stunning pairings. We love experimenting with unique elements in our arrangements at the farm, which I think gives our arrangements more of a farm feel. I have seen Nicky Allison, our excellent arranging teacher, use raspberry sprigs and hops in her arrangements as well as other fun plants!
Harvesting and Conditioning:
Harvesting at the right time: Pick flowers early in the morning or late in the evening when the temperature is cooler, ensuring longer vase life.
Proper conditioning: Remove any foliage that will be submerged in water to prevent bacterial growth. Cut stems at a diagonal angle and place them in clean water mixed with floral preservatives. Allow the flowers to hydrate for a few hours or overnight before arranging.
Design Principles:
Focal point: Choose a standout flower or focal point for your arrangement. It should be the center of attention and draw the viewer’s eye.
Balance and symmetry: Create balance by distributing the visual weight of the flowers evenly. Symmetry can be achieved by using an equal number of flowers on either side of the focal point.
Texture and depth: Incorporate flowers with different textures, such as soft petals, spiky stems, or fuzzy leaves, to add depth and interest to your arrangement.
Tools of the Trade:
Pruning shears: Invest in a quality pair of shears to ensure clean and precise cuts. Regularly clean and sharpen them to maintain their effectiveness.
Floral foam or frog pins: These aids help secure flowers in place and provide stability when arranging in vases or containers.
Floral tape and wire: Useful for creating structural elements, such as boutonnieres or corsages, or for reinforcing weak stems.
Color palettes: Experiment with harmonious or contrasting color combinations to evoke different moods or themes.
Size and scale: Consider the size of the container and the space in which the arrangement will be displayed. Create arrangements that complement the setting without overwhelming it.
Natural elements: Add foliage, branches, or other natural elements from your farm to create a more organic and earthy feel to your arrangement.
During Harvest and After Completion
Maintenance and Longevity:
Fresh water: Change the water every two to three days and trim the stems slightly to maintain hydration and prevent bacterial growth.
Location matters: Keep arrangements away from direct sunlight, heating vents, or drafts that can prematurely age the flowers. We keep our harvested flowers in our cold room. This room is insulated, kept cold and dark to keep the flowers alive longer.
Revive wilted blooms: For flowers that start to droop, you can recut their stems and submerge them in warm water for 30 minutes to help revive them.
Check out the 2023 Flower Club
With these tips and tricks at your disposal, you’re well on your way to becoming a master at flower arranging! Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be afraid to experiment and let your creativity bloom. Our Flower Club is still open to sign up for; this is an 8 week flower pickup with a complimentary flower workshop. Check out the details online here – 2023 Flower Club. Spaces are limited! Stay tuned for more insights and inspiration on “Blooming Beauty,” where we celebrate the art of flower arranging for small-scale farmers. Happy arranging!
